IB Diploma

Choosing IB Subjects

The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups courses and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay.

Diploma Program Course

Students choose courses from the following subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts.
Students may opt to study an additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.
Students will take some subjects at higher level (HL) and some at standard level (SL).  HL and 
SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level.
Each student takes at least three (but not more than four) subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level. Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours.

DP Core
Three components form the core of the IB Diploma Programme and are mandatory subjects for all DP students. For ISD High School Diploma students, only CAS is compulsory.

TOK (Theory of Knowledge)
What is the nature of knowledge? How do we know that a given claim or judgment is true or well grounded? Questions comprise almost the whole of TOK. Students and their teachers contemplate the diverse ways of knowing, areas of knowledge, and the role that knowledge plays in our world. Students learn about the strengths and weaknesses of knowledge claims made in each of their subject areas. TOK oral presentations and essays are externally assessed against a range of criteria.

CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
The heart of the DP, the CAS programme aims to educate the whole student. There is life beyond the books! Although not graded, CAS requires students to prove they have achieved eight learning outcomes in their reflection journals, a sample of which are submitted to the IB. Students gain awareness of themselves and others by committing to projects with authentic needs within and beyond the ISD community. CAS projects have included establishing a football league for local children, constructing water tanks and shelters, teaching music, painting school murals, and organizing competitions. By doing and reflecting on these projects, students develop pivotal life skills and well-roundedness, traits valued by university admissions officers.

Extended Essay
A self-directed mini-thesis of 4,000 words, the Extended Essay prepares students for future university study. Graduates often remember the experience as one of their most rewarding of the IB Diploma journey. Students write on a topic of interest that relates to a DP subject area, frequently focusing on their career ambitions. They learn to work independently, communicate ideas logically in a written form, and effectively manage their time over the 10 months of the inquiry. Essays are externally assessed against a range of criteria.

IB General Regulations  The IB Program Brochure