IB Diploma Programme
Handbook

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) at Advanced Learning Schools. I am honoured to serve as the IB DP Coordinator for our community. Since becoming authorised to offer the Diploma Programme in 2009, ALS has proudly upheld its reputation as an IB Continuum School committed to excellence, growth and student success.

The DP is a challenging and rewarding two-year programme designed for students aged 16–19. It prepares learners not only for academic success, but also for life beyond school — developing them into thoughtful, responsible, compassionate and globally aware young adults. As you review this handbook together, I encourage you to think about the journey ahead: the hard work, the growth and the many opportunities that the DP will open for your child.

At ALS, the IB Diploma Programme complements and strengthens our school's vision of preparing global citizens who can navigate an ever-changing world while remaining grounded in their cultural identity. In this way, the DP embodies our CREM core values of Caring, Responsibility, Excellence and Making a Difference — encouraging students to engage meaningfully with their learning and their community. Through this programme, students build the essential skills needed for university and beyond: critical thinking, confident communication, collaborative problem-solving, creativity, resilience and proficiency in multiple languages.

We believe that informed decisions create the best pathways for students. This handbook has been prepared to provide your family with clear, comprehensive information about the Diploma Programme at ALS, guiding your son or daughter toward choices that support their interests, strengths and aspirations. If you have any questions at any stage, please do not hesitate to reach out — I am here to support you and your child throughout this important chapter.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. It offers four world-renowned academic programmes, including the Diploma Programme (DP) for students in Grades 11 and 12.

The IB curriculum was originally designed to create a common, internationally recognised qualification for globally mobile families, and it is now widely adopted by schools seeking a rigorous, inquiry-based education model. The IB operates global centres in The Hague, Singapore and Maryland (USA), with its Assessment Centre in Cardiff, Wales. Educators worldwide contribute to curriculum development, assessment and training. More information can be found at www.ibo.org.

A Timeline of the IB

From its founding in Geneva in 1968 to a worldwide community of thousands of schools — the IB's journey of "education for a better world".

Education for a Better World — the IB history timeline. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2021. Reproduced from IB materials.

The IB Diploma Programme develops the knowledge, skills and dispositions students need to succeed at university and beyond — from increased academic opportunity and critical thinking to an international outlook and proven time-management skills.

Figure 1 · 10 Reasons Why the IB Diploma Programme (DP) Is Ideal Preparation for University. International Baccalaureate Organization, 2014. Reproduced from IB materials.

The DP model places the learner profile at its centre, surrounded by the three elements of the DP core — Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. Around the core sit the six subject groups, all framed by approaches to teaching and learning and a commitment to international-mindedness.

Figure 2 · The IB Diploma Programme: Preparing Students for Success in Higher Education and to Be Active Participants in a Global Society. International Baccalaureate Organization, 2015. Reproduced from IB materials.

The IB Diploma Programme at ALS offers a balanced and challenging educational experience that prepares students for university and life beyond school. Here is a brief overview of what makes the DP exceptional:

In the Diploma Programme, Approaches to Teaching and Learning help students become active, independent and confident learners. These skills are intentionally taught and practised across all DP subjects, helping students stay organised, manage their time, think deeply, reflect on their progress and engage with real-world ideas. ATL provides reassurance that the DP supports students' academic growth as well as their personal well-being, resilience and readiness for university and life beyond school.

All DP students take part in three central components that form the core of the IB Diploma model. Together, these experiences promote independence, reflection, creativity, service and deep thinking.

Breadth and Depth of Study

The DP offers a wide range of subjects while allowing students to explore areas of personal interest in greater depth — combining a broad, balanced education with specialisation in chosen Higher Level subjects.

International-mindedness is at the heart of the IB Diploma Programme. It reflects an openness, curiosity and genuine respect for people, cultures and perspectives beyond one's own.

This begins with students developing a clear understanding of who they are — an essential foundation for collaborating, communicating and engaging meaningfully with others. Through the study of subjects across the six DP groups, along with the Theory of Knowledge course, students explore knowledge that comes from a variety of cultural, historical and global contexts. The DP encourages students to think critically and creatively while considering multiple viewpoints, helping them grow into thoughtful individuals who recognise that "other people, with their differences, can also be right."

This philosophy aligns closely with the mission and vision of ALS. As an IB Continuum School, ALS is committed to preparing global citizens who can navigate an ever-changing world while honouring their cultural heritage and identity.

At ALS, students have access to a broad selection of Diploma Programme courses designed to support a wide range of interests, strengths and future pathways. All students must complete CAS, Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay in addition to their six DP courses. For detailed information about each course, please refer to the relevant subject brief.

