IB DP CP Booklet 2022-2024
IB DP CP Booklet 2022-2024
IB DP CP Booklet 2022-2024
The DP Subjects 10
▪ Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature 11
▪ Group 2: Language Acquisition 16
▪ Group 3: Individuals and Societies 21
Business Management 21
Economics 23
History 25
Geography 26
Global Politics 28
Psychology 29
▪ Group 4: Sciences 30
Biology 31
Chemistry 31
Physics 31
Sports, Exercise and Health Science 31
Computer Science 32
Design Technology 34
Interdisciplinary Subjects: Environmental Systems and Societies (Groups 3 and 4) 35
▪ Group 5: Mathematics 36
▪ Group 6: The Arts 37
Trips and the ISH Artist in Residence Programme 37
Visual Arts 38
Music 39
Theatre 41
Online Courses 42
SCHOOL RULES 61
▪ Absences and Lates 61
▪ Meeting School Expectations 62
▪ Homework Guidelines 62
▪ Late Work Protocol 63
▪ Ethical Behaviour and Academic Integrity 64
School Summative Assessments 65
Formal Assessments 66
▪ Subject Changes 67
▪ The Role of the Deputy Head 68
BIBLIOGRAPHY 70
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE HAGUE: GUIDING STATEMENTS
Vision
To shape a better future for all: inspiring students to become compassionate and proactive global citizens
Mission
Curious, connected and compassionate: inspiring personal excellence in our strong and diverse community
Value statements
Curious
• We are open-minded critical thinkers who learn through inquiry, reflection and engaging with different
perspectives
• We learn about ourselves and the world around us through service and experiential learning
• We are independent and interdependent life-long learners
Connected
• We take pride in the strength of our community and the diversity within it
• We value our individual identities and celebrate cultural diversity
• We connect with local and global communities through our learning
Compassionate
• We develop self-respect and show compassion to others
• We take responsibility for our actions and strive to have a positive impact
• We show courage and act with integrity, fairness and respect
ISH Community Profile
At ISH we are global citizens who strive to be:
Resilient We persevere with a task, are capable of acknowledging disappointment and adapting
when we are not successful straight away. We strive to achieve the best possible
outcomes and support each other. We welcome the learning opportunities provided by
difficulties and challenges.
Inquirers We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to
learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of
learning throughout life
Knowledgable We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of
disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on
complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in
many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other
individuals and groups.
Principled We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with
respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our
actions and their consequences.
Open-minded We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values
and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are
willing to grow from the experience.
Caring We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we
act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Balanced We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives - intellectual,
physical, and emotional - to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise
our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
Reflective We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work
to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and
personal development.
The ISH community profile is used to promote intercultural learning and develop global citizenship, and it is based on the IB
Learner Profile, the concept of international mindedness, the IPC Personal Goals and the ISH Guiding Statements
THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
Welcome to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) at the International School of
The Hague (ISH). You have now successfully completed your middle school education and you have decided
to continue your education by following the IBDP in order to gain skills and knowledge that prepare you for
professional life or university.
A new academic challenge awaits you. Indeed, the IBDP is a real challenge: full of intellectual stimulation and
rich in opportunities for critical thinking and independent work. It is a two-year programme which leads to a
qualification that is widely accepted by universities all over the world. It is a pre-university course, which means
that you need to be academically able and motivated to study not only in class but also in your own time. It is
a challenging academic programme with rigorous assessment and it requires good self-management skills and
resilience; you need to be willing to commit to serious study and be determined to keep to the deadlines for
assignments as well as other requirements. However, you should not forget that there are many rewards: you will
get a qualification that is highly attractive to universities, not to mention a rich experience that goes well beyond
studying academic subjects and which includes acquiring skills for lifelong learning. Furthermore, you will learn to
work in groups, set joint targets and achieve them. If you develop those skills, with the support of your teachers,
you will be successful in this challenging programme. And in doing so, and while taking advantage of the range
of opportunities offered by our school to develop yourselves personally, as well-rounded individuals, you will
accomplish the mission the IB has set for itself: to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people
who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect; active,
compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
As a school, we offer an academic and pastoral structure that supports you. However, we also expect our students
to grow in maturity and responsibility, so that you can increasingly organize your workload according to long-term
deadlines. Being reliable in meeting deadlines for more complex work is a great skill to acquire, as it prepares you
for the approach to learning you will need at university.
Offering a balance of support and ownership to our Year 12 and 13 students has proven successful at the ISH.
We are proud of our IBDP results and the vast majority of our students move on to very good universities in the
world. They find themselves well prepared for independent study and become responsible citizens of a global
community. As a school, we offer the framework, but it is really our students whose commitment and excellence
contribute considerably to the quality of the education. Being part of this learning community you will encounter
openness, expertise and a genuine interest in your success from our staff and other members of the community.
You will also find friends and fellow learners from more than 80 different cultures.
We believe that the IBDP at the ISH is a most enjoyable and unforgettable experience and we wish you all the
best.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year academic
programme, which offers excellent preparation for higher education. It is an international curriculum recognized
in many countries around the world. The general objectives of the IBDP are to provide students with a balanced
education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international-mindedness through
a holistic learning experience. In the 50 years since its founding, the IBDP has become a symbol of academic
integrity and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong commitment
to lifelong learning, both in terms of the mastery of subject content and in the development of the skills and
discipline necessary for success in a competitive world.
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The DP curriculum model
Central to the philosophy of the IBDP, in addition to the three DP Core elements mentioned above, are the
IB Learner Profile and the approaches to learning and approaches to teaching.
The ten attributes of the IB Learner Profile express the values inherent to the IB continuum of international
education: these are values that should infuse all elements of the three programmes and, therefore, the culture
and ethos of all IB World Schools. IB students strive to be: creative, resilient, inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers,
communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. The IB programmes
promote the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth
through all domains of knowledge.
The approaches to learning (ATL), which the IB programmes aim to develop, are cognitive, meta-cognitive and
affective skills which are crucial for effective learning as well as in preparing students effectively for life beyond
school. There are five ATL categories: thinking skills, communication skills, social skills, self-management skills,
and research skills. By developing ATL skills and the attributes of the learner profile, DP students can become
“self-regulated learners” (Kaplan 1998).
The IB promotes a broadly constructivist and student-centred approach to teaching which is based on
connectedness and concurrency of learning. There are six key pedagogical principles that underpin all IB
programmes. Teaching is: based on inquiry; focused on conceptual understanding; developed in local and global
contexts; focused on effective teamwork and collaboration; differentiated to meet the needs of all learners;
informed by assessment (formative and summative).
