IB Diploma Programme at ISK

Description of the IB Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a demanding course of studies for 16 to 19 year olds
The IB Diploma Programme features a high school diploma that is recognized by universities throughout the world
IB learners strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective
Since its inception in 1968, the program has grown to include students in thousands of schools around the world
The majority of respondents from the latest University Admissions Officer Report advocate the IB Diploma Programme as the best preparation for university.

The International School of Kenya (ISK) first offered IB courses in August 1982 and presented its first IB Diploma Program candidates at the end of the 1983-84 school year. Since that time, impressive and consistent examination results testify to ISK's high academic standards

ISK IB Diploma and IB Exam Results

44

Highest points earned by IB Diploma Candidates (maximum is 45)

98.5%

Pass Rate

35

Average Score

Have a Question about the IB Program? Please ask!

About the IB Program

IB Course & Diploma Enrollment

Almost all students at ISK choose to enroll in at least one IB course. All IB courses are two-year courses. ISK has an inclusive IB admissions policy and IB courses are open to all students on the same basis as other ISK courses, meaning that enrollment will be based on the student having adequately passed the prerequisite courses. In some cases, teachers may counsel a student to take a course at either the standard or higher level, depending on perceptions of the student's aptitude and work ethic.

The IB diploma is open to all grade 11 and 12 students who have satisfactorily completed prerequisite courses. In the May 2020 session, 60% of the graduating class chose to pursue an IB diploma in addition to an ISK high school diploma. Students who elect to sit for the IB diploma must complete six examination courses in at least five subject areas: three or four at the higher level (HL) and the remaining at the standard level (SL). IB diploma students must also take the Theory of Knowledge course (a philosophy course integrating the primary fields of knowledge) and complete a substantial (4,000 words) piece of independent scholarly research resulting in an Extended Essay. Examinations take place each May, with no more than two of the standard level exams examined in Grade 11 and all the rest examined in Grade 12. Click here for the General Regulations on the Diploma Program.

Since the IB stresses educating the whole child, all students must complete experiential learning requirements involving Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).

All 9th and 10th grade ISK students and families who are interested in the IBDP, attend a general IB presentation evening in February to gather information, begin the academic planning and course selection process for IB, and indicate their desire to enrol for the IB diploma or IB courses. Grade 10 students are required to get their teachers to sign a course selection form and comment on their suitability for the chosen IB courses. The school provides follow-up planning meetings with individual families for all grade 10 students interested in becoming IBDP candidates. The IB Coordinator, together with a high school counselor (and if required, a learning support teacher), meets with every student who is interested in enrolling in the full IB program (i.e the IB diploma) and constructs an individual course of studies at this meeting. IB course candidates are guided in their choices by the high school counselors, who ensure that their choices support the attainment of the school’s own diploma. Students bring a teacher-verified course selection form to these meetings to help ensure that student choices are aligned with teacher recommendations.

Admissions Criteria for the IBDP

The general medium of instruction and working language in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) is English. Candidates for admission to the IBDP must demonstrate that they have inquiring and open minds and a positive attitude and work ethic. Good time-management and organizational skills are also indispensable qualities for students to be successful in the IBDP.

If a student enters ISK at the start of Grade 11, they are required to write three placement tests: Math, English and a foreign language (if applicable). The results of these placement tests guide the IB Coordinator and high school counselors in helping the student with their IB course selections.

The school offers an orientation session for all IB families at the beginning of the two-year program with the IB Coordinator and the CAS Coordinator. The school has also defined clear guidelines for continuing enrollment and withdrawal from the program so that students, and their families, can be more proactive about planning and problem solving when hurdles arise during the two-year program. We also monitor and support students in the Diploma Programme through our advisory program, heads of departments, teachers, grade level meetings, learning support services, counselors and the IB and CAS Coordinators. Students with accommodations are further supported by the learning support department.

IB Course Offerings

	Subject Area	Course
1.	Studies in Language and Literature	English Literature (HL & SL) English Language & Literature (HL & SL) French Language & Literature (HL/SL) Spanish Language & Literature (SL)
2.	Language Acquisition	French B (HL & SL) & ab initio SL Spanish B (HL & SL) & ab initio SL Kiswahili ab initio SL Additional languages may be taken on an externally tutored basis by arrangement with the IB Coordinator
3.	Individuals and Societies	Economics (HL & SL) Psychology (HL & SL) History (HL & SL) Geography (HL & SL) Global Politics (HL / SL) Business Management (HL / SL) Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
4.	Sciences	Biology (HL & SL) Chemistry (HL & SL) Physics (HL & SL) Design Technology (HL & SL) Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
5.	Mathematics	Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (HL/SL) Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation (HL/SL)
6.	The Arts	Visual Arts (HL & SL) Theatre Arts (HL & SL) Music (HL & SL)

IB Calendar

IB Enrollment Timeline

Students in 10th grade attend a workshop in February to indicate a desire to enrol in the program
An individual meeting involving parent, student, counselor, and IB Coordinator occurs in March to select optimal courses
By May the school develops a two-year schedule for IB diploma students
Courses without sufficient student numbers may not be offered
In the rare case of a scheduling conflict the student will be asked to make compromise course selections in May
Once a student's program has been scheduled, changes are sometimes possible
Changes should be made before courses commence in August
Changes must be discussed with the IB Coordinator and approved by parent, teacher, counselor, and principal
Students who do not want to pursue the full IB diploma should register for individual IB courses with their counselor.

