For the Diploma, students take six courses, one from each group in the hexagon above. Three of these must be at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Diploma Candidates also work on the following three ‘core requirements’ which are the heart of the IB Program:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
TOK is an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained both inside and outside the classroom. It challenges students to question the basis of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational argument.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship. Participation in activities such as theater, sports, and community service encourages young people to share their energies and special talents while meeting the goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate citizenry. This element of the IB Diploma Program is so valuable that we have made participation in
CAS a graduation requirement at AISR.
Extended Essay
Diploma candidates are required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of some 4,000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the level of independent research and writing skills expected at university.
For more information on the IBO, please click on it's logo above to link to it's homepage.
Who takes IB at AISR?
The IB program is designed for highly motivated 11th and 12th grade students who wish to challenge themselves to a greater degree and become highly involved with the community. AISR students may take either the full Diploma Program, or they may attempt to earn IB Certificates in a few of their strongest subjects. At AISR, virtually all of our 11th and 12th grade students take at least one IB class and a majority attempt the full Diploma. All students have a right to attempt IB courses; however, the demands of the Diploma Program and specific courses should not be underestimated.
Is IB for me?
If you are considering the IB Program either as a Diploma or Certificate candidate, please read the
AISR IB Handbook. Seek advice from teachers, the counselor and the IB Coordinator. Carefully and realistically assess your educational needs, abilities, interest and your level of commitment. If you are motivated and are willing to accept greater challenges, we encourage you to take the full IB Diploma.
Should I attempt the Full Diploma or Individual Certificates?
It is critical that each student and his/her parents invest sufficient time and energy to make an informed decision about how IB can best meet that student’s needs. At AISR we encourage students to take the challenging (and rewarding) IB courses, but there is an expectation that students apply the required time and effort to achieve success. Students have a right to attempt IB courses; however, the demands of the Diploma Program and specific courses should not be underestimated. An ideal IB Diploma candidate must be highly motivated, and should have a GPA of at least 2.5 for the grade 10 academic year. Most importantly, to continue in the Diploma Program, students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 each semester and need to continue to meet deadlines for their Extended Essays and other coursework.
One reason why students take the Diploma is to enhance their chances of college and university admission. (Many European universities require the full IB Diploma.) An alternative to taking on the demands of the full Diploma program is to take individual IB subjects. Students who pass exams in individual IB subjects are awarded IB Certificates in those subjects. Any IB class can be taken as an individual certificate, except for the three Diploma ‘core requirements’ - Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS.
What IB subjects does AISR offer?
Graphic of IB Hexagon with our classes
- Group 1 - Language A1: English, Dutch, mother tongue or independent study of another language
- Group 2 - Language B: French, Dutch or Spanish
- Group 3 - Individuals and Societies: History
- Group 4 - Experimental Sciences: Biology or Physics
- Group 5 – Mathematics: Math Higher Level, Math Standard Level or Math Studies
- Group 6 – Arts/Electives: Visual Arts or Information Technology in a Global Society, Economics online, Business Management online.
How successful have AISR students been in the IB Diploma Program?
Unlike many schools, AISR does not use a rigorous selection process to determine who can take IB courses. Each student is encouraged to make an informed decision taking into account his or her educational needs, motivation and advice of the staff. We want you to challenge yourself, but we also want you to succeed.
Regardless of the lack of a selective admissions policy to the IB program, AISR students have been very successful on the IB exams. Worldwide, some 80% of the students who attempt the IB Diploma succeed in earning it; at AISR we have a 100% success pass rate for the IB Diploma. Please click here for a more detailed chart of
the last session of IB Exams May 2009.This is a summary of the IB Program at AISR. If you would like to read more in depth about the IB Program at AISR, please read the AISR IB Handbook. 