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An exception is made for students who have to take 3 sciences due to university requirements (e.g. medicine in The Netherlands). These
packages need to receive special authorization from the IBO. Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary subject that
can count for both Groups 3 and 4.
Failure to fulfil these requirements set by the IBO for a DP package will result in a student not being eligible
for an IB diploma. A subject package that does not meet these requirements may be eligible for an IB certificate;
however, this is not generally accepted by universities.
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In addition, students must satisfy IBDP conditions in creativity, activity and service (CAS), theory of knowledge
(TOK) and the extended essay. These are the three elements of the DP Core, which are compulsory for all students.
The final IBDP grades will be based on both externally assessed components and internally assessed components.
External assessment (EA) is sent to the IB and marked by IB examiners, and includes the examinations taken at the
end of the two-year course (in the May and November sessions) as well as a variety of other tasks that students
have to complete in the different subjects at various times under various conditions during the two-year course
(e.g. the written assignments and written tasks for the language A and B courses, certain assessment components
in some of the arts courses, the extended essay, the theory of knowledge essay). External assessment includes:
essays, structured problems, short-response questions, data-response questions, text-response questions, case-
study questions, multiple-choice questions.
Most courses also include assessment components which are internally marked by teachers and externally
moderated by the IB. Internal assessment (IA) includes: oral work in languages, fieldwork in geography, laboratory
work in the sciences, investigations in mathematics, artistic performances.
The chapter on “The DP Subjects” provides descriptions of each subject offered at ISH as well as the breakdown
of the final grades in terms of the different formal assessment components that will determine the final diploma
grade for each subject.
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an important and integral part of the IBDP curriculum, and one of the three
components of the IBDP Core. Students cannot be awarded the IB diploma if they have not completed the TOK
course, even if they have completed all other subject requirements.
The course examines how we know what we claim to know. It is a critical thinking course which encourages
students to think about the nature of knowledge, to reflect on the process of acquiring knowledge in various
areas, on the process of learning in all the subjects they study as part of the DP, and to make connections across
them.
As an integral part of the IBDP programme, TOK is subject to assessment. Throughout the course students will be
required to take an active part in class discussions and to reflect on and use the knowledge and skills acquired.
There are two formal assessment components:
u An exhibition accompanied by a written commentary is assessed internally and moderated externally. This is
completed in Year 12 and accounts for one third of the final grade.
u An essay on a title chosen from the list of titles prescribed by the IB. The maximum length of the essay
1,600 words. The essay is completed in Year 13, is externally assessed and accounts for two thirds of the final
TOK grade.
In TOK, assessment is criterion-based, and students receive marks between 10 and 1, with 10 being the
highest mark. These marks are converted into grades from A to E, with A being the highest grade.
If a student fails to complete the assessment and subject requirements or is awarded a grade E for TOK, which
is a failing condition, the student will not qualify for the IB diploma.
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The Extended Essay
The Extended Essay (EE) is a 4,000-word research essay which provides each student with the opportunity to
investigate a topic of special interest. The extended essay acquaints IBDP students with the kind of independent
research and writing skills expected by universities. The IB recommends that a student should devote a total of
about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay. The EE may be written in one of the IBDP subjects,
including many languages; it is advisable for students to choose a topic from a subject they are enrolled in,
preferably at HL. Each student is assigned a supervisor for support.
For further details, see our ISH Extended Essay Guide; this is issued to all students in Year 12 and can also be
found on ManageBac.
The EE is entirely externally assessed. In total, students can achieve a maximum of 34 points; the points will be
converted into a grade A (=excellent) to E (=elementary).
Please note that if a student gets a grade E for the extended essay, the student will not be awarded the IB diploma.
Failing condition
to be satisfactory (grade C), will be awarded 2 bonus
points. Whereas a candidate who submits an elementary C
extended essay (grade E) will not only score no bonus
points, but will not be awarded a diploma irrespective of D
all other grades.
E Failing condition
[Grades: A = excellent, B = good, C = satisfactory,
D = mediocre, E = elementary (N = not submitted)]
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The emphasis in CAS is on learning by doing real tasks that have real consequences, and reflecting on these
experiences. The purpose is for students to be involved in activities that will make a significant difference to their
lives and also to the lives of others, as well as challenge themselves to extend existing skills or learn new ones.
CAS should be both challenging and enjoyable, a personal journey of self-discovery that will be different for each
student.
More detailed descriptions and the up-to-date deadlines for all the DP core components are provided in the
ISH Extended Essay Guide, the CAS Handbook, and the IBDP Internal & External Assessment Guide. You will
also receive a year planner, which will include an overview of all deadlines. These documents can be found on
ManageBac. Some of them (e.g. the ISH Extended Essay Guide), will be released later in Year 12 and you will be
notified of this in due time.
The DP Subjects
The table below lists all the DP subjects offered at the ISH:
Abbreviations: ITGS = Information Technology in a Global Society, ESS = Environmental Systems and Societies,
SSST = School-supported self-taught
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This chapter includes brief descriptions of all the subjects offered at ISH as well as outlines of the formal
summative assessment in each subject. This is the assessment that directly contributes to the final IB diploma
results and includes internally and externally assessed components to assess student performance:
u external assessment (EA): this is assessment which is externally marked by IB examiners, and includes the
examinations taken at the end of Year 13 and a variety of other tasks spread over different subjects and
completed by students at various times under various conditions during their course (e.g. the EE, the TOK
essay, the written assignments in the Language courses).
u internal assessment (IA): most courses also include assessment components internally marked by teachers
and externally moderated by the IB. Internal assessment includes: oral work in languages, fieldwork in
geography, laboratory work in the sciences, investigations in mathematics, artistic performances, the TOK
oral presentation.
More detailed descriptions and the up-to-date deadlines for the formal assessments in all subjects, including
the DP core, are provided in the IBDP Internal & External Assessment Guide. You will also receive a year
planner, which will include an overview of all deadlines. These documents can be found on ManageBac.
In addition, other assessments will be completed during the school year in each subject; these include formative
assignments and summative assessments that contribute to school reports and determine promotion from
Year 12 to Year 13 (see the chapter “Assessment and Grading” for more information).
As part of the Diploma Programme (DP), students take at least one subject from studies in language and literature.
Taking two studies in language and literature subjects in different languages is one way of obtaining a bilingual
diploma.
The courses offer a broad range of texts, and students grow to appreciate a language’s complexity, wealth and
subtleties in a variety of contexts. Students take their studies in a language in which they are academically
competent. Having studied the language as a Language and Literature subject in the MYP or at an equivalent
level provides a natural pathway to studying the language in a Group 1 subject in the DP.
