Holistic and globally minded qualification
The IBDP is a rigorous and balanced programme of education that is offered to students in Years 11 and 12, as an alternative to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Recognised and respected both internationally and domestically, the IBDP enables students to study at Australian universities and is also valued by overseas universities as a matriculation qualification.
Academic Aims
The IB’s academic programme aims to awaken the intelligence of young people and teach them to relate the content of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments have established the IB as a unique institution in the arena of international education. Beyond intellectual rigour and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship.
The desired profile of the IB student is that of a critical and compassionate thinker, an informed participant in local and world affairs who values the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life. These qualities—embodied in the IB learner profile—prepare IB students to make exceptional contributions on campus and after they leave our gates.
Hear more about the IB Diploma
Course Requirements
Students are required to complete six subjects with at least one chosen from each of the following subject groups:
- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature.
- Group 2: Language Acquisition.
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies.
- Group 4: Sciences.
- Group 5: Mathematics.
- Group 6: The Arts.
In Group 6, students can choose either an arts subject or a second subject from Group 3 or Group 4.
Core studies
In addition, all DP students are required to complete the three core study areas:
- Extended Essay: The extended essay enables students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of around 4000 words relating to one of their chosen subjects.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): TOK is a course in critical thinking that teaches students ˜how’ to learn, helping them to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the learning process that they can apply to various disciplines and across all their subjects.
- Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): CAS involves students in a range of activities outside the classroom and will run over an 18-month period. A wide range of experiences will be completed including involvement in the arts, physical activity and community service.
Criteria
At least three subjects (and no more than four) must be Higher Level subjects. Higher level subjects involve 240 teaching hours.
The remaining subjects must be Standard Level subjects. Standard level subjects involve 150 teaching hours.
This way, students can explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period. While overall balance is maintained, flexibility in choosing higher level subjects allows the student to pursue areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university entrance.
Academic support
Many students with identified need such as Specific Learning Disorder – Reading and Writing (Dyslexia), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Anxiety successfully complete the IB Diploma.
They do so with the support of their subject teachers, house team, assessment accommodations and support staff when required.
Support is provided to students studying the IB Diploma in three ways:
- Classroom Supports such as assistive technologies and quality differentiated teaching practice.
- Wrap Around Supports such as small group or one-to-one tutorials, study skills coaching, and executive functioning
coaching. - Assessment Supports such as extra time, rest breaks, assistive technology or separate assessment spaces.