IB Diploma Program Curriculum

Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection, to develop analytical skill built on experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyze evidence. TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives.

The course is unique to the International Baccalaureate Organization, which recommends at least 100 hours of teaching time spanning the two years of the Diploma Programme.

The IB’s goal is to educate the whole person, to help students become responsible, compassionate citizens. The CAS requirement encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others: students may, for example, participate in theatre of musical productions, sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves and concern for others, and the ability to work co-operatively with other people.

• Creativity is interpreted broadly. It includes a wide range of arts activities but can also be defined as the creativity students show in designing and implementing service projects or learning a new skill
• Action can include not only participation in individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects.
• Service encompasses a host of community and social service activities, such as helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals, schools, and orphanages, and working with refugees or homeless people.

Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest in a 4,000-word research paper. The extended essay requirement acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. The IB recommends that a student devote a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay, which may be written in one of 60 subjects. The essay permits students to deepen their understanding of programmes of study, for example by selecting a topic in one of their courses, or adding breadth to their academic experience by electing to write in a discipline not included in their programme choices.

At IICS we value and foster an environment where students maintain a balance between their intellectual and physical growth and development. Along with DP classes, students in 11th and 12th grade can practice engage physical activity when no other classes are scheduled. A PE teacher is always with the students to facilitate those classes and for students to make the most of these moments. Students do not received grades, as PE is optional in grades 11 and 12.

Self-Directed Learning time in the Diploma Program helps students learn how to manage their time and affords them a flexible schedule to use allocate more time on to courses that challenge them, work collaboratively, or conduct more intensive individual research.

English A (Language & Literature or Literature)
Turkish A (Literature)
English B
French B
Spanish B
Spanish Ab Initio
Economics
Environmental Systems Societies
Film
Geography
History
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Math Studies
Math Standard Level
Math Higher Level
Music
Theater
Visual Arts
Theory of Knowledge

*Pamoja, i.e. Mandarin Ab Initio, Business Management, Psychology.
*Language A Literature –Standard Level self-study available as an option in languages we don’t offer.

IICS gives students the opportunity to study Diploma subjects that the school does not offer, by taking them online through an IB recognized ed-tech company. Diploma students also have the option to study self-taught literature in standard level monitored by our self-taught language coordinator.