Diploma Programme Requirements

The IB/DP Curriculum is represented by the hexagon above with six subject areas supported by the core. Each candidate is required to study one subject from each of the subject areas. A minimum if three subjects must be taken at the Higher Level (HL), allowing for specialization or focus of interest. The remaining courses are taken at the Standard Level (SL). HL courses require 240 instructional hours versus the 150 required by SL courses. HL courses also require additional assessment.

Core requirements:

Each IB/DP candidate must complete the Extended Essay; Creative, Action, Service Programme (CAS), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) components.

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay represents a special area of interest to the candidate whereby he or she investigates a focused research question and then engages in independent research to answer it. The final essay is a 4000-word document which practices conducting primary research and academic writing skills. The Extended Essay is externally moderated by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

The IB Diploma curriculum seeks to provide a holistic education whereby candidates reflect their roles as responsible and compassionate local community members and global citizens. The CAS programme at CIS encourages students to learn about and share their expertise and talents with others as well as to consider how businesses can give back their communities. Students are encouraged to self-reflect on their endeavors to gain insightful knowledge about themselves and others that will foster a desire to be life-long learners and generous souls.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

This interdisciplinary requirement is intended for students to critically reflect on how knowledge is constructed and communicated. This course challenges students to analyse and appraise evidence that often supports or organizes a rational argument. Thus TOK is an interdisciplinary link of the IB Diploma Programme and is taught once a week over the two year curriculum at CIS.