For over 20 years, ISS has successfully offered the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for our Grade 11 and 12 students.

Fitting very well with our school’s philosophy, the IB Diploma Programme aims to “develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically” (IB website). It develops “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” ISS allows all students to enter the IBDP.

Diploma Programme Curriculum

The IBDP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the “DP core”, comprising the extended essay, theory of knowledge (TOK) and creativity, activity, service (CAS).

The “DP core” includes the:

• Extended Essay: students are introduced to university-level research where they complete independent research and write an approximately 4,000-word essay.
• Theory of Knowledge (ToK): ToK is a foundational course that all DP students take, helping them to reflect, explore and understand the problematic and holistic nature of knowledge.
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): a programme designed to help students develop their creativity, well-being and commitment to serve the communities in which they live and beyond.

From within the six academic subject groups, students study:

• Two modern languages (or a modern language and a classical language)
• A humanities or social science subject
• An experimental science
• Mathematics
• One of the creative arts (or a subject from another group)

View our IB Diploma subject offerings.

Why Choose the IB Diploma Programme at ISS?

• Supportive teachers.
  • The success of our students is linked to our supportive faculty. ISS teachers get to know each student and genuinely care for their growth. They provide extra help and create open lines of communication so students achieve better results. Nothing delights us more than when students comment on the positive relationships they have with their teachers.
• Experienced teachers.
  • Students at ISS are learning from experts in their field/subject. ISS’ IB teachers have extensive academic and research credentials with career experience in the subjects they teach. Many have been IB examiners, IB workshop leaders and IB accreditors. They know the programme inside and out and bring an added depth and international perspective to classroom discussions.
• Subject and course variety.
  • Within Stavanger, students find breadth and depth through the IB Diploma Programme at ISS. Offering an array of IB courses, students can create a holistic and integrated programme that is balanced and meets their academic interests.
• Impressive record of academic achievement.
  • ISS’ results in international examinations are consistently above average. A 93% IB Diploma participation rate over the last decade shows student commitment to academic rigour.
• University/career office and guidance counsellors.
  • The majority of students who graduate from ISS are accepted by or enter one of their top university choices. At ISS, our university/career counsellors work closely with all High School students as they prepare for universities around the world.
• Open-minded, active student community.
  • At ISS, classmates are engaged, open-minded and respectful. When not in the classroom, they find balance as active members of the school community, pursuing sports, drama/music, arts, student government and international relations or getting involved in charity and service-minded activities.
• Proven programme.
  • With over 20 years of experience delivering the IB Diploma Programme, ISS students benefit from an established curricular programme and a variety of choices. 

Information for parents regarding the IB Diploma Programme and supporting their children.