We take pride in preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century through the internationally acclaimed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (IBDP). St Andrew’s was the first school in the country to offer this programme. Delivered in Grades 11 and 12, the IBDP is more than an academic qualification—it’s a transformative educational experience that fosters critical thinking, global citizenship, and lifelong learning.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IBDP is a rigorous, two-year pre-university programme recognized and respected by leading universities worldwide. It challenges students to excel in their academic studies while encouraging personal growth, ethical reasoning, and intercultural understanding. At its core, the IBDP emphasizes the development of the whole person, blending academic achievement with personal and social responsibility.
What makes Universities excited about IB students?
The IB Diploma Programme is the best way to prepare your child for college. Listen to admissions leaders at top universities share what excites them about welcoming IB students to their campuses.
“What makes universities excited about IB students?”
A Balanced and Comprehensive Curriculum
The IBDP framework is structured around six subject groups and three core components, ensuring a well-rounded education that balances breadth and depth:
Subject Groups:
Students select one subject from each of the following groups, with the option to choose an additional subject from Groups 3–5 instead of Group 6:
- Language and Literature
Develops analytical and communication skills through the study of literary and non-literary texts. - Language Acquisition
Encourages fluency and cultural understanding in a second language. - Individuals and Societies
Includes disciplines like history, geography, economics, and psychology, fostering an understanding of human behavior and societal structures. - Sciences
Covers experimental sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental systems, emphasizing inquiry and critical thinking. - Mathematics
Offers two levels to cater to diverse needs: Analysis & Approaches and Applications & Interpretation. - The Arts (optional):
Encompasses creativity through subjects like visual arts, theatre, or music.
Each subject is studied at either the Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL), with students required to take three subjects at HL and three at SL.
“The IB programme clearly provided him the chance to discover how he best learns.”
Core Components
The IBDP’s core components set it apart from other pre-university programmes, nurturing critical thinking, research skills, and personal growth:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired across disciplines. - Extended Essay (EE)
A 4,000-word independent research project that develops students’ academic writing and inquiry skills. - Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Encourages students to engage in creative pursuits, physical activities, and community service, fostering personal and interpersonal development.
Why Choose the IB Diploma Programme at St. Andrew’s?
At St. Andrew’s International School, our commitment to excellence ensures that students are supported throughout their IBDP journey by experienced and passionate educators. Here’s what makes our programme unique:
- Global Recognition
The IBDP is recognized by universities in over 140 countries. Our alumni have gone on to study at top institutions around the world, thanks to the programme’s rigorous preparation and international reputation. - Skill Development
The IBDP equips students with vital skills such as critical thinking, research, time management, and intercultural communication—qualities that are essential for success in higher education and beyond. - Personalized Support
Our dedicated IB coordinators, counselors, and teachers work closely with students to guide them through subject selection, university applications, and personal development. - Diverse Learning Community
As a K-12 international school, we celebrate a multicultural environment where students gain global perspectives and learn to appreciate different viewpoints.
“We knew that having the IB education set him apart.”
What Does Success Look Like?
IBDP graduates from St. Andrew’s International School are recognized for their academic prowess, resilience, and ability to thrive in a variety of contexts. Beyond university admissions, our students emerge as lifelong learners and ethical leaders who are ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the wider world.
“Now that she’s in her second year of university, she talks all the time about how beneficial her experience in the IB programme has been to her university life.”
Beyond Academics
The IBDP at St. Andrew’s is about more than academic achievement. It’s an invitation to explore passions, embrace challenges, and grow as a well-rounded individual. Whether through community service projects, creative performances, or athletic pursuits, our students leave a lasting impact on their school and local community.
Get Started with the IBDP
We invite prospective students and families to learn more about the transformative opportunities offered by the IB Diploma Programme at St. Andrew’s International School. Attend an open house, schedule a campus tour, or meet with our IB coordinators to discuss how the IBDP can shape a bright future for your child.