There are two subjects offered in Group 1 at ISH: Literature (in English, SSST and externally taught for other
languages) and Language and Literature (in English, Dutch, French, German and Spanish). These courses have
been reviewed by the IB and the new courses were first taught in August 2019 and first assessed in May 2021.
Through studies in language and literature, the DP aims to develop a student's lifelong interest in language and
literature, and a love for the richness of human expression.
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The Language A: literature and language A: language and literature subjects have a common structure, consisting
of three areas of exploration, which propose a different approach to the study of a text:
u Readers, writers and texts
u Intertextuality: connecting texts
u Time and space
Both courses have seven central concepts, highlighting key aspects of literary and linguistic study: culture,
creativity, communication, perspective, transformation, representation, and identity. These concepts act as core
structuring elements, which can be used to bring different works together, to offer possible areas of comparison
and contrast and to suggest lines of inquiry into them.
The two Language A courses share common course aims and assessment objectives. The assessment model
includes tasks with similar designs (paper 1, IA, HL essay), but course-specific requirements, as well as components
that are identical across the courses (paper 2).
The HL essay is a component that requires candidates to write a 1200-1500 word formal essay, following a line
of inquiry of their own choice into one of the texts studied. HL Language A: language and literature candidates
will have a choice between writing about a non-literary or literary text. Students can choose any of the texts
studied during the course, with the exception of the texts they have used for their internal assessment or that
they plan to use for their Paper 2. This written coursework component targets the research, editing and citation
skills that are of such importance for university courses and it differentiates further between SL and HL, asking HL
candidates to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the nature of linguistic or literary study.
The language A: language and literature course, offered in English, Dutch, Spanish, French and German, introduces
the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary forms and non-
literary text types. The course aims to develop in students an understanding of how language, culture and context
determine the ways in which meaning is constructed in texts. Both literary and non-literary texts are used to
enable students to develop an appreciation of the nature, power, and beauty of language and literature. The
formal analysis of texts is supplemented by awareness that meaning is not fixed but can change in respect to
contexts of production and consumption.
The course is organized into three areas of exploration and seven central concepts, and focuses on the study of
both literary or non-literary texts. Together, the three areas of exploration of the course allow the student to
explore the language A in question through its cultural development and use, its media forms and functions, and
its literature. Students develop skills of literary and textual analysis, and also the ability to present their ideas
effectively. A key aim is the development of critical literacy.
u Students develop the techniques needed for the critical analysis of communication, becoming alert to
interactions between text, audience and purpose
u An understanding of how language, culture and context determine the construction of meaning is developed
through the exploration of texts, some of which are studied in translation, from a variety of cultures, periods,
text-types and literary forms
u Students are assessed through a combination of formal examinations and oral and written coursework and
oral activities:
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Assessment components Weighting
External assessment 80%
Paper 1 (2 hours 15 minutes) 35%
An analysis of each of two unseen non-literary texts, each from a different text type
Paper 2 (1 hour 45 min) 25%
A comparative literary essay about two works in response to a question chosen out of
four
Essay 20%
A 1200-1500 word formal essay, following a line of inquiry into one of the texts studied
HL Internal assessment 20%
Individual oral (15 minutes) 20%
Supported by an extract from both one non-literary body of work and one from a
literary work, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5
minutes of questions by the teacher, to the following prompt:
Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the
content and form of one of the works and one of the bodies of work that you have
studied.
External assessment 70%
Paper 1 (1 hour 15 minutes) 35%
An analysis of one of two unseen non-literary texts, each from a different text type
Paper 2 (1 hour 45 min) 35%
A comparative literary essay about two works in response to a question chosen out of
SL four
Internal assessment 30%
Individual oral (15 minutes) 30%
Supported by an extract from one non-literary body of work and one from a literary
work, students will offer a prepared response of 10 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of
questions by the teacher, to the following prompt:
Examine the ways in which the global issue of your choice is presented through the
content and form of one of the works and one of the bodies of work that you have
studied.
The language A: literature course, offered in English, aims to develop in students an understanding of the techniques
involved in literary criticism and an ability to form independent literary judgments. For students who have developed
a love for literature during their MYP years, this is the perfect opportunity to build a true appreciation of literature –
by studying a wide range of literary texts such as novels, plays, short stories, poems, and graphic novels.
The course is organized into three areas of exploration and seven central concepts, and focuses on the study of
literary works. Together, the three areas of exploration of the course add up to a comprehensive exploration of
literature from a variety of cultures, literary forms and periods. Students learn to appreciate the artistry of literature,
and develop the ability to reflect critically on their reading, presenting literary analysis powerfully through both oral
and written communication.
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u The study of literary works in context is emphasized, and through the study of literature in translation the student
is challenged to reflect on the role of cultural assumptions in interpretation
u Students are assessed through a combination of formal examination and oral and written coursework.
If a language A: literature subject is not offered by the school, students can also be registered as SSST (school-
supported self-taught) Language A students. This means that you do not have a teacher (an internal, ISH teacher
or an external one) who guides you through the course. It is a good option for students where no teacher can be
found, or where IB training or additional payment for an external teacher is not possible. This option can only be
taken at standard level (SL). Due to the nature of the course, the class limit is 15 students.
With other SSST Language A students, you will attend up to nine Wednesday afternoon seminars per school
year and a weekly study hall. You will also have some additional individual meetings with the SSST Language A
coordinator at ISH. Each year, you will receive a course booklet that guides you through the course. You will know
exactly what to do for each deadline and seminar, and the dates will also be posted on Managebac. Detailed
Portfolio tasks will be provided for each work you select. The tasks are designed to help you build skills, deepen
understanding and prepare for the different exam components of the course. You will receive feedback on your
behaviours for learning for each ISH report and have mock exam experiences before each exam. The idea of
studying without a teacher may seem strange, but the course has worked well for many students in the past.
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In order to get feedback on the work you do in your Language A, you will need to get support from an adult
native or fluent speaker of your language who acts as your language tutor outside of school. At ISH, the person
acting as a language tutor can be a relative or family friend willing to provide support free of charge (mostly
chosen in the past) or a paid tutor who has no personal connection with the student’s family. The person acting
as your language tutor does not have to be a teacher and while knowledge of literature in your Language A will
be helpful, it is not required. Experienced tutors will have to be flexible since the since the SSST Language A
coordinator at ISH will guide you through the course.
SSST language A also requires good organisational skills, independent learning and a mature approach because
each student is actually responsible for their own course, and because seminars and study halls will not
automatically appear on your timetable. Your good level of self-management skills had to be reflected in your
Year 11 reports.
