IB Diploma Program (DP)

The IBO’s Diploma Program was created in 1968 as a rigorous pre-university course of study that leads to examinations and meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students aged 16 to 19. The IB Diploma has been designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national education systems, due to is available in English, French and Spanish.

The main goal of this program is to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for students moving from one country to another. Students should share an academic experience that would emphasize critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to a variety of points of view.

The International School of Curacao offers the IB Diploma Program in Grades 11 & 12, encouraging our students to reach the highest academic standards.

The IB Diploma candidate must take a total of six subjects, three of them to be taken at Higher Level (HL), and three at Standard Level (SL).
The six subjects are chosen from prescribed group lists which are known collectively as Language A, Language B, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and Group 6 (The Arts, Information Technology or an additional language, social science or sciences).

Group 1 – Studies in language and literature First Languages (for native or near-native speakers)

• English A: Literature

• Spanish A: Language and Literature

• Dutch A: Language and Literature

Group 2 – Language acquisition

• English B

• Spanish B

• French ab initio

Group 3 – Individuals and Societies

• ‍ History

• Business Management

• Environmental Systems and Societies

‍Group 4 – Sciences

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Environmental Systems and Societies

Group 5 – Mathematics

• Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL/SL)

• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL/SL)

Group 6 – Arts and Electives

• Visual Arts‍ ‍

Pamoja online IB DP courses NOT offered at ISC‍ ‍

• Pamoja online IBDP courses. ‍

All Diploma Program students participate in the three elements of the IB Diploma Program core.

• The theory of knowledge (TOK) course encourages students to think about the nature of knowledge, to reflect on the process of learning in all their subjects, and to see and understand the connections between them.

• The extended essay, (EE) a substantial piece of academic writing of up to 4,000 words, enables students to investigate a topic of special interest that they have chosen themselves; this encourages the development of independent research skills expected at university.

• CAS is organized around the three strands of creativity, activity and service. Students develop skills, attitudes and dispositions through an individual CAS project and group experiences that provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and express their passions, personalities and perspectives.

Course Admission Requirements: In order to qualify as a Full IB Diploma Candidate or an IB Course Candidate (in any subject), students must meet the following requirements, prior to registration.

Higher Level (HL) Courses:

Pre-IB course average: 90-100% in relevant subjects.

Students with slightly lower averages (85-90%) may be considered, with recommendation from subject teachers, and placed on academic probation. *

Students who fall below the 85% threshold will not be considered for placement in an HL course.

Standard Level (SL) Courses:

Pre-IB course average: 80-100% in relevant subjects.

‍ Students with slightly lower averages (75-80%) may be considered, with recommendation from subject teachers, and placed on academic probation. *

Students who fall below the 75% threshold will not be considered for placement in an HL course.

Math Analysis and Approaches:

For HL, students must complete Extended Math and score 90-100 in Grade 10.

For SL, students must complete Extended Math and score a minimum of 70 in grade 10.

Students in Standard Math are not eligible for Math Analysis and Approaches.

Language B Eligibility:

Students who are native or near-native speakers of a language are not eligible to enroll in Language B courses for that language. (Spanish B, English B). This is per the IB‍ Language B policy guide.

English B is reserved for students who are English as an Additional Language (EAL)‍ learners within the past 2 years.

‍Native or near-native English speakers who do not meet the EAL requirements must enroll in English A..‍ ‍

Physics Eligibility Recommendations: (For all levels)

Students must make an 85 or higher in Standard Math or a 70 or higher in Extended Math.

Students who fall below this threshold may be considered, with recommendation from subject teachers, and placed on academic probation. *

CAS & Extended Essay:

Missing internal deadlines results in loss of IB Diploma status.

Appeals must be submitted within 5 days.

Internal Assessments & Exams:

All deadlines must be met.

Missing deadlines without valid reasons results in an F and an "N" (no grade awarded).

Students must practice IB-style exams in school assessments.

Turnitin Requirement:

All major written work (EE, TOK, IA) must be processed through Turnitin.

Course Level Changes:

Changes allowed until September 15 of Grade 11.

HL to SL changes allowed until October 1 of Year 2 (afterward, IBO fees apply).

Late changes require special approval.

IB Fees:

Students remain responsible for IB registration fees regardless of status changes.

Pamoja Online Courses

Enrollment & Fees: click here

‍Students must confirm interest in Pamoja courses early.

Special permission is required to enroll in two Pamoja courses.

Students must log in regularly and complete coursework.

Withdrawals after October 1 will incur a fee.

Students are responsible for internet access for coursework completion.‍