What is the Diploma Program?

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a globally recognized two-year educational program for students aged 16 and above who are curious and motivated to help create a better world. The DP offers a balanced education that cultivates both subject-specific knowledge and essential 21st-century skills, aligning with the IB’s mission to prepare students for success in university and beyond:

 

“The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end, the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” 

Click to find more about the history and philosophy of the IB.

 

Why choose the Diploma Program?

The IBDP takes a holistic approach to education, meaning that in addition to gaining in-depth knowledge in their six subjects, students also receive support to develop a wide range of transferable skills.

 

 

In contrast to the four A-level subjects typically studied at Thames British School (4.5 hours per subject per week), the IBDP offers a broad curriculum with six subjects, each with a weekly time commitment of 3 hours at Standard Level and 4 hours at Higher Level. These subjects are organised into six groups, with some flexibility:

  • Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
  • Group 2: Language Acquisition
  • Group 3: Individuals and Societies
  • Group 4: Sciences
  • Group 5: Mathematics
  • Group 6: The Arts

The IBDP subjects we offer at TBS vary based on our students’ needs and interests. This year (September 2024), popular choices include Business Management, Physics, Computer Science, and Visual Arts!

 

 

Additionally to the academic rigour of the program, at the core of the DP’s Approaches to Teaching and Learning, are the IB Learner Profile attributes—a set of qualities that IB World Schools strive to foster in students: inquirer, knowledgeable, thinker, communicator, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taker, balanced and reflective. In line with this philosophy, Thames British School is deeply committed to developing internationally minded individuals who will grow both academically and personally by the time they complete the program. To learn more about the IB Learner Profile, please click here.

 

In addition, the Core is a specificity of the IBDP that makes it unique and highly valued by universities all around the world (please see this communication for more detail). The Core of the Diploma Programme consists of three essential components that enhance students’ learning beyond academics: the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

  1. The Extended Essay (EE): Students conduct independent research and write a 4,000-word essay on a topic of their choice. This process fosters critical research and writing skills, preparing them for university-level work.
  2. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): This course encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge across disciplines. Through an exhibition and an essay, they learn to think critically about how knowledge is constructed and its implications.
  3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): CAS promotes personal and interpersonal growth through engagement in creative projects, physical activities, and community service. It encourages students to explore new experiences and make a positive impact.

 

Last but not least, the international recognition of the Diploma Program is clearly an asset for sixth-formers as each year DP students apply to more than 5,000 higher education institutions in more than 100 countries. If you decide to study in Spain, the IBDP is fully approved by the Spanish Ministry of Education ensuring access to Spanish universities, both public and private, in the same conditions as students taking the Spanish Baccalaureate. Indeed, the IBDP is an eligible pre-university diploma program and does not require further homologation in order to apply for admission to a Spanish university. It means that, as a general rule, the IB Diploma points are automatically converted to the Spanish system. However, each community has its own specific requirements. Please contact us for more information and follow this link for IB Recognitions statements.

 

Who is it for?

The IB Diploma Programme is designed for students who:

  • Are seeking an academically rigorous program that is recognized internationally and offers a challenging curriculum designed to stimulate critical thinking
  • Wish to gain essential skills before entering university, such as academic integrity, thinking and research skills and time management to mention a few 
  • Want to keep their future options open
  • Have a strong work ethic as the DP combine both internal assessments (coursework to be submitted throughout the two years) and final examinations

 

  • Are interested in understanding diverse cultures and global issues, in other words curious about the world 

This program caters to those seeking a well-rounded education that prepares them for a variety of academic and professional opportunities. The more you have to offer, the more beneficial it is for your university application and your competitiveness in the job market!

 

What makes the IBDP special at Thames British School Madrid?

  1. A dedicated team of trained teachers
  2. Small class sizes, well below the average
  3. Individualised academic and pastoral support 
  4. “Skills for the future” workshops run by our passionate librarian (including research skills)
  5. A friendly learning environment
  6. Personalised Career Guidance

 

 

Finally, research says that DP students are more likely to enrol in a top higher education institution and achieve a first- or upper second-class honours degree. So why not get in touch? 

For any additional information, please contact our team:

 

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We are looking forward to meeting you!