For more information, you can find the course outline, answers to Frequently Asked Questions and a link to the
Language Tutor Form (explaining the role of the language tutor in detail) here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hmy8iPiXki57FuggF-Ruy86zKFlVJFvXnylvT21FgmI/edit?usp=sharing
Please make sure that you attend the registration meeting in the first few weeks of Year 12. Details of the course
– including arrangements with an adult acting as your language tutor, the choice of books and the nature of
assignments – will be addressed in Year 12.
Ms Bergman coordinates SSST Language A. Please contact her at [email protected] if you have any
questions after reading the information provided through the link above.
If a language A: literature subject is not offered by the school, an external teacher may teach a student provided
that all regulations are followed and the course can be approved. This option can only be taken at higher level
(HL) and involves significant additional costs as the parents are responsible for paying the external teacher’s fees.
Arrangements to work with an external teacher in Year 12 should be made in Year 11 wherever possible.
The same requirements apply as for all language A courses which are taught in school:
u The external teacher must be an experienced teacher of the Language, preferably already with training in
IBDP Language A Literature (e.g. a teacher who teaches at another IB school) - if necessary, online IBDP
training can be organised by the school;
u The same requirements for teaching time must be met as for all other taught subjects (240 hours for HL),
which means at least 3 weekly clock hours for HL and scheduled independent work.
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The external teacher must:
u Provide a curriculum vitae and IB training certificate(s) before the course can be approved (ideally in Year 11,
otherwise by the end of September of Year 12);
u Provide an outline of the course in accordance with the IB requirements, using the same structure and
assessment requirements as a language A course taught in school, as outlined in the section “Language A:
Literature (English)”, for approval by the school by the end of October of Year 12;
u Teach you for 3 clock hours per week (on campus, at a different place or online), and set and provide feedback
on assignments comparable to your other taught courses;
u Provide internal/ mock exam papers in Years 12 and 13 as requested and run and mark all assessment
components, including the final oral exam, according to IB requirements;
u Provide report grades and other relevant information (e.g. feedback on behaviours for learning) as requested;
u Follow the school’s emergency and safeguarding procedures (as applicable for the lessons);
u Be able to communicate in English.
Your external teacher will help you to develop the skills to read, write and speak in formal contexts further in
Years 12 and 13. Externally Taught Language A also requires good organisational skills, independent learning
and a mature approach because externally taught lessons will not appear automatically on your timetable and
Managebac is only used for reporting. Your good level of self-management skills had to be reflected in your Year
11 reports.
Please make sure that you attend the registration meeting in the first few weeks of Year 12.
Ms Bergman coordinates Externally Taught Languages (Years 12 & 13) at ISH Secondary. Please contact her if you
have any questions ([email protected]).
Language acquisition consists of two modern language courses — language ab initio and language B — that are
offered in a number of languages.
Language ab initio and language B are language acquisition courses designed to provide students with the
necessary receptive, productive and interactive skills and competencies as well as with intercultural understanding
by exposing the student to different cultures connected to the target language to enable them to communicate
successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. This process allows the learner to go beyond
the confines of the classroom, expanding their awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity.
The two modern language courses develop students’ linguistic abilities through the development of receptive,
productive and interactive skills.
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IBDP students at ISH can take:
u language B courses in English, Dutch, Spanish, French and German
u language ab initio in Dutch, Spanish and French
The language B courses are additional language-learning courses designed for students with some previous
experience of learning that language, but not competence at native level. The courses give students the possibility
of reaching a high degree of competence in an additional language through the study of language, themes and
texts. In doing so, they also develop conceptual understandings of how language works, as appropriate to the
level of the course. Communication is evidenced through receptive, productive and interactive skills across a
range of contexts and purposes that are appropriate to the level of the course. The courses aim to develop the
students’ linguistic competence and intercultural understanding.
At both levels of language B (SL and HL), students learn to communicate in the target language in familiar and
unfamiliar contexts. They describe situations, narrate events, make comparisons, explain problems, and state and
support their personal opinions on a variety of topics relating to course content. The study of two literary works
originally written in the target language is required only at language B HL. The distinction between language
B SL and HL can also be seen in the level of competency the student is expected to develop in the receptive,
productive and interactive skills and the number of teaching hours.
Course Structure
The syllabus consists of five prescribed themes, which provide relevant contexts for study at all levels of language
acquisition in the DP, and opportunities for students to communicate about matters of personal, local or national,
and global interest. The five prescribed themes are:
u identities
u experiences
u human ingenuity
u social organization
u sharing the planet
The themes allow students to compare the target language and culture(s) to other languages and cultures
with which they are familiar. The themes also provide opportunities for students to make connections to other
disciplinary areas in the DP. The themes are inspired by the transdisciplinary themes of the PYP and the global
contexts of the MYP.
The five prescribed themes must all be addressed equally in the language B course; beyond that, teachers are
free to work with the themes in a way that best helps them to organize a course plan and build upon students’
interests in the target language and its cultures, and that best helps students to meet the expectations of the
syllabus with regard to language and texts. The IB provides lists of recommended topics for each theme, which
are appropriate for students to achieve the aims and objectives of the course.
In theory, a text is anything from which information can be extracted, including the wide range of oral, written and
visual materials present in society. For the purposes of teaching and learning in a language acquisition course, the
language B syllabus organize written, visual, audio and audio-visual texts into three broad categories: personal,
professional and mass media texts. The guiding principle for using texts in the DP language acquisition courses is
to develop students’ receptive, productive and interactive skills in the target language by focusing their attention
on the ways in which good communicators consider the audience, context and purpose of what they want to say
or write in the process of choosing and developing an appropriate text type to convey a message.
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The use of literary works to develop students’ receptive and productive skills is encouraged at all levels of
language acquisition in the DP; however, in terms of formal requirements of the syllabus and assessment outline,
the study of two literary works originally written in the target language is a requirement at HL in language B. HL
students are expected to understand fundamental elements of the literary works studied, such as themes, plot
and characters. It must be emphasized that literary criticism is not an objective of the language B course; literary
criticism lies within the remit of the DP studies in language and literature courses. In language B HL, literature is
intended as a stimulus for ideas to be explored, principally through oral assessment.
All DP language programme subject groups promote a vision of learning in which the development of language
skills and conceptual understandings of language are complementary to each other, so that the total learning
experience of the student is as robust as possible. Thus, DP students become more accomplished communicators
in the languages they study when their abilities to read, write and speak about course content are reinforced
and extended by an understanding of why and how people use language to communicate. Certain conceptual
understandings of language are fundamental to successful communication and should be developed in all DP
language acquisition courses. These include concepts such as audience, context, purpose, meaning and variation.
Please note: Language B is not intended for native or near-native speakers who use the language regularly
outside of school. If you can interact in the language in both formal and informal contexts on familiar and
unfamiliar topics, and if you can read and write the language (even if you make errors), a Language B course will
not provide an appropriate academic challenge for you.
