Diploma Programme – IBDP

Recognized by universities in almost every country in the world, the IB Diploma programme caters to ages from 16 to 19. At a time when competition is intense for placement in top universities and placements in top companies, we believe that it is imperative that our students develop an intercultural understanding
and open-minded approach to learning.

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 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.  

Subject Groups

Studies in Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals and Societies (Social Sciences)
Sciences
Mathematics
Arts

The Core Elements

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
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 (CAS)
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.

• The Extended Essay (EE)
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. 

Diploma Courses

To best 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 for 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.