Welcome to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) at the International School Hilversum ‘Alberdingk Thijm’ (ISH). The purpose of this booklet is to outline the most important curriculum and organisational items of the DP. We hope you will make the most of this exciting programme, and enjoy the final two years at the school.

Introduction

The diploma is displayed in the shape of a circle with six academic areas surrounding the core. Subjects are studied concurrently and students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning - the humanities and the sciences.

The Course

Diploma candidates are required to select one subject from each of the first five subject groups (or two from group one) and a sixth choice from any of the six groups. Three are taken at Higher Level (HL), the others at Standard Level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours; SL courses cover at least 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period; this is a deliberate compromise between the early specialisation preferred in some national systems and the breadth found in others. Curriculum requirements ensure that the science-oriented student is challenged to learn a foreign language and that the natural linguist becomes familiar with laboratory procedures. While overall balance is maintained, flexibility in choosing Higher Level concentrations allows the student to pursue areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university entrance.

Assessment

Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidates´ work rests with IB examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with international authority. A variety of assessment methods are used to value both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns. Conventional external examination techniques (essay, short answer, multiple choice, etc.) are complemented by internal assessment or coursework by the teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period. This represents at least 20% of assessment in each subject. With classroom teachers and international examiners working in partnership, the emphasis is on ensuring that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they know and are able to do. At the International School Hilversum many of our teachers are also examiners in the Diploma Programme.

Award of the Diploma

Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) activities. The maximum score of 45 points includes three bonus points for exceptional work in TOK and an excellent Extended Essay. All students at IS Hilversum must engage in the full Diploma programme. The external examinations take place in May of the second year of the programme (DP2). Re-takes are possible (at the discretion of and depending on the advice of the school), in November and the following May. Students may sit up to a maximum of three times for the Diploma. 

Final Diploma Programme Examinations

A separate booklet will be handed out before the examinations, explaining in detail the examination procedure and regulations for both language oral exams and the formal external exams in May.

Authorisation and Eligibility

Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate are eligible to teach the curriculum and to register candidates for examination. IB Diploma candidates must be students in good standing at an authorised member school. There are nearly 5,700 DP schools in 159 countries around the world. The International School Hilversum has been an IB school since 1982 and is one of the original IB schools in the Netherlands.

University Recognition

IB Diploma holders gain admission to selective universities throughout the world. These include prominent institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, and other leading universities in Europe. Formal agreements exist between the IB and many Ministries of Education and private institutions. Some colleges and universities may offer advanced placement or course credit to students with strong IB Diploma examination results.
For more information regarding the IB and the Diploma standing please refer to www.ibo.org

The Diploma Programme Model at the International School Hilversum

The curriculum consists of six subject groups: Generally Students choose one from each of the first five Groups and a sixth subject from any of the six groups. Three subjects are taken at higher level and three at standard level (SL)

All subjects are offered at high and standard level unless otherwise stated.

GROUP 1 - Mother tongue or best language
Language A Literature, usually English or Dutch, including the study of selected texts from world literature. A school supported, self-taught option is also available at standard level only. 

All students should choose a purely literature subject.

They can choose a literature and language and literature course from Group 1 or choose one course from Group 1 and one language from Group 2.

GROUP 2 - Language Acquisition (Language B)

Second modern language: French, Dutch (SL only) and Spanish are offered. A French B beginners course is available too (French B Ab-initio SL only). Latin is also available to students with a strong background in the subject. Other languages may be available for private tuition (this can only be arranged via the language coordinator). All costs for online or private tuition are to be met by the student.

GROUP 3 - Individuals and Societies
History, Geography, Economics, Business and Management.

GROUP 4 - Experimental Sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies (SL only)

GROUP 5 - Mathematics
Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL, Mathematics Analysis and Approaches SL, Mathematical Applications and Interpretations SL

GROUP 6 - The Arts and Electives
Visual Art.

Additional programme requirements

Theory of Knowledge (assessed course) – 100 hours of instruction.
Creativity, Activity, Service (completion of a balanced 18 month programme in which 7 Learning Outcomes are meaningfully addressed).
Extended Essay - a 4000 word piece of original work on a topic of the student’s choice, usually in one of the higher level subjects.