There are various secondary educational programs throughout the world. At APIS we believe that IB and DP Programme offers the best educational experience today.

More than just a diploma program, the IB provides a distinctive educational experience for APIS students. Created in 1968, the DP is a demanding two-year pre-university course of study that leads to examinations. The programme has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving IB diploma holders access to the world’s leading universities.

It allows students to study a wide range of subjects throughout their final 2 years at APIS, while giving them the freedom to choose which subjects to study in greater depth. A number of opportunities exist for students to develop specialised knowledge and skills in topics that interest them the most.

The IB also provides teachers with the opportunity to engage with students in topics and questions that the students themselves are interested in. While these opportunities are certainly the best preparation for undergraduate studies, IB students also develop the ability to take on new ideas from across the disciplines throughout their lives.

Diploma Framework

The IB Diploma Programme has proved to be a compelling pre-university course of study not only because it guarantees breadth of study, but it also provides opportunities for students to develop their independent research skills through an extended essay; to foster an understanding of the epistemological links across the different subject domains through its Theory of Knowledge course and to gain formal recognition of achievement in co-curricular activities through its Creativity, Activity, Service requirement.

Diploma students study six subjects from six subject groups, concurrently over two years, as well as the core elements of the programme (Theory of Knowledge, the extended essay and creativity, action, service). The six subject groups represent the major domains of learning across all subject disciplines of a curriculum. 

At least three, and not more than four of the six subjects selected are taken at higher level (HL), 3 are then taken at standard level (SL). HL courses require 240 teaching hours, and require a greater depth of study across a broader range of content in the subject. SL courses require 150 hours and provide breadth of study across the whole Diploma Programme. 

Flexibility in choosing higher-level courses allows the students to pursue areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university entrance within a balanced overall programme. The subjects are continually reviewed and revised to meet contemporary needs.

DP Subjects Offered at APIS:

The Core

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a course unique to the IB programme, is an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyse evidence. TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives. 

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a fundamental part of the Diploma Programme experience.  The CAS requirement emphasises the importance of life outside the school world, providing a refreshing balance to the academic pursuits of the programme. The IB goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate and active citizen happens when students reach beyond themselves and their studies. 

The CAS requirement encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others: students may, for example, participate in musical productions, sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves and concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people. 

Extended Essay (EE) provides each student an opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The essay requirement acquaints diploma students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. The IBO recommends that a student devote a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay, which may be written in any of the subjects offered. The essay permits students to deepen their programme of study, for example by selecting a topic in one of their higher level (HL) courses. Students are appropriately supervised throughout the course of writing their EE by a faculty member in the school who is able to provide academic guidance concerning the subject in which the EE is registered. In addition, the teacher-mentor provides general guidance on time management and the overall structure and presentation of the papers; and ensures that the essay is the student’s own work.