International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) is the world’s leading pre-university course of study. At Garden International School, our IB curricullum begins in Year 12 after students have completed their IGCSE courses.
The IB course finishes almost two years later in Term 3 of Year 13. For those students wishing to have a head start in their career, their choice of university worldwide or advanced placement at a Thai university, the IB is the only real option.
GIS is the most experienced IB school in the region. For over 20 years GIS has been at the forefront of delivering the IB, boasting an excellent coordinating team and enthusiastic, experienced staff whose high standards and practices reflect the demands of the Curriculum. The ‘IB’, as it is known globally, is proud of its pursuit of lifelong learning, academic excellence, and the celebration of cultural diversity. By adopting these ideals into its own mission statement, GIS is perfectly positioned to offer students a passport to success, via the International Baccalaureate .
The History of IB
The History of IB
The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), founded in 1968, is a non-profit educational foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. It offers three programmes: Diploma Programme (DP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Primary Years Programme (PYP).
There are more than 3,600 authorised IB schools.
More than 1.1 million students study in an IB programme every year.
The IB is available in 146 countries around the world.
It is highly regarded by the world’s leading universities and employers.
After IGCSEs
After IGCSEs
What Next?
What Next?
Study for the IB Diploma – students who have the IB Diploma have a much greater choice about where to go to university. Our IB graduates have gone on to study in the UK, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and many other countries.
In 2016, the Thai government announced that students with only IGCSEs could not join Thai universities. This is because the level of study is not high enough. Therefore, a pre-university course such as IB is ideal as it is academically more challenging than IGCSE and also better prepares students for university life.
How to enter IB
How to enter IB
To start studying for the IB Diploma, students need to have 5 or more IGCSEs (grade A*-C). This must include at least a C at IGCSE English and Mathematics. Students who do not pass IGCSE English or Mathematics subjects may start the IB Diploma (if they have 5 or more passes) but will be required to re-take the relevant IGCSE during IB1.
To start studying for IB Courses, students need to have 3 or more IGCSEs (grade A*-C).
The Diploma Programme Curriculum
The Diploma Programme Curriculum
Students choose six subjects from the six academic areas around the circular curriculum model. Students are required to study a course in Language and Literature, Humanities, Mathematics and Science subjects, as well as a second language.
The programme has the strengths of a traditional and broad curriculum, but with three important additional features, shown at the centre of the circular curriculum model:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
The Extended Essay
Creativity Activity, Service (CAS).
‘CAS’ is a fundamental part of the IB Diploma programme and is central to the whole philosophy of Garden International School.
The emphasis of CAS is on learning through experience. Diploma students are expected to be involved for the equivalent of at least two to three hours a week over two years in a balanced range of activities.
CREATIVITY – covers a wide range of arts and activities.
ACTIVITY – includes participation in expeditions, individual and team sports and physical training.
SERVICE – includes community and social service, environmental and international issues.
Theory of Knowledge is intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyse evidence that is expressed in rational argument. It is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives. The course is unique to the IB, which recommends at least 100 hours of teaching time.
Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The Extended Essay requirement acquaints Diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. The IB recommends that a student devotes a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay, which may be written in one of 60 subjects, including many languages. The essay allows students to deepen their programmes of study, for example, by selecting a topic in one of their higher level (HL) courses.
Award of Diploma Points
Award of Diploma Points
Each student is awarded a grade of 1-7 for each subject. In addition, a maximum of three bonus points are awarded according to a candidate’s combined performance in the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. A student needs at least 24 points to be awarded
The total number of bonus points awarded is determined by the combination of the performance levels achieved, based on this matrix.
F = Failing Condition: students who obtain an ‘E’ for their TOK and/or Extended Essay will not be awarded the IB Diploma.
International Baccalaureate Courses
International Baccalaureate Courses
Candidates who do not choose the full IB Diploma may study selected subjects at either Standard or Higher Levels, for which individual subject certificates are awarded. Certificates are not available for the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge or Creativity Activity and Service (CAS) components. All IB students at GIS are, however, required to complete a CAS programme. IB Courses students do not have to write an Extended Essay or study TOK.
IB Courses is an excellent option for students who may not need the full IB Diploma, or for those students who face personal difficulties that mean completing all 6 subjects and core components is not in their best interests. Courses students are treated identically to Diploma students, and the additional periods for TOK/EE are converted into independent study sessions for these students.
