The Diploma Programme (DP) at ISD is an academically challenging and balanced two-year programme of education that seeks to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge.
The curriculum addresses the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being of students, preparing them for success at university and in life beyond.
The DP organises teaching and learning in six subject groups:
- Studies in Language and Literature;
- Language Acquisition;
- Individuals and Societies;
- Sciences;
- Mathematics;
- the Arts.
At ISD, we offer a selection of 54 DP courses, which is remarkable for a school of our size. We help each student make course choices that are most relevant for their interests and ambitions.
The subjects are underpinned by the IB Diploma Programme Core:
- Theory of Knowledge;
- Extended Essay;
- Creativity;
- Activity;
- Service (CAS).
For all courses, students will take written examinations at the end of the DP. In many programme areas, students also complete externally assessed coursework. To be awarded the IB Diploma, students must earn a minimum of 24 points in three higher level and three standard level subjects.
At ISD, students might also choose not to pursue the full DP. They can earn individual certificates for completed DP courses, and can work towards the accredited ISD High School Diploma.
At ISD, we value inclusivity. Every student who wants to engage in the DP is given the chance to learn, grow, mature and achieve ambitious goals. Each year, more than 90% of students in grade 11 and grade 12 are enrolled in the programme.
At ISD, we value inclusivity, and we want to give every student who wants to engage in the Diploma Programme the chance to learn, grow, mature, and achieve ambitious goals.
Clinton Olson
Deputy Principal & DP Coordinator
Thanks to the incredible dedication of our teachers, the ISD DP scores are consistently above world averages, which is noteworthy because many other schools offer the DP only as a selective programme. ISD students regularly achieve outstanding personal scores, including the otherwise very rare scores of 44 or 45 out of a maximum of 45 possible points.
