What Are the Benefits of Earning an IB Diploma?
At The International School of Macao, our high school program prepares students for success in post secondary education and life as an adult. In addition to the rigorous Alberta High School Diploma, we also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as an option for our Grade 11 and 12 students. The two-year IBDP is a challenging and balanced pre-university educational program that is recognized around the world. Students have the option of completing the full IB Diploma Programme or IB Courses in specific subject areas. All successful students will earn an Alberta Diploma along with either an IB certificate (Courses) or the full IB Diploma.
The IBDP requires taking courses from each of the six subject groups and the IB core.
IB Subject Groups | IB Core |
Studies in Language and Literature | Theory of Knowledge (TOK) |
Language Acquisition | Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) |
Individuals and Societies | Extended Essay (EE - a 4000 word research paper) |
Experimental Sciences | |
Mathematics | |
The Arts (may be substituted with a second course from the first 4 groups above) |
Assessments include school-based projects that are externally moderated by the IB and externally marked exams. Students must meet minimum achievement requirements in order to receive an IB Diploma.
What are the benefits of earning an IB Diploma?
Students are more prepared for college-level course work involving research and analysis
The IBDP is globally recognized by universities as a rigorous academic program
At TIS, by taking both Alberta and IB courses concurrently, many areas of student growth are enhanced, including:
improved coping and time management skills
increased exposure to multiple perspectives
improved time management skills
exposure to an expanded breadth of content
exposure to different assessment styles
an opportunity to develop in many non-academic areas such as: voluntary service, leadership, personal creativity, teamwork, participation in sports teams and clubs
Program entry information:
Since the IBDP is a rigorous academic programme, students must meet certain eligibility requirements in their Grade 10 year before they can enroll. Students must demonstrate the aptitude, work ethic and show successful previous academic results before they will be considered for admission into the IBDP.
TIS strives to assist students in choosing the courses that will provide the greatest opportunity for student success. Grade 10 students who are interested in the IBDP must:
Complete Math 10C and Math 20-1 (or equivalents)
Complete all Dash 1 (or equivalent) courses
Earn a final overall academic average of 70% (Alberta grading scale)
Earn a minimum grade of 65% in all of the prerequisite courses for each of their IBDP Standard Level course selections (Alberta grading scale)
Earn a minimum grade of 75% in all of the prerequisite courses for each of the IBDP Higher Level courses (Alberta grading scale)
Students make the decision to enroll in the IB Diploma when registering for their Grade 11 courses. This usually takes place in April of their Grade 10 academic year.
Students who are likely to succeed with the dual Alberta/IB approach at TIS are those who have excellent English skills, good time management, and well-developed study skills. This program is intended for students who are seeking to expand their knowledge base and who are looking for additional academic challenges.
For more information about the IBDP programme at TIS, please visit our website. All inquiries can be directed to our IBDP Coordinator, Ms Jody Hubert: jody.hubert@tis.edu.mo
