Diploma Programme

Indus International School, Pune has received authorization for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Feb 2011.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year course of study at High School level. The structure of the DP is different from other courses, because the programme reflects the educational practices of other countries. For example, students take a wider range of subjects, but some of these are studied in depth, preparing students for University courses.

Subject Areas

Students take three subjects at a standard level (150 hours of teaching) and three at a higher level (240 hours of teaching) or 4 subjects at a higher level and 2 subjects at a standard level.

There are six groups of study and students at Indus International School must pick one from each group. These are:

Group 1 – Languages A1

English

Group 2 – Languages B

French, Hindi and Spanish

Group 3 - Individuals and Societies

Economics, Geography, History, Business and Management

Group 4 - Experimental Sciences

Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Group 5 - Mathematics

Computer Science

Group 6

Visual Art or a second subject from Groups 3 or 4

All students must perform satisfactorily in all chosen subjects and must complete three additional requirements. They are:

1. An extended essay of some 4000 words, which provides the first experience of an independent research paper. The focus of the essay must relate to one of the student's academic subjects.
2. A course entitled Theory of Knowledge, which explores the relationships among the various disciplines, and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom.
3. Participation in Creativity Action Service (CAS) activities. All IB students are expected to contribute at least half a day per week to CAS. This is to create opportunities for service and enhance interpersonal and communication skills.

Assessment

Various methods of assessment are used, such as coursework, practical work and orals. Written examinations are conducted at the end of the two years, and coursework makes up 20 – 50% of the final score.

Performance is measured against standards that are used worldwide. Students are given a grade from 1 (min) to 7 (max) for each subject they are examined in. To obtain the diploma, a minimum score of 24 (maximum is 42), needs to be achieved. It is possible to earn an additional three points for superior work on the essay, TOK course and CAS.

There are over 3,400 trained IBO examiners across the world, who assess the work of 40,000 students a year. Eighty per cent of students who attempt the DP course are awarded with DP qualification.

University Recognition

Every university in the world and in India recognizes the IB programme. This means they will grant university entrance based on the student's performance in the IB exams. The curriculum committee is formed from IB teachers around the world.

This information can also be looked up on www.ibo.org