The programme:

• provides a package of education that balances subject breadth and depth, and considers the nature of knowledge across disciplines through the unique theory of knowledge course.
• encourages international-mindedness in IB students starting with a foundation in their own language and culture.
• develops a positive attitude to learning that prepares students for university education.
• has gained reputation for its rigorous external assessment with published global standards, making this a qualification welcomed by universities worldwide.
• emphasizes the development of the whole student – physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

The Curriculum

Students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each Group – ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics, as well as an elective of arts.
At least three of the subjects are studied at higher level (240 teaching hours) the others at standard level (150 teaching hours).

Students will develop and understanding of the IB learner profile. These qualities inspire and motivate the work of teachers, students and schools, providing a statement of the aims and values of the IB: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective.

In addition the programme has three obligatory core requirements:

• The extended essay is required for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.
• Theory of knowledge, designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing and kinds of knowledge.
• Creativity, action, service requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom.
  

The Assessment

Students take written examinations at the end of the program, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners.

The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also earn up to three additional points for their combined results of Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole program.  The highest total points that a Diploma Programme student can be awarded is 45.

Assessment is criterion-related, which means student performance is measured against pre-specified assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each subject curriculum, rather than the performance of other students taking the same examination.

International Baccalaureate Organization brochure, 2009