IB diploma - Al Faris International School
The IB Diploma Program (DP): Year 1-2
(Corresponding to Grades 11-12)
IB DP Admissions
The IB Diploma Program is designed for students aged 16-18 and is given during Grades 11-12 at FIS (as Y1-Y2 DP, respectively).
Whereas all FIS students are automatically enrolled in both the PYP and MYP, the DP Program is an optional track. Students currently enrolled in Grade 10 (Year 5 MYP) and their parents will receive information and orientations in order to facilitate their decision. A good command of the English language is essential for student success at Diploma level; therefore, students must demonstrate that their level of English is sufficient to enable them to complete the program successfully through diagnostic testing, which will also include math skills.
After evaluation of test results, students applying to the High School IB program will be admitted to the either the full Diploma Program (DP) or advised to follow an IB Course Program that is tailored to their needs and ability. Students enrolled for the IB Course Program will receive an IB course certificate listing the subjects completed. Students enrolled in the full Diploma Program must complete all core requirements (see below) and will be awarded with an IB Diploma upon graduation.
What does the DP offer students?
The IB Diploma is globally recognized as a standard of excellence in university admissions. Many universities worldwide will allow students to waive a foundation year as the knowledge and skills covered have already been part of their DP experience. International research shows that DP students are better able than their peers to cope with demanding workloads, manage their time and meet the expectations placed on them. Analysis of DP students in Canada, the UK and the USA found that the DP’s extended essay improves students’ approach to learning in higher education. In addition, DP students gain an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, in part through their participation in the program’s unique theory of knowledge course.
The DP Curriculum
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Program (DP) curriculum sets out the requirements for study of the DP. The curriculum is made up of the required DP core and six subject groups. The DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.
The three core elements are:
- Theory of Knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.
- The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
- Creativity, activity, service (CAS), in which students complete a project related to those three concepts.
The six subject groups are:
- Studies in language and literature
- Language acquisition
- Individuals and societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The arts
There are different courses within each subject group.
How are DP students assessed?
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) assesses student work as direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the Diploma Program (DP) courses.
DP assessment procedures measure the extent to which students have mastered advanced academic skills in fulfilling these goals, for example:
- analyzing and presenting information
- evaluating and constructing arguments
- solving problems creatively
Basic skills are also assessed, including:
- retaining knowledge
- understanding key concepts
- applying standard methods
In addition to academic skills, DP assessment encourages an international outlook and intercultural skills, wherever appropriate. Student results are determined by performance against set standards, not by each student’s position in the overall rank order.
The IB uses both external and internal assessment in the DP.
Examinations form the basis of the external assessment for most courses. This is because of their high levels of objectivity and reliability. Internal teacher assessment is also used for most courses and may include:
oral work in languages
fieldwork in geography
laboratory work in the sciences
investigations in mathematics
artistic performances
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