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In exceptional cases, the school may be able to admit native or near-native speakers to Language B HL. This is only
possible if the level of reading and writing is so low that the student cannot be expected to improve enough in the
two year programme to pass Language A exams. This is more likely to be the case for character languages (e.g.
Chinese, Japanese) than for alphabetical languages (e.g. Polish, Swahili). The school does not support Language
B SL as an option for native or near-native speakers.
If you feel the Language B HL exception applies to you, please contact the relevant coordinator before submitting
your subject choices. In order for the school to be able to evaluate your situation, you may be asked to attend an
interview and/or complete an internal or external placement test, which your parents may have to pay for.
If a language B subject is not offered by the school, an external teacher may teach a student provided that
all regulations are followed and the course can be approved. This option can be taken at higher level (HL) or
standard level (SL) and involves significant additional costs as the parents are responsible for paying the external
teacher’s fees. Arrangements to work with an external teacher in Year 12 should be made in Year 11 wherever
possible.
Please note: Externally Taught Language B is not intended for native or near-native speakers who use the
language regularly outside of school. If you can interact in the language in both formal and informal contexts on
familiar and unfamiliar topics, and if you can read and write the language (even if you make errors), a Language B
course will not provide an appropriate academic challenge for you. In exceptional cases, the school may be able
to admit native or near-native speakers to Externally Taught Language B HL. This is only possible if the level of
reading and writing is so low that the student cannot be expected to improve enough in the two year programme
to pass Language A exams. This is more likely to be the case for character languages (e.g. Chinese, Japanese) than
for alphabetical languages (e.g. Polish, Swahili). The school does not support Externally Taught Language B SL as
an option for native or near-native speakers. If you feel the Externally Taught Language B HL exception applies to
you, please contact the relevant coordinator before submitting your subject choices. In order for the school to be
able to evaluate your situation, you may be asked to attend an interview and/or complete an internal or external
placement test, which your parents may have to pay for.
For Externally Taught Language B courses, the same requirements apply as for all language B courses which are
taught in school:
u The external teacher must be an experienced teacher of the Language, preferably already with training in
IBDP Language B (e.g. a teacher who teaches at another IB school) - if necessary, online IBDP training can be
organised by the school;
u The same requirements for teaching time must be met as for all other taught subjects (240 hours for HL, 150
hours for SL), which means at least 3 weekly clock hours for HL/ 2 weekly clock hours for SL and scheduled
independent work.
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Your parents will be responsible for:
u Making arrangements with the external teacher regarding lesson times;
u Paying the external teacher’s fees;
u Monitoring your progress and ensuring that deadlines are met.
You must have a high degree of competence in your language but not at native or near-native level. This means
that you should have studied this language at school for some time, e.g. 3 - 5 years. Externally Taught Language B
also requires good organisational skills, independent learning and a mature approach because externally taught
lessons will not appear automatically on your timetable and Managebac is only used for reporting. Your good
level of self-management skills had to be reflected in your Year 11 reports.
Please make sure that you attend the registration meeting in the first few weeks of Year 12.
Ms Bergman coordinates Externally Taught Languages (Years 12 & 13) at ISH Secondary. Please contact her if you
have any questions ([email protected]).
Please note: There is no SSST (school supported self-taught) Language B or Language Ab Initio.
The language ab initio course is a language acquisition course for students with no prior experience of the target
language, or for those students with very limited previous experience. Any student who has studied the language
for 2 years and/or is already able to understand and respond to spoken and written language on a range of
common topics is not to be placed in language ab initio.
This course is only available at standard level (SL) and will be offered in Dutch, French and Spanish (on condition
enough students select the subject).
Students develop the ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes
and texts. In doing so, they also develop conceptual understandings of how language works. Communication is
evidenced through receptive, productive and interactive skills across a range of contexts and purposes that are
appropriate to the level of the course.
The language ab initio syllabus is organized into five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity,
social organization and sharing the planet. The language ab initio syllabus prescribes four topics for each of the
five prescribed themes for a total of 20 topics that must be addressed in the language ab initio course.
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Assessment components Weighting
External assessment 75%
Paper 1 (1 hour) 25%
Productive skills—writing (30 marks)
Two written tasks of 70–150 words each from a choice of three tasks, choosing a text
type for each task from among those listed in the examination instructions.
Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes) 50%
Receptive skills — separate sections for listening and reading (65 marks)
SL
● Listening comprehension (45 minutes) (25 marks)
● Reading comprehension (1 hour) (40 marks)
Comprehension exercises on three audio passages and three written texts, drawn from
all five themes.
Internal assessment 25%
Individual oral assessment 25%
A conversation with the teacher, based on a visual stimulus and at least an additional
theme. (30 marks)
Group 3, individuals and societies, encompasses a broad range of subjects. At ISH, we offer the following Group
3 subjects: business management, economics, geography, history, global politics and psychology. Students can
choose whether to study these subjects at HL or SL. An interdisciplinary subject with science, environmental
systems and societies (ESS), can also only be studied at SL. Although each of these courses has very distinct
content, they involve common skills. Each subject is designed to foster the capacity to critically analyse and
evaluate theories, concepts and arguments relating to the nature and activities of individuals and societies.
Business Management
The business management course is designed to meet the current and future needs of students who want
to develop their knowledge of business content, concepts and tools to assist with business decision-making.
Future employees, business leaders, entrepreneurs or social entrepreneurs need to be confident, creative and
compassionate as change agents for business in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace. The business
management course is designed to encourage the development of these attributes.
Through the exploration of four interdisciplinary concepts - creativity, change, ethics and sustainability - this
course empowers students to explore these concerts from a business perspective. Business management focuses
on business functions, management processes and decision making in contemporary contexts of strategic
uncertainty.
Students examine how business decisions are influenced by factors that are internal and external to an
organization and how these decisions impact upon a range of internal and external stakeholders. Emphasis is
placed on strategic decision making and the operational business functions of human resource management,
finance and accounts, marketing and operations management.
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By the end of the business management course, students are expected to reach the following assessment
objectives:
Syllabus
The HL course differs from the SL course in terms of depth and breadth, the nature of the internal assessment and
the nature of the examination questions. All students study the following syllabus:
u Unit 1: Business organisation and environment
u Unit 2: Human resource management
u Unit 3: Finance and accounts
u Unit 4: Marketing
u Unit 5: Operations management
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These units are covered in a variety of ways. Contextualised learning is critical and students acquire understanding
through the use of case studies and research. Students’ own ability to carry out research is a key skill for success.
