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Virtual Open Day - 17th November
In Grades 11 and 12, secondary students undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a rigorous and internationally recognised pathway that cultivates academic depth, international mindedness and readiness for higher education. The DP experience includes Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE), bringing together academic learning, reflection, independent research and purposeful action. Through the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP), personalised support and university counselling, students are equipped to approach their next steps with clarity and confidence. Eligible students may also pursue the SDIS High School Diploma as an alternative route alongside selected IB Courses.
IB Diploma Programme
Prepare for university through the internationally recognised IB Diploma Programme, developing academic depth, independent thinking and global perspective through rigorous subjects, TOK, the EE and CAS.
Academic excellence
Achieve strong IB Diploma results, with 83.3% of students earning the qualification - above the IB world average of 82.6% - and a cohort average of 30.6 points.
College outcomes
Achieve success on a proven pathway, with 92% of students their first-choice destination, including institutions such as King’s College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science and Universidade NOVA de Lisboa.
Future pathways
Benefit from personalised university and careers guidance through our Careers Programme, with structured support for researching global pathways, shortlisting courses and preparing applications.
Life competencies
Grow into confident, adaptable people through the ISP Life Competencies Framework and our Lifelong Learning Programme, where the IB Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning (ATLs) and social-emotional learning are woven into daily learning experiences.
Multilingual learning
Continue your journey in English, with 47% of DP students earning a bilingual diploma, supported by bilingual pathways and self-taught language options.
Dedicated learning areas
Thrive in purposedly-designed learning spaces, including STEM labs, indoor and outdoor sports fields, specialised arts studios and the dedicated IB DP Learning Gallery.
Vibrant student life
Build teamwork and confidence through after-school activities, clubs and competitive sports, including football, basketball and volleyball - with over 40% of students representing SDIS in competitions.
International experiences
Broaden your perspective through international sports tournaments, cultural visits and subject-specific opportunities such as CERN for Physics, CAS international initiatives, TEDx and ISP's ILOS.
Leadership opportunities
Develop leadership through the IB DP Student Leadership Group and international conferences, with over 30% of students participating in national and international MUN experiences.
Friendly admissions process
Our admissions process is clear and responsive, ensuring a smooth transition as we warmly welcome your family into our vibrant community.
IBDP students at St. Dominic’s International School, Portugal consistently achieve excellent results, reflecting their commitment, ambition and the strength of our IB continuum. Here are some key highlights from 2026.
83.3%
of candidates successfully obtained the IB Diploma, compared with the IB world average of 82.6%
30.6
average IB Diploma point score for the cohort
4.98
average grade obtained by candidates who passed the IB Diploma
39
highest diploma points awarded to a candidate
47%
of DP students earn a bilingual diploma
30%
of students attend national and international MUN conferences
40%
of students represent SDIS in sports tournament
Students in Grades 11 and 12 pursue the rigorous two-year IB Diploma Programme, combining academic depth, international perspectives, independent research and learning beyond the classroom to prepare for university and life beyond school.
Learners may pursue the full IB Diploma or individual IB Diploma Courses, depending on their ambitions and future goals. Eligible students can also receive the SDIS High School Diploma alongside their IB pathway.
Through the six IB subject groups, students engage with a rich and challenging curriculum that develops knowledge, confidence and intellectual curiosity. Each pathway is designed to balance academic ambition with personal interest, helping learners make informed choices for university and life beyond school.
The IB DP Core lies at the heart of the Diploma Programme, bringing together TOK, the EE and CAS to connect academic learning with reflection, independent research and purposeful action.
The SDIS High School Diploma is a school-based qualification recognising the completion of Grades 9 to 12. Awarded to eligible students at Grade 12 graduation, it complements the school’s central IB MYP and DP pathways by providing additional recognition of achievement. To qualify, students must:
Supported by SDIS’s NEASC accreditation, this US-style qualification may provide access to selected foundation programmes, international pathways and universities requiring evidence of High School completion. Recognition varies by country and institution.
Every day at SDIS offers IBDP students opportunities to think critically, develop independence and make meaningful connections across their learning. Each day brings a different rhythm across Grades 11 and 12, but here is a glimpse into what a typical day may look like.
Registration & engaged learning
Students start the day with a calm and purposeful registration, giving them time to prepare for learning. Morning lessons deepen subject understanding and encourage active participation.
