Diploma Programme
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
.
GCS offers the IB Diploma Programme to Grade 11 and Grade 12 students since September 2011.
The Diploma Programme (DP) is a challenging, broad and balanced programme set over two years of study. The DP is well recognised by leading universities throughout the world and aims to equip students with not only the basic academic skills needed for university study, but to also create a well-rounded individual who has developed positive values and life skills.
IB is equivalent to the German 'Abitur' (A-Level/ University Entrance Diploma)
The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond.
IB Diploma Programme students study six subjects from 6 subject groups
- Group 1 - Language A1 - Studies in Language & Literature
- Group 2 - Language - second language - Language Acquisition
- Group 3 - Individuals and societies
- Group 4 - Experimental sciences
- Group 5 - Mathematics and computer science
- Group 6 - The arts
Students are expected to study three (with the possibility of studying four) subjects at Higher Level. HL subjects are taught over 240 teaching hours and require a greater depth of study. Breadth of learning is encouraged with a requirement to study three more subjects (two if four are studied at HL) at Standard Level these courses are usually taught over 150 teaching hours.
In addition the DP is grounded in three key elements that students are required to undertake as part of the broader curriculum.
- Theory of knowledge - Explores the different concepts of knowledge across the whole curriculum.
- Extended essay - an externally assessed independent research assignment in one of the six subject areas. This allows students to specialise in certain subject areas and prepare for university studies.
- Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) - Students are required to undertake a minimum of 150 hours in creative, physical and service activities that take them well beyond the confines of their classrooms and gain them real - life experience.
Steven Robson
IB Diploma Coordinator
