IB Diploma Program
(Ages 15 – 18, Grade 11 – 12)
IICS has been authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) since 1996. The IB DP is recognised by the world’s leading universities and in many cases strong results will ensure advanced standing in particular subjects.
All students at Istanbul International Community School in Grades 11 and 12 undertake courses based upon the full International Baccalaureate Diploma program. This program provides a common curriculum and university entry credential for students moving from one country to another.
Each of the first six groups score a maximum of seven points. TOK plus the Extended Essay can give up to 3 bonus points. A student requires a minimum of 24 points to gain the IB Diploma and various other conditions apply.
Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Community/Action/Service are part of the IB DP core and as such are required for all full IB Diploma candidates. Theory of Knowledge is a class but the Extended Essay and Community/Action/Service are not courses.
Theory of Knowledge– an interdisciplinary requirement that challenges students to question the bases of knowledge.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)– this program complements the academic courses by stressing community involvement, service to others, and the pursuit of life-enhancing individual interests.
An Extended Essay– each student undertakes independent research on a topic of special interest to the student. This 4,000-word essay acquaints Diploma candidates with the kind of work expected by universities.
In order to pursue the full IB Diploma, students must maintain a satisfactory academic record in Grades 9 and 10. While the IB Diploma is a two year program, IICS will accept students into Grade 12 from both IB and non-IB schools depending on course availability and prior credits.
Self-Directed Learning
Classes in the IICS Diploma Program now benefit from additional opportunities for specialized scheduling which will allow learners to devote more time to the areas in which they need additional time.
To help students become more successful independent learners—a necessary part of their university and adult life—DP students need opportunities to develop the life skills to manage their own learning. By providing Self Directed Learning time within the DP schedule around 3-4 hours per week in Grade 11 and 5-6 hours per week in Grade 12 depending on course selection– students can opt to spend more time on subjects that represent a larger challenge for them and less time on subjects they are more easily able to master. An area specifically designed for SDLT has been allocated to Grade 11 and 12 students; however, students are often found working in all areas at the school during SDLT periods.
University Recognition of IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognised by the world’s leading universities and in many cases a good diploma will ensure advanced standing in particular subjects. There are currently over 3000 universities from 90 countries that run an IB recognition policy. For a complete listing of universities with IB recognition policies please visit www.ibo.org
Please contact Ömer Kipmen (IB Diploma Program Coordinator – okipmen@iics.k12.tr) if you have further questions.
