Diploma Programme

The DP Diploma Programme

The AIS has been implementing the DP Programme since 2020. This programme is for students aged 16-19 and at AIS for grades 11 and 12. The programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay. Through the Diploma Programme (DP) core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service. The curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. The three core elements are:

01.

Theory of knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.

02.

The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

03.

Creativity, activity, service, in which students complete a project related to those three concepts.
The six subject groups are:
  • Studies in language and literature
  • Language acquisition
  • Individuals and societies Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • The arts
  • There are different courses within each subject group.
Within the DP programme students choose courses from the subject groups. Students will take some subjects at higher level (HL) and some at standard level (SL). HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level. Each student takes at least three (but not more than four) subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level.Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours.