International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum Overview

Overview:

  • Designed for students aged 11 to 16, but Grades 9 and 10 typically align with Years 4 and 5 of MYP.
  • Aims to develop critical thinking, global awareness, and independent learning.
  • Encourages real-world application of knowledge and interdisciplinary connections.

Curriculum Structure:

Students study from eight subject groups:

  • Language and Literature (English or home language)
  • Language Acquisition (Second language)
  • Individuals and Societies (e.g., History, Geography)
  • Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Mathematics
  • Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Drama)
  • Design (Product or Digital)
  • Physical and Health Education

Unique Features:

  • Global Contexts: Learning is framed around themes like identity, culture, and sustainability.
  • Approaches to Learning (ATL): Skills like communication, collaboration, and self-management.
  • Personal Project (in Year 5/Grade 10): An independent research-based project that showcases a student’s passion and learning.

Assessment:

Schools use criteria-based internal assessments for each subject.

In Grade 10, students may opt for MYP eAssessment, which includes:
  • On-screen exams in select subjects
  • Portfolio submissions
  • Personal Project evaluation

Grades 11–12: Diploma Programme (DP)

Overview:

  • A two-year pre-university programme for students aged 16 to 19.
  • Focuses on rigorous academics, research, and ethical/global education.

DP Curriculum Structure:

Students select six subjects, one from each group:

  1. Studies in Language and Literature
  2. Language Acquisition
  3. Individuals and Societies
  4. Sciences
  5. Mathematics
  6. The Arts (or a second subject from 1–5)
Each subject is taken at:
  • Higher Level (HL): In-depth study (~240 hours)
  • Standard Level (SL): Breadth (~150 hours)

DP Core Requirements:

  1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Reflective thinking on how we acquire knowledge.
  2. Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research paper.
  3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Real-world engagement outside academics.

DP Subject Areas:

  • Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems
  • Maths: Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretation
  • Languages: English A, Hindi B, French Ab Initio, etc.
  • Humanities: History, Economics, Psychology, Global Politics

Assessment & Grading

MYP (Grades 9–10):

  • Assessed using subject-specific criteria, scored 1 to 8 per criterion.
  • Final score (if eAssessment is taken) out of 56 points.
  • Personal Project and ePortfolio tasks contribute to final evaluation.

DP (Grades 11–12):

  • Each subject graded on a scale of 1 to 7.
  • Bonus points (up to 3) awarded for performance in TOK and EE.
  • Maximum possible score: 45 (6 subjects x 7 + 3 bonus).
  • Diploma awarded if students score at least 24 points, meet all core requirements, and avoid failing conditions.

Summary by Grade

GradeProgrammeFocus
9MYP Year 4Subject exploration, ATL skill development
10MYP Year 5Personal Project, optional external eAssessment
11DP Year 1Begin HL/SL subjects, TOK, EE, and CAS
12DP Year 2Final assessments, complete core components

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