IB Diploma Programme at DPS V2.2

What Is the IB Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a globally recognised two-year educational curriculum for students aged 16–19. It prepares learners for university success and life beyond school by promoting academic excellence, critical thinking, and international awareness.

The IB DP is known for its rigour, breadth and balanced approach and is offered by schools around the world.

Origin of the DP

The DP was established to provide students with a balanced education, facilitate geographic and cultural mobility and to promote international understanding. It was created by teachers at the International School of Geneva, with assistance from several other international schools.

Since then, innovative and committed teachers and examiners from around the world have played a significant role in the development of the programme.

Developing students in the DP

The DP is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education. It addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students, and is respected by universities across the globe. Each of the IB’s programmes, including the DP, is committed to the development of students according to the attributes shown in the IB learner profile.

 

The following information is from the IB website. You can find more information here:

 

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme

 

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is open to any student aged 16-19. There are DP students all over the world.

 

 

Core Components of the IB Diploma

The IB Diploma has three core elements that set it apart:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
A course that encourages students to ask:

  • How do we know what we know?
  • What are the assumptions behind knowledge claims?
    This cultivates critical thinking across subjects.

Extended Essay (EE)

A 4,000-word independent research essay where students explore a topic of personal interest.

  • Builds research skills
  • Strengthens academic writing
  • Prepares for university-level inquiry

 Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Students engage in meaningful experiences in:

  • Creativity (arts, design, performance)
  • Activity (sports, fitness)
  • Service (community projects)

CAS encourages personal growth, teamwork, leadership and real-world contribution.

Six Subject Groups

  • Students choose one subject from each of these groups:
  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • Language Acquisition
    Individuals and Societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • The Arts

For flexibility, students may substitute an Arts subject with an additional subject from groups 1–5.
Each subject is offered at one of two levels:

  • Higher Level (HL) – deeper study
  • Standard Level (SL) – broader but less intensive

Students normally take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects plus the DP Core (TOK, EE, CAS) to be eligible for the full DP certificate.

Why Choose the IB Diploma?

Global Recognition
Universities around the world highly value the IB Diploma for its:

  • academic challenge
  • focus on lifelong skills
  • holistic approach

Students graduating with an IB Diploma are well-prepared for international higher education.

Holistic Skill Development
The programme builds:

  • Critical thinking
  • Independent research
  • Intercultural
  • understanding
  • Effective communication
  • Time and project management
Community and Service

IB students learn to make a real impact through service projects that benefit others and strengthen leadership.

Assessment and Qualification
IB Diploma students are assessed through:

  • External examinations at the end of the programme
  • Internal assessments evaluated by teachers and moderated externally

To earn the Diploma, students must meet requirements in:

  • subject achievement
  • core components (TOK, EE, CAS)
    IB standards and practices
  • Scores are reported on a point scale (maximum 45 points).
How Will You Be Graded?
 
 

You will be graded on a combination of internal assessment, final exams plus the IB core components.

(1) Internal Assessment: In class throughout the 2 years, you will be required to complete internal assessment tasks (e.g. oral presentations, practical work, written papers), which contribute anywhere between 20% to 50% of your total grades. Internal assessments are marked by your school teachers.

(2) External Assessment: Generally, you will take 2 – 3 papers per subject at the end of the 2-year programme. These examinations are marked by external IB examiners.

Internal and external marks are added together to calculate the final score. The grade awarded for each subject ranges from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest).

For example, if you achieve the highest score for each subject, your score will be 6 subjects x 7 points per subject = 42 points.

 
 

(3) Core Components: In addition, you will also be awarded up to 3 points for your combined results in the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) courses. Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) – the remaining element in the IB core – does not contribute to the points, but authenticated participation is required.

This means that the maximum score that you can obtain is 45 points (i.e. 42 points for 6 subjects + 3 points for Core Components).

The IB Diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points of the total 45 points.

What Our School Offers

At DPS, our IB Diploma Programme offers a supportive environment with experienced teachers, small class sizes, and personalised guidance. Students benefit from university counselling services, and opportunities to engage in international events.

We offer the following DP courses

Group 1: Studies in English Language and Literature (SL/HL)

Group 2: Arabic B (SL/HL)

Group 3: Digital Society (SL/HL) Environmental Systems & Societies (SL/HL)

Group 4: Chemistry (SL/HL) Physics (SL/HL)

Group 5: Mathematics: Applications and Adaptions (SL/HL)

Group 6: Arts or additional Science Subject

We provide our DP students with high-quality learning experiences and ongoing support that prepare them for academic and career opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman and around the world.

Learn More

For details on subject choices, admissions, timeline, and academic resources, contact:
📧 Email: admissions@dps.edu.om
📞 Phone: +968 24583561 +968 95503926

Or visit the IB official website: https://www.ibo.org