The International Baccalaureate
Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19 years. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national education systems, the diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of several.Students take seven subjects for the IB: three at higher level, three at standard level, plus Theory of Knowledge. Each student must take one course from each of the following groups:
- Group I: Language A (Best Language)
- Group II: Language B (Second Language)
- Group III: Individuals and Societies (History, Geography)
- Group IV: Experimental Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Group V: Mathematics
- Group VI: Visual or Performing Arts or a second subject from group I, II, III or IV
The IB program offers special features in addition to the traditional strengths of a liberal arts curriculum:
The Extended Essay
IB Students are also required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of some 4000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university. Learn more
Theory of Knowledge
TOK is a required interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational argument. TOK seeks to develop a coherent approach to learning which transcends and unifies the academic subjects and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
Creativity, Action, Service
CAS is a fundamental part of the IB diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a counterbalance to the academic program. Participation in theatre productions, sports and community service activities encourages young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Learn more
Students also prepare for U.S. university entrance examinations (SAT) and receive an AIS diploma on graduation.
The curriculum in Grades 11 and 12 is designed to prepare students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The IB Program offers special features in addition to the traditional strengths of the liberal arts curriculum. The IB is accepted worldwide as a superior secondary school qualification. It gives students access to college and university study throughout the world. In the United States the IB is valued as an honors program which leads to advanced standing and college credit at the finest universities.
The IB is not granted after an accumulation of credits. It is granted following assessment of individual student performance by external examiners. This evaluation is based primarily on examinations taken in all subjects at the conclusion of the final year of study, and includes some internal assessment, for example, oral examinations, science laboratory notebooks and portfolios of artwork.
For more information on the IB, please see the International Baccalaureate Organization's Web site: