Curriculum Information DP
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at International School Hilversum

Introduction
The Diploma Programme is displayed in the shape of a hexagon with six academic areas surrounding the core. Subjects are studied concurrently and students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning - the humanities and the sciences.

The DP Course
Diploma candidates are required to select one subject from each of the first five subject groups and a sixth choice from any of the six groups. Three are taken at Higher Level (HL), the others at Standard Level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours; SL courses cover at least 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period; this is a deliberate compromise between the early specialisation preferred in some national systems and the breadth found in others. Curriculum requirements ensure that the science-oriented student is challenged to learn a foreign language and that the natural linguist becomes familiar with laboratory procedures. While overall balance is maintained, flexibility in choosing Higher Level concentrations allows the student to pursue areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university entrance.

DP Assessment
Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidates´ work rests with more than 4000 examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with international authority. A variety of assessment methods are used to value both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns. Conventional external examination techniques (essay, short answer, multiple choice, etc.) are complemented by internal assessment of coursework by the teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period. This represents at least 20% of assessment in each subject. With classroom teachers and international examiners working in partnership, the emphasis is on ensuring that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they know and are able to do.

Award of the diploma
Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course and CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) activities. The maximum score of 45 points includes three bonus points for exceptional work in TOK and an excellent Extended Essay. All students must engage in the full Diploma programme. The external examinations take place in May of the second year of the programme (DP2). Re-takes are available in November and the following May at the discretion of the school.

Authorisation and eligibility
Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organisation are eligible to teach the curriculum and to register candidates for examination. IB Diploma candidates must be students in good standing at an authorised member school. Current IBO membership includes well in excess of 2000 schools in 95 countries worldwide. Some 36.000 students across the world were registered for the May 2007 exams. Schools interested in joining the programme conduct a self-study and receive counselling through the appropriate regional office. The formal application includes an on-site inspection visit and the submission of written documentation to IBO headquarters in Switzerland.

University recognition
IB diploma holders gain admission to selective universities throughout the world. These include prominent institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, and other leading universities in Europe and worldwide. Formal agreements exist between the IB and many Ministries of Education and private institutions. Some colleges and universities may offer advanced standing or course credit to students with strong IB Diploma examination results.   
For more information regarding the IB please refer to www.ibo.org