No prior knowledge of business and management is necessary for students; however, a familiarity with business
concepts would be an advantage, as would completing the business and economics courses in the IB MYP.
Economics
The IBDP economics course emphasizes the economic theories of microeconomics, which deal with economic
variables affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the economic theories of macroeconomics, which deal
with economic variables affecting countries, governments and societies. These economic theories are not to
be studied in a vacuum – rather, they are to be applied to real-world issues. Prominent among these issues are
fluctuations in economic activity, international trade, economic development and environmental sustainability.
The economics course encourages students to develop international perspectives, fosters a concern for global
issues, and raises students’ awareness of their own responsibilities at a local, national and international level.
The course also seeks to develop values and attitudes that will enable students to achieve a degree of personal
commitment in trying to resolve these issues, appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly
interdependent world. The new integrated subtopics of Economics of the environment, Economics of inequality
and poverty help to bring to light the main global challenges facing the planet today and how these can be
addressed using an Economics lens.
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CONCEPTS
Scarcity • Choise • Efficiency
Equity • Economic well-being
Sustainability • Change
Interdependence • Intevention
INQUIRIES
CONTEXTS CONTENT
There are nine key concepts in the new course (scarcity, choice, efficiency, equity, There are nine key concepts in
the new course (scarcity, choice, efficiency, equity, economic well-being, sustainability, change, interdependence
and intervention).
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For both levels, no difficult mathematics is involved apart from basic algebra. However, it is necessary to be at
home with graphs and be capable of rational thinking and expressing ideas in clear English. Students will need
to be able to use data in a written, numerical and graphical form. IBDP economics is a start-up subject, i.e. the
course assumes no prior knowledge.
Students of economics would of course be well qualified for a job in business, but other areas that might be
considered would include international relations, journalism and law.
History
Historical knowledge is an important asset for our learners in order to thrive as global citizens. The DP History
course is built around six important concepts approached from various modern world history themes and case
studies. Our history lessons contribute to a deeper understanding of difference and identity in our present time
and allow our learners to develop extremely valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking, intellectual
pursuit and the capacity to do source analysis and evaluation. History prepares students for many university
courses and careers including law, politics and journalism. The course at ISH has been designed to ensure it is a
world history course and that different academic perspectives and theories are studied.
Our students are always encouraged to find and develop their voices both in class discussions and in their writing.
Contemporary historical sources are also used regularly in lessons to develop students’ evaluation skills.
These are the six concepts around which our course is built:
Syllabus
and Mao.
Consequence
HL students are also required to study an additional
regional option. The option studied at our school is:
Aspects of the history of Asia and Oceania. Students
complete two in-depth studies; the topics studied are:
Key concepts for DP history
u Topic 14: The People’s Republic of China
u Topic 15: Cold War conflicts in Asia
Throughout the course the historical skills being developed and refined are:
u demonstration of historical understanding through the acquisition, selection and effective use of knowledge;
u presentation of clear, concise, relevant and well-substantiated arguments;
u critical evaluation, interpretation and use of source material as historical evidence;
u identification and evaluation of different approaches to, and interpretations of historical events.
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Assessment components Weighting
External assessment 80%
Paper 1 (2 hours 15 minutes) 35%
Geographic themes — three options (60 marks)
Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes) 25%
Core: Geographic perspectives — global change (50 marks)
Paper 3 (1 hour) 20%
HL
Geographic perspectives — global interactions (28 marks)
Internal assessment 20%
Fieldwork 20%
The fieldwork leads to a written report (2,500 words) based on a fieldwork question,
information collection and analysis with evaluation (25 marks)
External assessment 75%
Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes) 35%
Geographic themes—two options (40 marks)
Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes) 40%
SL Core: Geographic perspectives — global change (50 marks)
Internal assessment 25%
Fieldwork 25%
The fieldwork leads to a written report (2,500 words) based on a fieldwork question,
information collection and analysis with evaluation (25 marks)
Geography
The DP geography course integrates both physical and human geography and includes elements of both scientific
and socio-economic methodologies. The course is centred around key concepts and themes, and presents
opportunities to examine major issues and concerns of today. Through the study of geography, the students
develop an awareness of other cultures and their differences.
The study of geography in the IBDP can be a real asset for any course at university as it provides a good knowledge
of challenging issues and a variety of skills, and offers broad career opportunities. A geography qualification can
lead to careers in a wide range of fields such as: atmospheric science, geology, urban and rural planning, transport
management, ecology and recreational management.
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The aims of the geography course at both HL and SL are to:
u encourage the systematic and critical study of human experience and behaviour, and of physical, economic
and social environments;
u develop in the student the capacity to identify, to analyse critically and to evaluate theories, concepts and
arguments about the nature and activities of the individual and society;
u enable the student to collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of society, to test hypotheses, and to
interpret complex data and source material;
u develop an understanding of the interrelationships between people, places, spaces and the environment;
u develop a concern for human welfare and the quality of the environment, and an understanding of the need
for planning and sustainable management;
u to enable students to appreciate the relevance of geography in analysing contemporary issues and challenges,
and develop a global perspective of diversity and change.
Syllabus
The core theme, geographic perspectives – global change, is compulsory for both HL and SL; this includes the
following compulsory topics:
u Changing population
u Global climate – vulnerability and resilience
u Global resource consumption and security
Accompanying the core is a series of options. The optional geographic themes are a mixture of physical and
human geography. SL students study two options, for the HL course three options are chosen. The options
currently taught are:
u B: Oceans and coastal margins
u F: Food and health
u G: Urban environments (HL only)
The HL students also study the topic of geographic perspectives – global Interactions.
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Global Politics
The subject aims to explore the connections between individuals and societies in an increasingly challenging and
dynamic global society, providing various perspectives and approaches to (contemporary) politics. The subject
centres around the central theme of: people (communities, groups and individuals); power (dynamics, tension
and outcomes) and politics (conflict, cooperation).
These (and other) concepts are explored on local, national, international and global level, linking to real world
examples (such as Model United Nations and Global Issues Network). The course consists of four core units,
which are taught at both SL and HL:
u Human rights (e.g. protection and enforcement, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
u Development (e.g. sustainable development and well-being, GNP and HDI)
u Peace and conflict (e.g. justification and causes of violence and peace-building)
In addition, the HL course also includes the topic of global political challenges; political issues in two of the
following six global political challenges are researched and presented through a case study approach: environment,
poverty, health, identity, borders, and security.
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Psychology
Psychology is the rigorous and systematic study of mental processes and behaviour. It is a complex subject which
draws on concepts, methods and understandings from a number of different disciplines. The study of behaviour
and mental processes requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of a variety of research techniques whilst
recognising that behaviour is not a static phenomenon, it is adaptive, and as the world, societies and challenges
facing societies change, so does behaviour.