Academic focus, breaks & community time
Focused lessons, short breaks and lunchtime keep students energised and connected, while classroom discussion and problem-solving build confidence with increasingly complex ideas.
Dismissal & wider opportunities
Students end the school day in an organised way before moving on to after-school activities, cultural opportunities and sports that support personal growth beyond academics.
At SDIS, students are supported to succeed in their chosen pathway, within a stimulating IB learning environment rich in opportunities for academic growth, leadership and personal development.
Academic achievement
Enjoy personalised learning that continuously enhances knowledge, skills and understanding.
Gain essential life skills to thrive in academics, as well as careers and personal lives.
Multilingualism
Continue learning in English, extend home language expertise and pursue a self-taught language option.
International opportunities
Try global skill-building programmes and activities that develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.
Life & career pathways
Benefit from personalised guidance for university and career choices, supporting your chosen path.
Students’ academic progress in the IB Diploma Programme is measured through rigorous assessment criteria aligned with IB standards. Throughout the year, learners are supported to understand their strengths, reflect on their progress and set meaningful goals for continued improvement. This approach supports strong academic outcomes, with 83.3% of students successfully achieving the IB Diploma.Achievement is celebrated each term, with academic awards recognising students who reach an average of 6.5 or above, while Most Improved awards honour learners who increase their average by 0.5 or more. This approach ensures that success is not only measured by high attainment, but also by growth, effort and each student’s commitment. Our annual academic achievement awards recognise students who have attained the top grades in subjects as well students who finish as DUX, 2nd and 3rd placings for each year.
Guided by the IB Approaches to Learning (ATLs) and our Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP), IBDP students strengthen critical thinking, research, communication, collaboration and self-management skills, while learning to understand their emotions, build positive relationships and make responsible decisions.Delivered through morning tutor time and extended tutor sessions, the LLP programme supports both personal wellbeing and academic progress, helping learners become reflective, responsible and independent young people ready for university and life beyond school.
Students at SDIS continue their academic journey in English while developing the multilingual confidence needed to thrive in an international community. Within the IB Diploma Programme, learners can build on established bilingual pathways and may also choose a self-taught language option, helping them maintain or extend expertise in their home or first language beyond the taught curriculum. This commitment to language learning reflects the diversity of a school community representing 53 nationalities and 30 home languages, and is reflected in strong outcomes, with 47% of DP students earning a bilingual diploma or certificate.
Through national and international sports tournaments, Model United Nations, TEDx, cultural trips and subject-specific visits such as CERN for Physics, learners develop confidence, leadership and intercultural understanding. CAS international initiatives and trips also encourage students to take purposeful action, reflect on their impact and contribute beyond the school community. These experiences complement ISP’s International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS), giving students further ways to connect with peers across the ISP network and grow as internationally minded young people.
IBDP students receive personalised university and careers guidance to support their next steps in Portugal and internationally.In Grade 11, learners move from exploration to informed decision-making, researching global university systems, entry requirements and courses while using Unifrog to build and shortlist options that match their ambitions. In Grade 12, students receive one-to-one counselling as they finalise university and course choices, with support for personal statements, essays, motivation letters, CVs, interviews, transcripts, predicted grades, recommendation letters and application submissions. Guidance is delivered through tutor time, university counsellor sessions, visiting university presentations, alumni engagement and university fairs, helping students make confident, well-informed decisions for their future.
CERN field trip
Campus life
Growing through sports
At SDIS, the DP is a collaborative, community-based journey.
Michael Italiano, IB DP Coordinator
At SDIS, the DP is a collaborative, community-based journey. Through an open-minded, multilingual and inclusive approach, we create a vibrant learning environment, empowering students to take responsibility and confidently develop as future leaders in line with the IB mission.
SDIS students progress to leading universities abroad and in Portugal, with many pursuing pathways in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences and beyond.
of students receive offers of admission from their first-choice institutions.
Portugal
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Spain
France
Switzerland
Ireland
Canada
United States
Families considering the IB Diploma Programme can contact our Admissions team throughout the year for personalised guidance on entry requirements. Students join the programme at the start of Grade 11 following successful completion of MYP Grade 10 or an equivalent programme. A strong level of English is highly recommended for success in the IBDP.
Clubs, sports and opportunities
Tuition fees
Why choose us
Experience an exceptional IB Diploma Programme at SDIS, where academic excellence, university preparation and a vibrant school life come together.
Accreditations
Partnerships
Join St. Dominic’s Virtual Open Day from the comfort of your home.