IB Courses students are still eligible to enter Thai universities (passes at 5 courses required) and other universities around the world including UK and US institutions. However, Courses students may find there are fewer university options available than for Diploma students. Speak to the University Counsellor for more guidance.
What subjects to select?
What subjects to select?
Candidates study six selected subjects, one from each group. The Higher Level programmes are taught over 240 teaching hours and the Standard Level are taught over 150 hours.
The Diploma requires three subjects to be taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard level (SL). Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The maximum points that can be awarded is 45: 7 per subject plus a maximum of 3 bonus points for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge components.
To gain the Diploma, students need 24 points or more. Students cannot receive a 1 in any subject, no more than two grade 2s or three grade 3s in any subject. Candidates must have 12 or more in his/her HL subjects and 9 or more for SL subjects.
Students must also successfully complete the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course and participate in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Students who receive an ‘E’ grade for TOK or the EE will not be awarded the IB Diploma.
GIS Subject Options 2024
GIS Subject Options 2024
Students choose three Higher Level subjects and three Standard Level subjects.
One subject only (at HL or SL) must be selected from each of the six Group columns.
Please note that the subjects that will appear in Group 6 will be finalised after surveying Year 11 students in November 2023
English A: Language and Literature
Literature & Performance (interdisciplinary - SL only)
Thai A: Language and Literature
Self-taught Language A: Literature (SL only) – e.g. Korean, Hindi, Russian,
English B
Spanish B, Mandarin B
Ab intio languages, which could include Mandarin or French
Business Management
Geography
History
Psychology
Environment Systems & Societies
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Design Technology
Computer Science
Environment Systems & Societies
Mathematics Analysis and Approches
Mathematics Applications and Interpretations (SL only)
The IB Learner Profile
The IB Learner Profile
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally-minded people who help to create a better and more peaceful world. IB learners strive to show that they are:
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of others.
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Open-minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Risk-takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives - intellectual, physical and emotional - to achieve well-being for ourselves and others.
Reflective
The IB’s Learner Profile connects strongly with GIS’s own Core Values. This ensures we achieve academic excellence but also help students grow and develop in other, important, ways.
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
University Entrance & Careers COunselling
University Entrance & Careers COunselling
Our Key Stage 5 tutor team
Our Careers Counsellors & accreditation.
Our understanding of the subjects.
Universities view the IB Diploma as a rigorous course that equips students with the skills that they need to be successful at university.
Why IB at GIS?
Why IB at GIS?
10 reasons why Garden International School is the best place for your child to study for the IB Diploma.
Our teachers are highly experienced, having taught IB Diploma subjects for many years. Several teachers are also official IB examiners.
GIS is based in Ban Chang, which offers a safe, secure, semi-rural environment for your child. We offer full or weekly boarding.
We have an excellent track record. In 2018, 2020 and 2021 we had a 100 per cent pass rate and our points’ average was far higher than the global average. In recent years, GIS students have gone on to study at world-famous institutions such as UCLA and Berklee College of Music in the US and the University of Warwick and Durham University in the UK.
We have been a member of the International Baccalaureate Organisation since 1998, longer than any other international school in the region.
Our IB numbers continue to grow, but we are still able to offer a low teacher-student ratio. These small class sizes mean teachers can offer extensive support and help to students.
We have first-class facilities, including fully-equipped laboratories, new ICT suites, high-quality musical sound rooms and 3D printers for our well-equipped DT classrooms.
GIS offers significant extra support for students. This includes a University Counsellor, trips to university exhibitions and special workshops. The workshops help students know how to apply to universities, give advice about living independently and also show students how to write an impressive CV.
Our leadership programme offers IB students the chance to take on significant roles within school. This experience is also extremely useful and influential when applying to universities.
GIS passed its most recent review from IB with flying colours. In particular, the IB praised our choice of subjects, small class sizes and CAS and extra-curricular programme.
IB students at GIS receive a ‘Guide to University’ which has numerous tips on what to study, when to apply and how to get the best offers.
Support
Support
GIS offers a significant level of support to students to ensure they achieve the best possible grades.
This includes:
- Daily support from a form tutor and support tutor
- Regular meetings with the IB Coordinator
- Regular meetings with the University Counsellors (Thai and Overseas)
- Specific support with applying to university. Students are shown how to write Personal Statements, given a timeline for applying to university and given advice on what university life is like.
- Students receive the GIS Guide to Universities, which is full of useful links and advice.
- GIS has an Examinations’ Officer to ensure the smooth running of all examinations.
- Helpful handbooks on Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay.
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