 What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme?
The Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum, leading to a qualification that is widely recognised by the world’s leading universities. The foundation of the IB Diploma programme can be traced back to a meeting of educators held in Switzerland in 1962. These educators promoted the idea of a programme aimed at the growing number of internationally mobile students.
These students needed a diploma that would allow them entry to universities both in their ”home” country or elsewhere in the world if that was their desire.
AIS has offered The International Baccalaureate programme since 1976. From that time student success rate on final examinations confirms the value of the AIS-International Baccalaureate programme.
WHAT IS THE IB DIPLOMA CURRICULUM
IB Diploma candidates are required to study six subjects: three subjects are taught at Higher Level (HL), the others at Standard Level (SL). While it is possible to take four subjects at Higher Level, this is not recommended. HL courses represent 240 teaching hours per annum, while SL courses require 150 hours per annum. One subject is chosen from each of the following groups:
GROUP 1
A first Language (Language A1) literature course chosen from English, Dutch, French or tutored in the student's mother tongue;
GROUP 2
A Second Language course. This language could be:
- Language A2 - a second language course at or near native proficiency but having less literature than a Language A1 course - chosen from English or Dutch or French.
- Language B - a second language course for students who have studied the language for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years - chosen from Dutch or French.
- Language ab initio - a second language course for students new to language or with a basic background in that language – chosen from French or Spanish.
- A second Language A1
GROUP 3
Business & Management or Economics or Geography or History or Internet Technologies in a Global Society
GROUP 4
Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Environmental Systems and Society
GROUP 5
Mathematics Higher Level or Mathematics Standard Level or Mathematical Studies;
GROUP 6 or Electives
Visual Arts or Theatre Arts Electives
- another language from Group 2 or
- a second choice from Group 3 or
- a second choice from Group 4.
Additionally, each diploma candidate must participate in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity/Action/Service (CAS) courses as well as undertake a personal research project of 4000 words, known as the Extended Essay. The unique characteristics of TOK, CAS and the Extended Essay qualify them to receive the IB Diploma. This programme contributes to the AIS High School Diploma.
For more information ontact the IB Coordinator Paul Mathews | 
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