The Diploma Programme prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they:
develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically
acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, studying courses from 6 subject groups
develop the skills and a positive attitude toward learning that will prepare them for higher education
study at least two languages and increase understanding of cultures, including their own
make connections across traditional academic disciplines and explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique theory of knowledge course
undertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more academic disciplines in the extended essay
enhance their personal and interpersonal development through creativity, action and service
Theory of knowledge develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.
Creativity, action, service (CAS) involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service with the community offers a vehicle for a new learning with academic value. The three strands of CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enable journeys of self-discovery.
The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their combined results on 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 programme and to satisfactory participation in the creativity, action, service requirement. The highest total that a Diploma Programme student can be awarded is 45 points.
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 examinations. The range of scores that students have attained remains statistically stable, and universities value the rigor and consistency of Diploma Programme assessment practice.They are also assessed on theory of knowledge essays, extended essays and world literature. These are completed with teacher supervision and then marked by external examiners.