Syllabus
At the core of the DP psychology course is an introduction to three different approaches to understanding
behaviour:
u biological approach to understanding behaviour
u cognitive approach to understanding behaviour
u sociocultural approach to understanding behaviour.
The knowledge, concepts, theories and research in these fields will be studied and critically evaluated to answer
some of the questions being asked by psychologists today. The interaction of these approaches to studying
psychology will form the basis of a holistic and integrated approach to understanding mental processes and
behaviour as a complex, dynamic phenomenon, allowing students to appreciate the diversity as well as the
commonality between their own behaviour and that of others.
The contribution and the interaction of the three approaches can be best understood through the options. There
are four options in the course. They focus on areas of applied psychology:
1. abnormal psychology
2. developmental psychology
3. health psychology
4. psychology of human relationships.
The options provide an opportunity to take what is learned from the study of the approaches to psychology and
put it into the context of specific lines of inquiry, broaden students’ experience of the discipline and develop the
students’ critical inquiry skills. SL students study one option, while HL students study two.
Surrounding the approaches and the options are the overarching themes of research methodology and ethics. A
consideration of both is paramount to the nature of the subject.
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Assessment components Weighting
External assessment 80%
Paper 1 (2 hours) 40%
Section A: Three short-answer questions on the core approaches to psychology
Section B: One essay from a choice of three on the biological, cognitive and
sociocultural approaches to behaviour. One, two or all of the essays will reference the
additional HL topic (49 marks)
HL Paper 2 (2 hours) 20%
Two questions; one from a choice of three on each of two options
(44 marks)
Paper 3 (1 hour) 20%
Three short-answer questions from a list of six static questions on approaches to
research (24 marks)
Internal assessment 20%
Experimental study 20%
A report on an experimental study undertaken by the student (22 marks)
External assessment 75%
Paper 1 (2 hours) 50%
Section A: Three short-answer questions on the core approaches to psychology
Section B: One essay from a choice of three on the biological, cognitive and sociocultural
approaches to behaviour (49 marks)
SL
Paper 2 (1 hour) 25%
One question from a choice of three on one option (22 marks)
Internal assessment 25%
Experimental study 25%
A report on an experimental study undertaken by the student (22 marks)
Group 4: Sciences
ISH offers physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, Sport Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) and design
technology as Group 4 subjects. An interdisciplinary subject with Individuals and Societies, namely environmental
systems and societies (ESS), can also be studied at SL. A common curriculum model applies to all the sciences.
This model offers a parallel structure at both HL and SL, whereby a core of material is studied, together with
option topics. By studying any of the Group 4 subjects, students will become aware of how scientists work and
communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis
on a practical approach through experimental work that distinguishes the Group 4 subjects.
Students spend at least 25% of teaching time following an internally assessed scheme of practical investigative
work. There is also an interdisciplinary science project that allows students to appreciate the environmental,
social and ethical implications of science and mirrors the work of real scientists, allowing students to understand
the limitations of scientific study, for example, the shortage of appropriate data and/or the lack of resources. This
is the Group 4 project, in which all DP science students must participate; at ISH the Group 4 project is organised
at the end of year 12. The emphasis of this project is on interdisciplinary cooperation and the processes involved
in scientific investigation rather than the products of such investigations. The group 4 project is a collaborative
activity where students from different group 4 subjects work together on a scientific or technological topic,
allowing for concepts and perceptions from across the disciplines to be shared in line with the course aim of
“developing an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other
areas of knowledge”. The project can be practically or theoretically based.
The IBDP science subjects provide students with knowledge and understanding to become confident citizens in a
technological world and encourage the development of an appreciation of the scientific contributions of people
from different cultures and backgrounds.
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Group 4 students at both SL and HL undertake a common core syllabus, a common internal assessment scheme
and have some overlapping elements in the options studied. While the skills and activities of group 4 science
subjects are common to students at both SL and HL, students at HL are required to study some topics in greater
depth, both in the additional HL core material and in the common options. The distinction between SL and HL is
one of breadth and depth.
Biology
Although biologists have accumulated huge amounts of information about living organisms, the aim of the course
is not to simply teach the students a large number of seemingly unrelated facts. In the DP biology course, it is
hoped that students will acquire a body of facts and at the same time develop a broad, general understanding of
the principles of the subject.
The DP biology SL and HL courses are built around four basic biological concepts: structure and function,
universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, and evolution.
Biology is an excellent course for all students, both for those continuing their career in science (such as forestry,
agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, microbiology, biochemistry, health related studies like medicine,
dentistry, veterinary sciences, nursing, physiotherapy, biophysical sciences) as well as those with other career
options.
Chemistry
Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and
investigational skills. It is called the central science as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment
in which we live and all biological systems. Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, chemistry is
a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental
science, and serves as useful preparation for employment.
Physics
Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the
very smallest particles – quarks, which may be truly fundamental – to the vast distances between galaxies.
The DP physics course allows students to develop traditional practical skills and techniques and increase facility
in the use of mathematics, which is the language of physics. Physics also allows students to develop interpersonal
skills, and information and communication technology skills which are essential in modern scientific endeavour
and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their own right.
Good qualifications in IBDP physics are needed for entry into universities that offer courses such as physics,
engineering, medicine, dentistry and even diverse subjects such as management.
Sports, exercise and health science is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition
of practical and investigative skills. Both theory and practical work are undertaken by all students in this subject.
They should complement one another naturally, as they do in wider scientific study. The SEHS course allows
students to develop practical skills and techniques, and to increase facility in the use of mathematics, which is
the language of science. It also allows students to develop interpersonal skills and digital technology skills, which
are essential in 21st-century scientific endeavour and are important life-enhancing, transferable skills in their
own right.
Apart from being worthy of study in its own right, SEHS provides excellent preparation for courses in higher or
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further education related to sport, sports science or physical education, sports fitness and health, and serves as
useful preparation for employment in sports and leisure industries.
The course incorporates the traditional disciplines of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology and
nutrition, which are studied in the context of sports, exercise and health. Students will cover a range of core and
option topics, and carry out practical (experimental) investigations in both laboratory and field settings. This will
provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to apply scientific principles and
critically analyse human performance. Where relevant, the course will address issues of international dimension
and ethics by considering sports, exercise and health relative to the individual and in a global context.
Computer Science
Computer science requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as well as
knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate. The core computer science syllabus, which both
SL and HL students must study, covers these core topics:
u System fundamentals
u Computer organization
u Networks
u Computational thinking, problem-solving and programming
The DP computer science course is engaging, accessible, inspiring and rigorous. It has the following characteristics:
u It draws on a wide spectrum of knowledge.
u It enables and empowers innovation, exploration and the acquisition of further knowledge.
