Diploma Program
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) curriculum at International Scholars Academy serves students in Grades 11-12 and is excellent preparation for college and university. The IB Diploma Program (DP) is for students aged 16-19. DP candidacy begins in grade 11 and concludes after senior year May Session examinations at ISA.
The DP requires students to study six subjects and the Diploma Program core. One subject is chosen from each of Groups 1 to 5 and the sixth subject from Group 6, or, as an alternative, students can elect to study a second subject from Groups 1 to 4 (IBO, 2016).
Students in the Diploma Program are required to complete over both years of the program at least three Standard Level (SL) courses and three Higher Level (HL) courses. Breadth in the DP is provided by scholars studying three subjects taken at Standard level (SL) which requires 150 hours of instruction. An SL course could be a one year or a two-year course. Specialization and depth in the DP are provided by requiring at least three [no more than four] of the six subjects to be studied at Higher Level (HL) which requires 240 hours of instruction) over the course of two years. In the IB Diploma Program at ISA, students may also have the option to choose to take a selection of IB courses and sit for examinations as Diploma Program Course certificate candidates. However, the IB Diploma is open to all students and full IB DP candidacy is the expectation at ISA.
IB Diploma Program students study a broad range of topics in depth where critical thinking, language learning, and global awareness are encouraged in our environment of Islamic values and multicultural appreciation. IB examinations occur in May according to the official IB calendar of exams. The Diploma Program places strong emphasis on the 10 IB Learner Profile Traits, Inquiry, International Mindedness, and the IB Approaches to Teaching and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills such as collaboration, communication, research, self-management, and thinking/critical thinking skills.
The DP subject groups currently offered at ISA are:
IB DP English Language A Language & Literature (HL/SL): The English A Language & Literature course is a two-year college preparatory course where students focus and develop a lifelong appreciation of language and literature. Scholars taking English Language A Language & Literature will cultivate written and oral communications and the techniques of literary Students will develop an appreciation for the power of human expression and sharpen critical thinking skills through an analysis of a range of text-types, literary forms, styles, perspectives, and cultures. This course is for students whose first language is English.
IB DP Arabic Language B (HL/SL) or Arabic AB initio (SL): Arabic B/ Arabic AB provides the acquisition of Arabic targeting the linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing while developing phonetics, grammar, and communication ability in written and spoken IB Arabic B exposes students to a complex range of materials and texts and enhances cultural appreciation. The IB Arabic AB initio SL course is for students who are beginners acquiring the Arabic language.
- IB DP Psychology (HL/SL): The IB Psychology course covers the scientific study of mental and behavioral processes. Students will come to know and understand psychological concepts (bias, perspective, causality, measurement, change, responsibility), content (biological approach, cognitive approach, sociocultural approach, and research methodology), and contexts. Students will learn about psychological literacy, theories, ethics in psychology, conduct research, and use critical thinking skills to analyze psychological studies and investigations using an integrative approach. Students will complete practical work which will include interviews, experiments, focus groups, and observations to further examine practical applications of psychology in real life contexts. Psychology students will develop an internal assessment research proposal and sit for the examinations.
- IB DP Business Management (HL/SL): The DP Business course explores the concepts of change, culture, ethics, globalization, innovation, & strategy. IB Business Management students will study decision making within an organization and examine the use of IT in a business context. The units of instruction are based on business organization & environment, HR management, finance + accounts, marketing (the 4ps: product, price, promotion, and place), and operations management. Students will complete internal assessments and take the IB exams.
- IB DP Biology (HL/SL): The Biology course aims to develop experimental and investigative scientific Students will gain a deep understanding of biological facts, concepts, terminology, and research methods covering biological disciplines including cell theory, biochemistry, physiology, and genetics. Students will conduct labs, experiment reports, and Group 4 science investigations that concern global issues, technology, and scientific research.
- IB DP Chemistry (SL): Coming in the 2025-2026 ISA Academic School Year.
- IB DP Mathematics Analysis & Approaches (SL) and IB DP Mathematics Applications & Interpretations (SL): These two-year math courses designed for students to use logical and critical thinking skills to apply mathematics in practical real-world situations. Students will learn to formulate mathematical arguments, explore mathematical concepts, communicate knowledge, and use mathematical principles, terms, and techniques. Students will complete an internally based mathematical investigation based on students’ interests and the course will culminate in the IB examination.
- IB Visual Arts SL/HL: Coming in the ISA 2025-2026 Academic School Year. Depends on availability, student interest, and enrollment.
DP Core: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity-Activity-Service
The core of the Diploma Program consists of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course where students reflect on the nature of knowledge. Theory of knowledge provides a forum for open-minded critical thinking and discussion in which students develop strong written and oral presentation skills. The course considers the nature of human knowledge from different perspectives and supports the development of interdisciplinary understanding.
The DP core also includes the IB Extended Essay (EE). The EE provides students with the opportunity to investigate an academic research question of individual interest and in the process to develop independent research, reflection, and writing skills expected for further education. DP students at ISA will be enrolled in a Research, Writing, and College Connections course and are paired with an EE Advisor to aid them in the research process and reflective journey. The capstone 4,000-word research known as the Extended Essay (EE) will begin in junior year and be completed in senior year. The IB EE Silver Tray Ceremony is a celebratory event held at the Academy that marks the achievement of the Extended Essay before they are sent out to IB for external assessment in senior year.
The IB Diploma Core also includes Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). An IB DP student will develop a Creativity, Activity, Service portfolio and reflect on planned activities (totaling collectively at least 150 hours -or more). CAS in the DP begin the summer of junior year, where students are to take part in activities, actions, and learning outcomes related to each of the three strands of CAS. Participation in the DP CAS program broadens the educational experience by expecting students to be involved in creative, physical/active, and service activities over the course of 2 years. Students will develop CAS plans and a portfolio which will include community service, action, reflections, interviews, and evidence based on CAS outcomes. Students seeking the full IB Diploma must complete all components of the DP Core. The IB CAS program will be implemented at ISA with your DP Coordinator.