In 1963, the International Schools Examinations Syndicate (ISES) was established in Geneva. This name was later changed to International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). UNIS joined this organization as a formal participant in 1965. Since that time the IB Programme has grown to include over 2000 participating schools in over 120 countries. Most universities in the United States and Canada recognize the rigor of the IB Diploma by giving advanced placement and course credit.
· The IB is an integrated program for the last two years of secondary school
· Diplomas and Certificates are awarded on the basis of an international assessment
· Diploma provides opportunities for entry into universities worldwide
· Offers a comprehensive curriculum
· Emphasizes rigor and excellence in academic preparation
· Promotes international understanding
· Fosters intellectual inquiry and a humanitarian perspective
What is in the curriculum?
The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts.
This is illustrated by a hexagon with the three parts of the core at its center.
Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours), and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours).
All three parts of the core—extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, action, service—are compulsory and are central to the philosophy of the Diploma Program.
International Baccalaureate at UNIS
All students are counseled by a team including teachers, heads of departments, guidance counselor, college counselor, IB coordinators, mentor, and the high school principal, to arrive at a selection of subjects that best suits their needs. Students at UNIS choose from a wide variety of UNIS and I. B. courses. All UNIS students are International Baccalaureate (I.B.) students. Students take either individual I.B. courses and earn an IB Certificate for each course in which an IB Exam is taken; or they take the I.B. Diploma as described below. Students who are selected for IB courses should demonstrate significant academic achievement and a high level of motivation and commitment.
The IB program requires study of six subjects:
1. Language A1 (first language or language of instruction)
2. Language B or Language A2 (second language)
3. Study of Individuals and Societies
4. Experimental Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. A further option (either Art/Design, Music, Computer Science, Theatre Arts, ITGS, or a supplementary subject from Groups 1-4)
· To earn an IB Diploma, three of the six subjects must be offered at the Higher Level and the rest at the Standard Level.
· All Higher Level subjects and most of the Standard Level subjects are studied over two years. At the Higher Level, course work covers a greater range and depth of content and requires more instructional time.