Participation in the Diploma Programme at OIS
Because the IB Diploma Programme forms the core curriculum for the final two grades at OIS, it is important that families have a good understanding of the programme. Nearly all of the information students and parents need can be found on this page or via its links.
At OIS, all grade 11 and grade 12 students study in the Diploma Programme to a full or nearly full extent. Most students are diploma candidates, studying six DP subjects and earning the coveted IB diploma. Some students are certificate candidates, studying four or five DP subjects. All candidates - diploma or candidate - study TOK, participate in CAS and write an extended essay. So, the DP is the driving academic force for all OIS students in their final two years, and the school takes pride in offering the DP in a way that allows all students to be successful.
OIS Diploma Programme at a Glance
Though small in student population, OIS offers a big-school range of DP subjects from which students - with the help of parents, teachers, counselors and the DP coordinator - can build courses of study that best suit their immediate needs and future plans. The scope of DP subject choices at OIS allows students to tailor courses of study that fit their personal interests and goals.
The OIS DP is academically rigorous and places heavy time demands on students. DP students must demonstrate self-discipline, responsibility and time management skills in their pursuit of the IB diploma. The effort, as OIS IB diploma holders will tell you, is well worth it.
Curricular hexagon: six subject groups, three core components
The IB Diploma Programme curriculum is depicted as a hexagon with a three-component core.
© IBO 2004 Reprinted with permission from the IBO
The core of the hexagon curricular model has three components: creativity, action, service (CAS), the extended essay (EE), and theory of knowledge (TOK).
CAS
CAS promotes education of the “whole person.” The CAS programme encourages students to participate in artistic pursuits, sports and community service, fostering their appreciation of life outside the academic arena.
Extended essay
The extended essay, with an upper limit of 4000 words, offers students the opportunity to investigate in depth a topic of individual interest and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at the university level.
TOK
The TOK course explores the nature of knowledge across all disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
Six DP subject groups: “breadth and depth”
In addition to the core, the DP curriculum includes six subject groups. Students who want to earn an IB diploma, in addition to completing the core requirements, must study one course from each of the six groups. At least three courses, but not more than four, must be studied at the higher level (HL) and the remaining two or three at the standard level (SL). This framework ensures a breadth of study while allowing students the flexibility to explore some subjects in depth. HL courses require 240 hours of instruction and take two years to complete. SL courses require 150 hours and can be completed in one or two years.
At OIS
Below are the DP course offerings at OIS. (At OIS, some SL courses can be completed in one year in grade 11. These anticipated courses are history, ITGS, mathematics and ath studies.)
Group 1: Language A1
English A1 – HL, SL
Japanese A1 - HL, SL
Group 2: Language A2, B, ab initio
Japanese A2 – HL, SL
Japanese B – HL, SL
Spanish ab initio – SL
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
History – SL; grade 11, one-year course, anticipated
History – HL; Japan, 1945 to 1995
ITGS – SL; grade 11, one-year course, anticipated
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Biology – HL, SL
Chemistry – HL, SL
Physics – HL, SL
Group 5: Mathematics
Mathematics – HL
Mathematics – SL; grade 11, one-year course, anticipated
Math Studies – SL; grade 11, one-year course, anticipated
Group 6: Arts and Electives
Visual Arts – HL, SL
Music – HL, SL
Elective – HL, SL; one other subject from Groups 2 or 4
