IB Diploma Programme Singapore

High school diploma students at ISS International School Singapore
Students of international primary school in Singapore

Shaping Future Leaders: The IB Diploma Programme at ISS

ISS International School offers the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a rigorous pre-university course for motivated students aged 16-19. This IB Diploma Programme Singapore prepares students for top universities worldwide, fostering intellectual curiosity, independent learning, and a global mindset.

At ISS, our supportive, international high school environment provides personalised attention, nurturing students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being as they embark upon this educational pathway.

IB Diploma Programme

ib-diploma-programme

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous pre-university course of study designed for students in the 16-19 age range. It is a broad-based two-year course that aims to encourage students to be knowledgeable and inquiring, but also caring and compassionate. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging students to develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes necessary for them to respect and evaluate a range of points of view.

We aim to provide access to the IB Diploma Programme to all students who show outstanding determination and motivation, and who have highly developed personal organisation and time-management skills. To that effect, we provide support for students whose first language is not English, and we frequently give students a chance to prove themselves if we believe they have the potential to succeed. This differentiated support has meant that over 95% of our students on the programme are awarded the IB Diploma, and our more able students continue to achieve top scores.

Subject Groups

This section outlines the six subject groups that form the core of the IBDP, a structure that supports academic breadth and depth within the IBDP in Singapore.

Students are required to choose a combination of higher-level (HL) and standard-level (SL) subjects. They can choose a maximum of four subjects at a higher level and the remaining at a standard level. These IBDP subjects serve as a solid foundation, ensuring students are well-prepared for the academic rigour of the programme.

At ISS International School, students can choose subjects from the following groups:

Language and Literature

  • English A
  • Chinese A

01

Language Acquisition

  • English B
  • Chinese B

02

Individuals and Societies

  • Business Management
  • Psychology

03

Sciences

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology

04

Mathematics

  • Analysis and Approaches
  • Applications and Interpretations

05

Arts

  • Visual Arts
  • Music

06

Subject Offering

Core Elements of the IBDP in Singapore

In addition to the six subject groups, the IBDP includes three essential components that students must complete successfully.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Theory of Knowledge challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and explore the links between various disciplines. Students are encouraged to question how we know what we know. This helps them develop critical thinking skills that extend across all subjects, preparing them for complex problem-solving in the future.

Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay is an independent, research-based project where students explore a topic of personal interest in depth. With a maximum word count of 4,000 words, the EE encourages students to engage in self-directed research, develop inquiry skills, and refine their academic writing.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

The CAS programme is integral to the holistic development of students in the IB Diploma Programme Singapore. It challenges students to participate in a range of extracurricular activities that promotes personal growth while making meaningful contributions to the communities.

IB Diploma Programme Subjects (Course Pathway)

The IB Diploma Programme in Singapore at ISS is structured around six subject groups, designed to provide students with a broad and balanced education. Students following the course-based pathway select subjects from these groups, choosing a combination of Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses that align with the IB Diploma Programme curriculum.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

This group focuses on the study of language and literature, helping students develop critical reading, analytical writing, and effective communication skills. Students explore texts from diverse cultures and contexts, supporting deep engagement within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Singapore.

Subjects:

  • English A
  • Chinese A

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Language Acquisition supports proficiency in a language other than the student’s primary language. Courses are designed to strengthen communication skills while fostering intercultural understanding, a key aspect of IBDP in Singapore.

Subjects:

  • English B
  • Chinese B

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

This group explores human behaviour, societies, and global systems. Through the study of real-world issues relevant to the IB Diploma Programme in Singapore, students develop strong analytical and evaluative skills.

Subjects:

  • Business Management
  • Psychology

Group 4: Sciences

Science subjects encourage inquiry, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning. Students build a strong foundation in scientific understanding through practical and theoretical learning aligned with the IB Diploma Programme curriculum.

Subjects:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology

Group 5: Mathematics

Mathematics develops logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical thinking. Within the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Singapore, students can select courses that align with their strengths and future academic pathways.

Subjects:

  • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
  • Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations

Group 6: The Arts

The Arts allow students to explore creativity, expression, and artistic appreciation. This group supports personal growth and creative thinking as part of the holistic IB Diploma Programme experience.

Subjects:

  • Visual Arts
  • Music

Assessment and Academic Integrity in the IB Diploma Programme

In Singapore, assessment within the IBDP is guided by clear principles of fairness, authenticity, and transparency. This ensures that students are evaluated holistically while consistently upholding the core values of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity underpins all learning and assessment in the IB Diploma Programme in Singapore. Students are expected to produce authentic, original work, with all sources and ideas properly acknowledged in line with IB expectations.

Authentic Coursework

All coursework submitted for assessment must reflect a student’s own understanding and effort. Collaborative tasks and teacher-guided work are completed in accordance with IB guidelines, ensuring integrity across the IB Diploma programme curriculum.

Internal Assessment

Over the two-year programme, ISS teachers conduct internal assessments that enable students to demonstrate their subject understanding, research skills, and analytical thinking within the DP Singapore framework.

