What is the IB Diploma?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a rigorous, two-year curriculum for students aged between sixteen and nineteen. It has been designed with a number of objectives in mind:

• To prepare students for study at universities throughout the world



• To provide students with a balanced education



• To promote international understanding through a shared academic experience.

The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong commitment to learning both in terms of subject content and the range of skills required in the contemporary world.

What subjects are studied?

The Diploma Programme is divided into six subject groups:

• Group 1: Language A1 First Language: the study of literature including a selection of World Literature.



• Group 2: Language A2; B; AB Initio Second Modern Language: the study of the language



• Group 3: Individuals and Societies e.g. Economics



• Group 4: Experimental Sciences e.g. Physics



• Group 5: Mathematics



• Group 6: This group contains subjects such as Art but also allows students to choose another subject from Groups 1 to 5.

Students study three of the subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level Students must also complete three other Diploma requirements:

The Extended Essay of some 4000 words, which provides experience of producing an independent research paper. Theory of Knowledge: a course, which explores the relationships among the various disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom. Creativity; Action; Service (CAS): students engage in activities covering these three areas.

Each of the subjects in Groups 1 to 6 is graded from 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum) and a student must reach a minimum of 24 points to be awarded the Diploma. Up to 3 bonus points are available for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge so that the maximum score for a Diploma is 45 points.

What IB courses does ISL offer?

We offer a broad range of choices within each subject group but we do need to ensure that class sizes are efficient so that, while we do our best to meet each student’s need, it may not be possible to offer every combination.Examples of combinations:

What universities do your students go to?

The IB Diploma is a very well respected university entrance qualification. During the last two years ISL students have achieved places at some of the most prestigious universities around the world including : University of Oxford – UK; University of Chicago – USA; Keio University – Japan; Universita Commerciale ‘Luigi Bocconi’ - Italy.

What is the language of instruction?

All subjects – except languages other t