IB Diploma Programme (DP)
DP 1-2 / Grades 11-12
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is a two-year course globally recognised programme, and an excellent stepping stone to university. Students develop skills in research, communication, self-management, and high order thinking.
What is the IB Diploma Programme (DP)?
A diploma is a formal certificate awarded by an educational institution to signify that a student has successfully completed a particular course of study. This credential indicates proficiency in a specific area of knowledge or skills and can vary significantly in scope and level. Diplomas are typically earned after completing secondary education, vocational training, or specific higher education programs.
In the context of international education, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) stands out as a prestigious two-year educational program aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It is globally recognised and respected for its rigorous curriculum and its emphasis on developing critical thinking, research, and interpersonal skills. The IB Diploma Programme not only prepares students for success at university but also aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.
How does the IB diploma work?
At the beginning of the two years, students will have to choose between 6 areas of studies:
- 3 at a standard Level (SL): 150 teaching hours over two years
- 3 at a Higher Level (HL): 240 teaching hours over two years
6 Areas of Studies
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals & Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
Students will have to choose:
- 1 subject in each area of study
- 3 subjects at a Higher Level (HL)
- 3 subjects at a Standard Level (SL)
- Arts is optional and can be replaced by a subject from another area of study
During their two-year course, each student must carry out an internally assessed research project in each of their subjects. In DP2 (the final year of the programme) the official examinations take place in May. Additionally they have to complete the 3 core elements of the IB diploma: the Extended Essay (EE), Creativity/Activity/Service (CAS), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
The IB's Core Elements
EE: Extended Essay
With the support of a supervisor, students take on a research project in one of their 6 areas of studies. They have to come up with a research question, follow through with in-depth academic research and write a 4000 word essay. While this is a challenging task, it is an excellent preparation for university research papers. Successful student choose a topic in which they are interested, and manage their time effectively.
CAS: Creativity, Activity and Service
The CAS programme is the perfect opportunity for students to discover or develop special interests. A CAS coordinator oversees their portfolio and reflections over an 18 months period.
TOK: Theory of knowledge
This course aims at questioning the nature of knowledge in order to develop critical thinking skills. Can we know the truth? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge? How do values affect the production of knowledge?
Grades
Grades within the IB Diploma Programme are based on a combination of internal assessments and external examinations. Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. In addition to subject grades, students can earn up to three bonus points for their combined performance in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and the Extended Essay (EE). Therefore, the maximum total score a student can achieve in the IB Diploma Programme is 45 points.
To receive the IB Diploma, students must meet certain criteria, including:
- Scoring at least 24 points overall.
- Scoring no lower than 3 in any of the Higher Level (HL) subjects.
- Completing all core components: TOK, EE, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Grades are a crucial aspect of the IB Diploma, as they reflect a student’s understanding and proficiency in various subjects, as well as their ability to conduct independent research and think critically. The grading system is designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for the academic challenges they will face in higher education.
Areas of studies offered at Montgomery International School
Studies in Language & Literature:
- French Language & Literature HL/SL
- English Language & Literature HL/SL
- School Supported Self-Taught Language & Literature SL
Language Acquisition
Individuals & Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
- Analysis & Approaches SL/HL
Arts
- Theatre SL/HL
Students may take French and English Language & Literature courses if they are fluent in both languages. On the other hand, students who are neither fluent in English nor French may study their mother tongue as Literature Self-Taught subject. They will be followed by a coordinator at school but will need the support of an external tutor.
The IB in practice at Montgomery International School
A Reminder of What the IB Is
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised educational foundation that offers four challenging educational programs for students aged 3 to 19. Founded in 1968, the IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The IB's philosophy emphasises the development of the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
The four IB programs are:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP): For students aged 3 to 12.
- Middle Years Programme (MYP): For students aged 11 to 16.
- Diploma Programme (DP): For students aged 16 to 19.
- Career-related Programme (CP)*: For students aged 16 to 19 who wish to engage in career-related learning.
The IB is known for its rigorous assessment criteria and its commitment to fostering international-mindedness and intercultural understanding. The core components of the IB programs, especially in the DP, such as the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), are designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and a sense of community engagement.
*As of September 2024, the CP is not offered at Montgomery International School
IB Curriculums (PYP - MYP)
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Montgomery International School caters to students from ages 5.5 to 11 (Grades 1 to 5). The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is designed to prepare students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them.
The PYP is structured around six transdisciplinary themes:
- Who we are.
- Where we are in place and time.
- How we express ourselves.
- How the world works.
- How we organize ourselves.
- Sharing the planet.
These themes are explored through the following key subjects:
- English
- French
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Social Studies
- Drama
- Visual Arts
- Information & Communication Technologies (ICT)
- Physical, Social, and Emotional Education
The PYP aims to develop key traits such as empathy, resilience, and teamwork and encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning. Through inquiry-based learning, students develop a deep understanding of important concepts and skills that are essential for their future education.