The Six Subject Groups

The Diploma Programme Core

Pamoja Online Courses

ALS offers Pamoja Online Courses as an alternative pathway for students unable to take a required DP subject on campus due to a timetable conflict, or who are eligible to opt out of Arabic (for example, students who do not hold a Saudi passport). Pamoja courses are IB-approved and follow the same curriculum, learning outcomes and assessment standards as in-school DP courses, delivered through a structured online platform and taught by qualified IB educators.

When you choose your subjects for the IB Diploma Programme, it's important to remember that every subject matters. Some students focus only on their Higher Level (HL) classes and forget that Standard Level (SL) subjects also require steady effort. A balanced approach will help you succeed.

Questions to Ask Yourself First

• Which subjects have I truly enjoyed before?
• What topics am I passionate about?
• How do my strengths and interests connect to the future I want?
• Which countries am I considering for university? Different places have different requirements.
• Do the programmes I'm interested in require certain subjects or levels?
• Will my choices help me build a well-rounded education, and meet all IB Diploma requirements?

It can be helpful to talk with your parents, teachers and the Career Counselor as you make these decisions.

A Few Rules to Keep in Mind

• You may not take the same subject at both HL and SL.
• Choose your three HL subjects first, based on your interests, strengths, academic history and university plans — then select your three SL subjects.
• You cannot take two Mathematics courses.
• You may take extra Sciences or Individuals & Societies subjects, or an additional language (other than English or Arabic), by replacing Group 6 (Arts).
• If a university requires a special set of subjects (for example, three sciences for Medicine), exceptions may be approved by the IB — speak with the DP Coordinator.

Guidance by Subject Group

Sample IB Subject Combinations by Major

Examples only — universities may have their own requirements.

Assessment in the DP at ALS is designed to be fair, transparent and supportive of student growth. Our goal is not only to measure what students know, but also to strengthen how they learn, help teachers refine their practice and keep families well-informed.

Purpose of Assessment

Assessment at ALS is criterion-related — achievement is measured against clearly defined subject criteria and grade descriptors rather than in comparison with other students. Students demonstrate learning through written examinations, investigations, oral assessments, research tasks, projects, performances and practical work. It serves to:

• Provide clear information about students' knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding.
• Highlight strengths while identifying specific learning needs.
• Align learning outcomes with DP subject objectives, criteria and required skills.
• Act as feedback that continually improves curriculum design and delivery.
• Offer timely, meaningful feedback to students and parents so learning can progress with purpose.

Assessment Components

Students registered for the IB Diploma or individual DP Courses complete the relevant IB assessment requirements. Students following the ALS school-assessed pathway complete the DP curriculum together with the school's assessment requirements and graduation expectations. Comprehensive details are available in the ALS DP Assessment Annex, to be read alongside the ALS Whole-School Assessment Policy.

Predicted Grades (PGs)

The school ensures all predicted grades are evidence-based, fair, transparent and reflective of each student's demonstrated achievement. Teachers aim to predict accurately and avoid inflating grades — inflated predictions can lead to university offers being withdrawn if final results are lower. A student's final grades depend entirely on their own effort and commitment; approaching teachers to request higher predicted grades will not result in changes. Predictions are based on evidence including:

• DP1 end-of-year subject results
• DP2 assessment evidence
• DP2 Readiness Assessment results
• Internal Assessment / coursework progress and quality
• Teacher professional judgement based on sustained performance, engagement and readiness

Examinations at ALS

External candidates & examination hosting: ALS may, subject to availability and IB requirements, accommodate IB candidates from other schools who require an examination venue. Where candidates can be accommodated within existing sessions, no additional fees apply; fees may apply where extra supervision, staffing or out-of-hours sessions are required.

DP Grade Descriptors (1–7)

DP Assessment Weighting

DP1 — per subject (Semester One & Two)

DP2 — Semester One

DP2 — Semester Two

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

At ALS, students are encouraged to use AI ethically, responsibly and transparently as a tool to support learning rather than replace it, governed by the ALS Academic Integrity Policy, ALS AI Policy, the ALS DP Assessment Annex and current IB guidance. Where permitted by the teacher, AI may support brainstorming, organisation, concept review, language refinement or feedback. However, students remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, analysis, reasoning and final submission of their work — AI-generated content must never be submitted as a student's own, and permitted use must be acknowledged.

At ALS, every student engages in the rich and challenging IB Diploma Programme. While all learners benefit from the same high-quality coursework, they may pursue different certification routes depending on their strengths, goals and university plans.

Completion Requirements & Graduation

Graduation from ALS requires completion of all internal and external assessment components for each DP course, all ALS mocks/final exams (as applicable), and the DP Core (EE, CAS and TOK).

ATL lies at the heart of the Diploma Programme at ALS. It brings together deliberate teaching practices, learning strategies and attitudes that shape how students learn and how teachers support them.