IB Program Calendar

ISK's academic calendar begins in early August. The first official IB registration deadline is late September so some students who have enrolled in IB classes may have nearly a full quarter of the school year in which to judge their progress and thus their suitability to continue in that class and sit examinations. On occasion, the school may enrol a student in an IB course on a probationary status.

IB examinations are generally held in the first, second and third week of May. Examination results are issued via the IBO web site at www.ibo.org in early July. PIN-access numbers are issued to individual students so that they can access their results. A free service is provided whereby results can also be sent directly to selected universities if the student completes the appropriate form prior to a deadline in May. The IB sends the final official diploma and printed course results to the school for forwarding to students in August.

At the IB workshop held for year one IB students and parents, the IB Coordinator gives students a calendar of key due dates for the year. This calendar includes all work required by the IB for assessment, as well as due dates for CAS and the extended essay. Some due dates are fixed by the IB while some are determined by the teachers to try to balance the annual workload for students. Please see the calendar below to track some key IB dates or use the following link to download a detailed and comprehensive list of this year's IB due dates.

IB Diploma Conduct of the Examinations [PDF]

Major IB Due Dates 2023-24 [PDF]

ISK IB Diploma and IB Examination Results

For more than 50 years, ISK has supported students to successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme. In 2023, there were a total of 96 IB candidates, of which 67 took the full IB Diploma. Our IB Diploma students scored an average of 35 points. A full breakdown can be seen below:

	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Total students taking IB Exams	83	85	99	86	96
Total Diploma candidates	38	51	63	62	67
Students awarded the IB Diploma	37	50	63	61	66
Average Score	33	35	35	34	35
Pass Rate	97%	98%	100%	98.4%	98.5%
30 points or more	76.3%	82.3%	89%	80.3%	86.6%
34 points or more	45%	64.7%	64%	60.6%	56.7%
37 points or more	24%	35.25%	39%	29.5%	31.3%
40 points or more	5.26%	7.8%	21%	13.1%	13.4%

Students at ISK consistently perform well above worldwide averages. Please download the following documents for further information about the school's IB examination results:

May 2023 International School of Kenya's International Baccalaureate Examination Results [PDF]

15-Year Summary of the International School of Kenya's International Baccalaureate Examination Results [PDF]

Students Planning to Apply to Colleges & Universities in North America

Since the IB diploma includes a heavy examination schedule and several extra requirements, the qualification is highly regarded by colleges and universities in North America for its rigor and breadth. Some U.S. or Canadian colleges and universities do not require applicants to have achieved the IB diploma in order to gain acceptance into their institutions. For these students it may make most sense to pursue a selection of IB courses that do not constitute an IB diploma but that complement the student's talents, provide an academic challenge, and lead to an enhanced transcript which can boost chances for admission to a selective college. IB results, especially those obtained through higher level courses, can be submitted to colleges and universities for possible advanced standing or first-year course credit.

The IB publishes information about university requirements for IB students at www.ibo.org

Students Planning to Apply to Universities Outside North America

Because the American high school diploma offered by ISK is not necessarily accepted for university admission outside North America, the school recommends that students applying to these university systems should take the IB diploma. Most universities in the UK, Europe and elsewhere will consider, and may even prefer, applicants who have achieved the IB diploma. Worldwide acceptability is a key benefit to the IB diploma. However, each country's ministry of education has negotiated with the IB administration on their specifics of acceptability for this international diploma. Since no two countries are alike in this regard, the school's high school counselors should be consulted.

The IB publishes information about university requirements for IB students at www.ibo.org

Glossary Of IB Terminology

More About the IB Diploma

General Regulations

Academic Honesty

Additional Info About the IB Diploma

DP Mathematics Courses

Value of the IB Diploma

Extended Essay

IB Learner Profile

Creativity, Activity, Service

The CAS program is an essential part of the IB program. It provides students with the opportunity to learn and develop by taking part in new, challenging and enjoyable experiences.

The belief at the heart of the CAS program is that education does not begin or end in the classroom or exam hall, and the most essential elements of education may exist outside of both. ISK provides many opportunities for CAS. Students will be fully supported by our advisors and the CAS Coordinator. Students are also encouraged to take part in activities outside of school and activities they initiate themselves, in order to help them to create a challenging and relevant program for themselves.

To successfully complete CAS, students need to maintain a balance of Creativity, Activity and Service activities over the 18 months. Students should be involved in at least one project involving teamwork that takes place for a minimum of one month. These three aspects of CAS may be completed as several separate activities, as larger projects that combine all of the components, or a mixture of the two.

Learn More About the ISK Service Learning Program

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