External Assessment

Externally set and moderated examinations form a significant part of the assessment. These assessments may include written papers, oral examinations, data-based questions, and essays, ensuring global benchmarking within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Singapore.

Balanced Evaluation

The combination of internal and external assessments recognises different learning styles and strengths. This balanced approach ensures students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and effective communication throughout the IB Diploma programme.

Award of the Diploma

Each examined subject in Groups 1 to 6 is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). Both Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay are graded on a scale from E (fail) to A (maximum).

The award of the IB Diploma requires:

  1. The 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 course (TOK) and CAS (creativity, activity, service) activities.
  2. The students to gain a minimum of 12 points on Higher Level subjects. (For students who register for four Higher Level subjects, the three highest grades count.)
  3. The students to gain a minimum of 9 points on Standard Level subjects. (Students who register for two Standard Level subjects must gain at least 5 points at Standard Level.)

 

The maximum score of 45 points includes three bonus points for the combined maximum grades achieved in the Extended Essay and TOK.

University Recognition

IB graduates gain admission to a wide range of selective colleges and universities throughout the world. In North America, students with strong IB examination results may also receive advanced standing or course credit, depending upon the policy of the institution they are attending. In addition, formal agreements exist between the IB and many ministries of education. Information on the recognition of the IB Diploma Programme by universities and ministries throughout the world is available at www.ibo.org/recognition or from the school’s University Advisor.

Why Study the IBDP at ISS International School?

Choosing where to pursue the IB Diploma Programme in Singapore is a significant decision that can shape a student’s academic and personal future. At ISS International School, students learn in a supportive, inclusive environment that balances academic rigour with personalised care, equipping them for success in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and beyond.

Expert Guidance and Support

Our experienced faculty provides personalised guidance and support, fostering a deep understanding of the curriculum and exam strategies. By nurturing critical thinking and independent learning, we prepare students for university success.

Having completed the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Curriculum students at ISS already have a strong foundation in inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and international perspectives. This seamless transition allows them to build upon their existing knowledge and skills, easing the transition process.

Our diverse student body creates a vibrant and enriching learning environment. Learn alongside peers from around the globe, strengthening intercultural understanding and developing a global perspective.

ISS offers an individualised approach to learning, with small class sizes that allow teachers to understand each student’s strengths, goals, and learning needs. This personalised support helps students manage the demands of the IB Diploma Programme curriculum with confidence and clarity.

Our faculty bring strong subject expertise and extensive experience teaching the IB Diploma Programme. Through targeted guidance, structured feedback, and consistent mentoring, students are supported in developing critical thinking, research skills, and academic independence.

Academic excellence is balanced with student wellbeing at ISS. Dedicated pastoral care ensures students feel supported emotionally and socially throughout their journey in the IBDP in Singapore, enabling them to remain resilient and motivated during the two-year programme.

Students transitioning from the IB Middle Years Programme benefit from continuity in inquiry-based learning and assessment approaches. This smooth progression allows learners to build on established skills and mindsets as they enter the IB Diploma Programme in Singapore.

ISS is home to a culturally diverse student body, creating a rich learning environment where multiple perspectives are valued. Daily interactions within this global community strengthen intercultural understanding, a core outcome of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Singapore.

Beyond academic results, ISS equips students with the skills universities value most, including independent learning, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. Graduates leave well prepared for higher education and future pathways within and beyond Singapore.

Requirements of the IBDP

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has specific requirements that students must fulfill:

Curriculum Requirements

Students must study six subjects, three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), chosen from six subject groups.

Core Components

In addition to the six subjects, students must complete the DP core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). These elements encourage students to develop critical thinking, research, and personal growth throughout their studies.

Assessment

Students are assessed through a combination of internal assessments (coursework) and external assessments (exams). This ensures that students meet the high standards expected of them and are well-prepared for university and future careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IB Diploma Programme in Singapore?

The IB Diploma Programme in Singapore is a globally recognised, two-year pre-university qualification for students aged 16 to 19 years old. It prepares students for higher education through academic rigour, critical thinking, and holistic development.

Yes, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Singapore is designed for students of all nationalities. Its global curriculum and assessment framework support mobility and university recognition worldwide.

The IB Diploma programme is academically demanding and requires strong time management and commitment. With structured support and guidance at ISS, students are well-equipped to manage the workload and succeed.

Assessment includes both internal coursework and externally moderated examinations. This balanced approach ensures students are evaluated on understanding, application, and analytical skills within the IB Diploma Programme curriculum.

Students must obtain a minimum score of 24 points and complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The maximum possible score in the IBDP framework in Singapore is 45 points.

Yes, IB Diploma graduates are recognised by universities in Singapore and globally. Admission depends on individual university requirements and achieved results.

The full IB Diploma Programme in Singapore includes six subjects and all three core components. The Diploma Course pathway allows students to take selected IB subjects without completing the full diploma.

ISS offers personalised academic support, experienced IB educators, and a strong sense of community. This nurturing environment allows students to grow academically and personally within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Singapore.

The entry requirements typically include successful completion of the IB MYP or an equivalent education. Students must also meet subject-specific prerequisites and demonstrate a strong academic record. Some schools may have additional requirements based on their curriculum and the student’s previous performance.

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