Grade 11 & Grade 12

Developing students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge.

IB Diplomma Programme at St. Dominic's

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) was founded in 1968 subsequently becoming a globally recognised pathway for students aged 16 to 19. At Saint Dominic’s, we have proudly been accredited as a DP school since 1994. As one of the oldest DP schools in the country we have significant experience in delivering a programme that brings out the best in all of our students. To quote the IB, the DP allows us to develop students who:

have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge
flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically
study at least two languages
excel in traditional academic subjects

explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique theory or knowledge course

At Saint Dominic´s, our rigorous approach ensures students are set up for success in the DP and life beyond.

What is the Diploma Programme? – international baccalaureate®. Available at: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/what-is-the-dp/ (Accessed: 04 November 2024).

Simon Downing

Diploma Programme Coordinator

The IB Diploma’s philosophy is to provide an education for the whole person, aiming to develop students to have an excellent breadth and depth in knowledge and to provide an environment where students flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

The Core Elements

Theory of Knowledge

Theory of Knowledge is central to the philosophy of the IB Diploma Programme. It offers students the opportunity to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and to consider the role of knowledge in their culture and the culture of others. The TOK course encourages critical thinking, stimulates discussion and is designed to immerse students into the study of ourselves and the world around us.

Creativity, Action, Service

The CAS programme is designed to complement the rigours of the academic programme and universities attach great importance to students’ participation. In CAS students can truly demonstrate their personal qualities. Students must complete projects in each of the three areas of Creativity, Action and Service.

Extended Essay

Universities attach great importance to the Extended Essay because it provides practical preparation for the kind of undergraduate research required in higher education. Each student selects and investigates a topic of special interest and then writes a 4000 word Extended Essay. Emphasis is placed on the research process, on personal engagement in the exploration of the topic and on the development and the communication of ideas.

Subject Groups

The IBDP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and important additional features known as the Core Elements. These Core Elements distinguish the IBDP from all other educational programmes. Within the six subject groups, St Dominic’s offers a broad range of subjects to best accommodate students’ needs and preferences.

Language Acquisition

Language and Literature

Individuals and Societies

Sciences

Mathematics

Arts

Lifelong Learning Programme

As an IB school, our goal is to help students become more confident and responsible. We want to help them grow in every way, not just academically but also as a person. We'll give them the tools to handle life's challenges, encourage them to always seek the truth, and make sure they have what it takes to be a successful learner.

Diploma Courses

To better support our students, St. Dominic’s also offers IB Diploma Courses. DP Courses is an alternative means of study for some students and allows a student to study Diploma subjects and receive individual Certificates for each subject studied. Completing the Core Elements is optional to an IB Courses student.

At St. Dominic’s, we are passionate about teaching our students to learn and become confident, independent learners who are risk-takers and open-minded. We take pride in the rich diversity of experience and perspective that IB Diploma Programme students bring to their university or college.

IB Learner Profile at St. Dominic's

At the heart of the Diplomma Programme is the IB Learner Profile, a set of attributes that are continuously developed from Nursery all the way through to Grade 12. The Learner Profile is developed throughout the school, inside and outside of the classroom, including on the playground. All teachers in the school - whether it's a language lesson, a math lesson, looking at some science concepts or social studies - will be looking at the learner profile.

The Learner Profile exemplifies the HOLISTIC development of the student, and supports our MISSION of NURTURING INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED PEOPLE prepared to make a difference in the world.