IB Diploma Programme (IBDP): yEAR 12 & 13

Choose Europe's IB World School Group for the IB Diploma

At ICS London, we are an accredited IB World School and have extensive experience of delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a qualification recognised and respected throughout the world.

Our DP students (aged 16-18) are taught by exceptional teachers to thrive in a rapidly changing world. They excel academically and personally, and are accepted into the world’s top universities.

For more information about our IB Diploma Programme or to book a visit to see the school, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we’ll be in touch.

Three secondary students use a bunsen burner in a secondary science class

The Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma model shows the curriculum with the six areas of knowledge surrounding the core elements.

IB Diploma Programme students are required to study:

6 subjects (one from each group).
3 subjects (and no more than 4) at Higher Level.
3 subjects (maximum) at Standard Level.

The IB Diploma candidate must meet three additional requirements:

Submission of an Extended Essay
Satisfactory competition of the Theory of Knowledge course
Compulsory participation in the extra-curricular CAS programme

To be awarded the bilingual diploma a student must fulfil one or both of the following criteria:

Complete two languages selected from group 1 with the award of a grade 3 or higher in both.
Complete one of the subjects in group 3 or 4 in a language that is not the same as the student’s nominated group 1 language. The student must attain a grade 3 or higher in both the group 1 and the subject from group 3 or 4.

A choice of subjects

IB Diploma students follow a broad range of subjects over the two years of the programme, but can at the same time specialise in those subject areas of greatest interest to them.

Full IB Diploma candidates study six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, along with the additional core requirements

Group 1 - Language A

The Language A programme encourages students to see literary works as products of art and their authors as craftsmen whose methods of production can be analysed in a variety of ways and on a number of levels.

Language A Language & Literature SL/HL in English, French, Mandarin and Spanish
(Higher Level and Standard Level)
Mother Tongue Self - Study (Standard Level only)

Group 2 - Language B

The Language B course builds upon previous learning within the IB Middle Years Programme or equivalent courses. Through the study of a wide range of written texts and oral activities, students develop the four main language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

English B (Higher Level and Standard Level)
Mandarin / French / Spanish B (Higher Level and Standard Level)
Mandarin / French / Spanish Ab initio (Standard Level only)

Group 3 - Introduction to Individuals and Societies

For students wishing to study History, Economics or Psychology-based courses at university, then studying Group 3 is essential. Group 3 courses are also useful for students considering university courses in Social Sciences or careers in areas as diverse as banking, law, journalism, international relations, politics and business.

Business and Management (Higher Level and Standard Level)
History (Higher Level and Standard Level)
Geography (Higher Level and Standard Level)

Group 4 - Experimental Science

Group 5 - Mathematics

The structure of IB DP Mathematics courses, with two different routes to choose from, recognizes the two different aspects of Mathematics:

Mathematics: analysis and approaches is for students who enjoy developing their skills to become fluent in the construction of Mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in Mathematical thinking.
Mathematics: applications and interpretation is for students who are interested in developing their Mathematics for describing our world and solving practical problems.

Mathematics Applications and Interpretation (Standard Level only)
Mathematical Analysis and approaches (Standard Level to Higher Level)

Group 6 - The Arts

The Arts are a vital and integral part of human life, existing in many forms and styles, practised in all cultures, and taking place in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes. The Group 6 subjects explore a range of materials and technologies, and analyse artistic knowledge from multiple perspectives. They explore the many and various artistic ways through which knowledge, skills and attitudes from different cultural traditions are developed and transmitted.

Visual Arts: (Higher Level and Standard Level)
Film: (Higher Level and Standard Level )

ALTERNATIVES TO ARTS SUBJECTS:

Chemistry (Higher Level and Standard Level)
Economics (Higher Level and Standard Level)

Download our IBDP Curriculum Guide

“ICS London gives you freedom on how you want to learn. It helps you in many ways and offers so many different options for you to progress."

-Marcus, Year 12 Student

Homework Policy

Home learning is designed to be purposeful and is connected to units of study. It may be
short-term or project-based and provides a good opportunity for parents to engage with their
child’s learning. It may be an explicit task, or review or extension of classroom-based
learning.

READ THE POLICY

Why choose ICS London:

40 Years
Providing a world-class
education

IB World School Accreditation
Delivering the IB Diploma to a high level

Academic Rigour
5-Year Average IB Diploma
score: 33.2

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