Closely connected to the IB Learner Profile, ATL equips students with essential academic and personal skills that prepare them not only for DP assessments but also for success at university and in future life. ATL integrates five approaches to learning (skills) with six approaches to teaching — inquiry-based, conceptually focused, contextualised, collaborative, differentiated and informed by assessment.

Aims of ATL at ALS

• Empower teachers as teachers of learners, not only teachers of content.
• Promote meaningful learning through structured inquiry, critical thinking and creative exploration.
• Reinforce the aims of individual subjects while helping students make connections across disciplines.
• Support students in developing the learning habits, independence and confidence needed for university and beyond.
• Highlight the distinctive nature of an IB education at ALS — blending idealism, global-mindedness and practical skill development.

The Five ATL Skill Categories

Each category is closely aligned with the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. Tap a category to expand it.

The ATL Learning Environment at ALS

At ALS we create learning environments where students feel supported, challenged and inspired — with active learning in a caring culture, teachers who guide students as learners, genuine value placed on student voice, encouragement of intellectual risk-taking and curiosity, meaningful and contextual learning connected to real-world issues, timely constructive feedback, inclusive practices, emotionally safe spaces, clear expectations and transparent criteria, and explicit development of metacognition and critical thinking. Through these principles, ATL is a living part of daily teaching and learning that prepares students to thrive within the DP and beyond.

The IB Diploma is awarded to students who demonstrate consistent effort and achievement across all areas of the Diploma Programme — six subjects, the three core components, and the minimum point and grade requirements set by the IB.

General Requirements

Bonus Points Matrix (TOK & EE)

Up to three bonus points are awarded based on combined performance in Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay.

Bilingual Diploma & Certificates

Results, Enquiries & Fees

The IB believes all students should take their examinations under conditions that are as fair as possible. Where normal conditions would put a student at a disadvantage, reasonable inclusive access arrangements may be authorised.

Students eligible for inclusive access arrangements are those with individual needs such as a specific learning difficulty, an emotional or behavioural difficulty, physical, sensory or medical conditions, or mental health needs. These arrangements remove barriers without giving an unfair advantage.

Some countries require IB DP Results or Course Results to be legally certified before they are accepted for university admission. Because rules vary by country, students must check the requirements of the universities and national authorities where they intend to study.

Which documents can be legalized?

• IB Diploma Programme Results — the main document showing final grades; most commonly legalized.
• IB Diploma — shows only the student's name and school; legalized only if specifically required.
• DP Course Results — for students who do not earn the full diploma but still need legalized course results.

How the Process Works

Some countries require extra steps — Italy may require a "Declaration of Value"; Argentina, Mexico and Egypt may require legalization of both the DP Results and the Diploma; Nepal, Nigeria, Iran and Syria require students to complete the final consulate step themselves. A regularly updated list is on the IB Recognition website. Legalization fees are charged per document and per country; late requests incur additional fees. Alumni and late requests must go directly through the IB's Request for Results Service.

Replacement of IB Results Documents

If a document is lost or damaged, students may request a replacement through the IB. While still enrolled, the DP Coordinator makes the request on the student's behalf; after leaving, requests may be submitted directly but only after six months from the original release of results. The IB corrects minor spelling errors if the name is still recognisable; legal name changes require official proof. Replacement documents require a fee (no charge for replacements related to gender reassignment).

A growing body of international research shows that DP students enrol in, perform at and graduate from top universities at higher rates than their peers — and report that the IB profoundly shapes their lives. The two IB figures below are presented here as interactive, on-brand charts.

DP Students Enrol & Graduate at Higher Rates (US)

DP students in the US who enrolled in post-secondary education immediately after high school enrolled in, and graduated from, four-year institutions at much higher rates than the national average.

The DP — Best for Developing Non-Academic Skills

University admissions officials say the DP is the best qualification for developing students' non-academic skills and preparing them for further education and careers — compared with A Levels and Scottish Highers.

What UK University Admissions Officers Say

Admissions officers rated how well A Levels and the DP develop key qualities in UK students.

The Effect of Enrolling in the Full DP

A large-scale study of public schools in an urban US district found that enrolling in the full DP increases the probability that students will graduate from high school and enrol in college.

Perceived Capacity for 21st-Century Skills

Compared to non-IB peers, DP graduates at universities in Australia and East Asia reported higher capacities for 21st-century skills across every area measured:

Outcomes at University (UK)

DP students outperform their A Level peers in enrolling at top universities and achieving first- or second-class honours.

DP in Chicago

DP graduates in Chicago public schools were significantly more likely to enrol in college, enrol in selective colleges and persist than similar non-DP graduates.

DP & MYP Around the World