IB Diploma Programme
Rigorous inquiry-based learning
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, CIS delivers the Diploma Programme (DP), a challenging two-year program of international education for students in Grades 11 and 12. The IBDP prepares students for university and life in a global society. It encourages students to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate and understand people from other countries and cultures.
CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
In combination with the subjects, IBDP students are required to fulfil the requirements of the Core components to earn an IB diploma.
IBDP students study six subjects, one from each of the six groups:
- Group 1: Studies in language and literature
- Group 2: Language acquisition
- Group 3: Individuals and societies
- Group 4: Sciences
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: Arts
The Core is compulsory and central to the philosophy of the IBDP. The Core consists of three elements:
- Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a critical thinking course. Students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human-created concept. Students engage in a TOK exhibition and a final TOK essay.
- The extended essay (EE) requires students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. The EE has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words and students choose a topic in a subject they are passionate about.
- The creativity, activity, service (CAS) program encourages students to be involved in a range of activities complementing their academic studies throughout the IBDP. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Activity seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical recreation.
SUBJECT CHOICES
IBDP students must select three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) subjects. IBDP subjects offered at CIS are listed below. Some courses may not be offered due to insufficient student enrolment.
| Subject Group | Courses |
|---|---|
|
Group 1: Studies in language and literature
|
English A: Language and Literature HL/SL
|
|
Group 2: Language acquisition
|
Chinese B HL/SL; Mandarin ab initio SL only; French ab initio SL only; French B HL/SL
|
|
Group 3: Individuals and societies
|
History HL/SL; Business Management HL/SL
|
|
Group 4: Sciences
|
Chemistry HL/SL; Biology HL/SL; Physics HL/SL
|
|
Group 5: Mathematics
|
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL/SL; Mathematics: Application and Interpretation HL
|
|
Group 6: Arts*
|
Visual Arts HL/SL; Music HL/SL
|
* Students may substitute a second subject from Group 4 in Group 6.
IBDP RESULTS 2023-2024
In 2024, IBDP students at CIS achieved an average score of 34, which exceeded the global average of 30. Our IBDP students scored higher than the global average in 76% of subjects, and achieved a 100% IBDP exam pass rate, which exceeded the global average of 80%. As a school community, we are incredibly proud.