International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The IB programme began in the mid-1960s in international schools to enable the children of expatriates to attend university in their home country. Its founders also hoped that it would foster tolerance and inter-cultural understanding between young people. It has since grown to involve about 1,000 schools in 110 countries.

The IB diploma is accepted as a university entrance qualification around the world and is particularly welcomed by prestigious institutions like Cambridge and Oxford in the UK or Harvard and Princeton in the US. Many universities offer advanced placement or course credit to students with strong IB results. All of Singapore's universities accept the IB diploma as an entrance qualification. Singapore Management University offers advanced credit for strong results at Higher Level. A full list can be found at www.ibo.org in the University Recognition Policies section.

Curriculum Structure

The IB steers a middle course between narrow, highly specialised programmes such as the GCE 'A' levels and those which require study in many subjects to the detriment of the depth of inquiry. The course structure is represented by a diagram (see below).

Diploma candidates must select one subject from each of the six groups. Usually three are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL); HL courses represent a recommended minimum of 240 teaching hours, SL courses cover 150 hours.
 

Students are thus able to explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly, a deliberate compromise between the early specialisation of some national systems and the breadth found in others. The science-oriented student is challenged to learn a foreign language and the natural linguist becomes familiar with laboratory procedures.

Active citizenship and global perspectives are encouraged in each area of the curriculum.

In addition to the subject structure outlined above, there are three requirements at the heart of the IB not commonly found elsewhere. 

The Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is an 'interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom' (IBO). It is a key element in the educational philosophy of the IB, seeking to transcend and unify the academic subjects and encourage appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

CAS – Creativity, Action and Service is required of all students undertaking the IB. There is an expectation that 150 hours over the two years, evenly distributed over the three areas, will be given. It is not essential that the time is evenly applied over the two years – some projects may lend themselves to concentrated applications at particular times. The IBO sees service to the community (local, national or international) as a complement to intellectual development and the academic curriculum.

Finally, students undertake original research and write an Extended Essay of 4,000 words on an area of special interest in any one of the subject areas, this essay task introduces them to the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at any university.

We will expect students to select their topic towards the end of the first IB year and complete the writing task by the end of second term in the second year. Students who wish, and are in a position to travel overseas during the long vacation are encouraged to do so – travel broadens the mind and can be a useful part of any person's education.

Subjects Offered

We intend to offer the following subjects in up-coming year:.