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Montgomery International School serves students aged 11 to 16 (Grades 6 to 10). The MYP is designed to build on the skills and knowledge developed in the PYP and to prepare students for the demands of the IB Diploma Programme. It encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.
The MYP curriculum is organized around eight subject groups:
- Language and Literature (English and/or French)
- Language Acquisition (French, English, and/or another language)
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts (Visual Arts, Drama, Music)
- Physical and Health Education
- Design (including Information and Communication Technology)
The MYP also includes a personal project, a significant independent piece of work that reflects the student’s interests and demonstrates their skills and understanding of the program’s principles. The project is a culmination of the student’s learning and serves as excellent preparation for the extended essay component of the IB Diploma Programme.
The Transition to the IB Diploma Programme
Montgomery International School’s seamless integration of the PYP, MYP, and DP ensures that students develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to succeed in the IB Diploma Programme. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging educational environment means that students are well-prepared for the rigorous demands of the DP and are equipped to thrive in university and beyond.
The IB Diploma Programme at Montgomery International School is a rigorous and comprehensive educational programme that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. With its emphasis on critical thinking, research, and intercultural understanding, the DP helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.
The programme’s structure, which includes six subject groups and three core components, ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that fosters intellectual, emotional, and ethical growth. Through a variety of teaching and learning approaches, supportive assessment methods, and extensive guidance, Montgomery International School equips its students with the tools they need to succeed academically and personally.
By offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) in addition to the Diploma Programme, Montgomery International School provides a seamless educational continuum that supports students from early childhood through adolescence, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging educational environment, along with its focus on developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people, makes it an ideal place for students to pursue their IB Diploma and achieve their full potential.
What is the IB DP curriculum?
For more information about the IBDP curriculum framework, visit the IB Middle Years Programme in the IBO webpages
Hear it from our students...
Advanced Bilingual IB Diploma
We offer the Advanced Bilingual IB Diploma, which is a differentiating criterion when applying to universities.
Our requirements for the Advanced Bilingual IB DP:
- French Language & Literature
- English Language & Literature
- History in French
Additionally, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is offered in French, and the Extended Essay (EE) can be written in French.
“Thanks to my Business Internal Assessment, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the decision making in the business world and to acknowledge the importance of business tools in helping a business succeed in a market”
MIS Alumnus
What is the Equivalent of an IB Diploma?
UNITED STATES
In the US, the equivalent of the IB diploma is the High School Diploma. It is awarded upon the successful completion of the required coursework and credits at a high school, usually over a four-year period (grades 9-12). Students must complete a specific number of credits in core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and social studies, along with electives. The IB Diploma is recognised as a rigorous and prestigious equivalent, often providing advanced placement credits and strengthening university applications.
UNITED KINGDOM
In the UK, the equivalent qualification is the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level). Students typically take A-Levels in three to four subjects over two years (ages 16-18) following the completion of their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. The IB Diploma is often seen as a more comprehensive & internationally focused alternative to A-Levels, covering a broader range of subjects and including core components like TOK, EE, & CAS.
FRANCE
In France, the equivalent of a diploma is the Baccalauréat (commonly referred to as the Bac). The Bac is taken at the end of secondary education (lycée) and is necessary for university admission. It includes various streams (general, technological, and vocational), with students specializing in different subjects. The IB Diploma is recognised in France as an equivalent qualification, often providing similar university entry opportunities and fulfilling the same educational requirements.
Age for the IBDP
The IB Diploma Programme is designed for students aged 16 to 19, typically covering the last two years of secondary education. This age range is considered ideal for the program because it aligns with the developmental stage at which students are preparing for university and future careers. During this period, students are capable of higher-order thinking, abstract reasoning, and independent learning, which are essential skills for success in the IB Diploma Programme.
Montgomery International School, like other IB World Schools, structures its educational offerings to cater to this age group effectively. The school provides a supportive and challenging environment that encourages students to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. By focusing on this critical stage of development, the IB Diploma Programme helps students transition smoothly to higher education and beyond.
Admission requirements
Admission to the IB Diploma Programme at Montgomery International School and similar institutions typically involves a thorough assessment of a student’s academic readiness and personal qualities. The following are common admission requirements:
- Previous Academic Records: Applicants are required to submit their transcripts and report cards from the last two years of schooling. This allows us to better understand the needs of each student. As an inclusive school, we do not necessarily require a strong academic record. Our pride lies in achieving a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma Programme, even though we accept students with diverse academic profiles.
- Language Proficiency: Since the IB Diploma Programme is rigorous and demands a high level of language proficiency, students must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, which at Montgomery International School is primarily English, with options for bilingual education (French/English)
- Interview: An interview with the admissions committee to evaluate the student’s suitability for the program, including their academic aspirations, personal interests, and ability to thrive in a challenging educational environment.
Montgomery International School’s inclusive approach means it welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, with varying levels of English proficiency. The school’s emphasis on small class sizes, close monitoring, and strong teacher-student relationships helps ensure that all admitted students have the support they need to succeed.