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u It interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies behave.
u It raises ethical issues.
u It is underpinned by computational thinking.
During the course the student will develop computational solutions. This will involve the ability to:
u identify a problem or unanswered question;
u design, prototype and test a proposed solution;
u liaise with clients to evaluate the success of the proposed solution and make recommendations for future
developments.
DP computer science students will become aware of how computer scientists work and communicate with each
other and with other stakeholders in the successful development and implementation of IT solutions.
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Design Technology
The DP design technology course, offered at HL and SL, aims to develop internationally-minded people whose
enhanced understanding of design and the technological world can facilitate our shared guardianship of the
planet and create a better world.
Inquiry and problem-solving are at the heart of the subject. The course requires the use of the design cycle as a
tool, in order to structure the inquiry and analysis of problems, the development of feasible solutions, and the
testing and evaluation of the solution. In design technology, a solution can be defined as a model, prototype,
product or system that students have developed independently.
This course provides the students with the opportunity for hands-on experimentation; they are carrying out some
of the same processes that designers undertake.
The course has a balance of theory and practical tasks. 60 hours will be spent on practical tasks using our brand-
new CAD/CAM facilities. Computer aided design and manufacture will be our focus, when exploring a variety of
techniques using laser cutting and 3D printing.
The core syllabus, which both SL and HL must study, includes the following topics:
u Human factors and ergonomics
u Resource management and sustainable production
u Modelling
u Final production
u Innovation and design
u Classic design
In addition, HL students study the following topics:
u User-centred design (UCD)
u Sustainability
u Innovation and markets
u Commercial production
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Assessment components Weighting
External assessment 60%
Paper 1 (45 minutes) 30%
30 multiple-choice questions on the core material (30 marks)
Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes) 30%
Section A: one data-based question and several short-answer questions on the core
SL material (all compulsory)
Section B: one extended-response question on the core material (from a choice of three)
(50 marks)
Internal Assessment 40%
Individual design project (40 hours) 40%
The prime intent of this course is to provide students with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships
between environmental systems and societies; one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response
to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face. Students’ attention
is constantly drawn to their own relationship with their environment and the significance of choices and
decisions that they make in their own lives. It is intended that students develop a sound understanding of the
interrelationships between environmental systems and societies, rather than a purely journalistic appreciation
of environmental issues. They should recognize the many possible solutions to environmental problems that are
within humanity’s capabilities and that make a sustainable future possible. The teaching approach is conducive
to students evaluating the scientific, ethical and socio-political aspects of issues.
The course is highly demanding and combines science and humanities, therefore making sound knowledge of
both fields crucial.
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Group 5: Mathematics
Mathematics: analysis and approaches is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in mathematics at
university or subjects that have a large mathematical content, such as engineering, physics, economics. It is
for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract
applications, with and without technology. Mathematics: analysis and approaches includes an emphasis on
calculus and on algebraic, graphical and numerical approaches
Mathematics: applications and interpretation is a course in applied mathematics, designed for students who
enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics; those who are interested in
harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models and enjoy the more practical side
of mathematics, where mathematics is seen in a real-life context. The subject emphasises the applications of the
subject, and interpretation of results in context. This subject is suitable for students who want to pursue a degree
in social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business, psychology, and design. Mathematics: applications and
interpretation SL is developed from mathematical studies SL and is being designed to appeal to those students
who would previously have taken mathematical studies SL, as well as students with an interest in using technology
to solve mathematical problems in practical contexts. The HL course will be new content including elements of
the current mathematics HL statistics and discrete content.
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Assessment components Weighting
External assessment 80%
Paper 1 (120 minutes) 30%
Technology required. (110 marks)
Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus.
Paper 2 (120 minutes) 30%
Technology required. (110 marks)
Compulsory extended-response questions based on the syllabus.
HL Paper 3 (60 minutes) 20%
Technology required. (55 marks)
Two compulsory extended-response problem-solving questions.
Internal Assessment 20%
Mathematical exploration 20%
This is a piece of written work that involves investigating an area of mathematics.
(20 marks)
External Assessment 80%
Paper 1 40%
Technology required. (80 marks)
Compulsory short-response questions based on the syllabus.
Paper 2 (90 minutes) 40%
SL Technology required. (80 marks)
Compulsory extended-response questions based on the syllabus.
Internal Assessment 20%
Mathematical exploration 20%
This is a piece of written work that involves investigating an area of mathematics.
(20 marks)
Use of Technology
A graphic calculator is required for all IB DP mathematics courses and it is essential for following the lessons,
completing the assignments and performing well on tests and in exams. In mathematics: applications and
interpretation the use of a calculator is allowed in all exam papers; in mathematics: analysis and approaches,
the use of a calculator is not allowed in Paper 1. The graphic calculator used at ISH is selected at the beginning of
each school year by the mathematics department. The models recommended for the next academic year are the
Texas Instruments TI-84 or TI-84 plus.
It is important that students have the ISH model of graphic calculator and they are strongly advised to purchase
one through a local bookstore or electronic shop before the start of the lessons.
ISH offers courses in visual arts, music, and theatre. The IBDP visual arts course aims to develop creative thinking,
technical skills and critical art appreciation that will provide students with a foundation for further studies in
architecture, graphic and industrial design, fashion, (art) history and photography. The IBDP music course is
designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of both the power and variety of musical experiences.
Students are exposed to a broad spectrum of music ranging from Western music, from many periods and styles, to
world music. Through the DP theatre course students develop their skills as actors, directors, designers, theorists
and practitioners. A variety of theatrical practices from different eras and places are studied, and students have
the opportunity to pursue areas of specific interest.
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In Year 12, students and teachers go on a trip that offers exposure to curatorial practices and modern and
contemporary art. This trip is essential to the DP visual arts curriculum and assessment. The cost of the Visual
Arts trip is approximately €350 and this is not included in the school fees. Throughout the course, trips to local
museums and galleries take place, providing opportunities for critical appreciation and learning. Yearly, ISH hosts
an artist in residence offering the students exposure to how a professional artist thinks and works.
Theatre Trip
It is a course requirement for students to see live productions, as these are referred to in one the assessment tasks.
In Year 12, students and teachers will take every opportunity possible to see live theatre and attend workshops,
either online or face to face. The school is a member of The International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA)
which runs annual events to support the DP theatre course, and offers a variety of workshops to students based
on the four assessment tasks. We will annually inform the students of any opportunities we have to attend these
events and give advance warning of additional costs where possible.
Music Trip
In Year 12, students and teachers attend a Diploma workshop that sets up the initial coursework and demonstrates
what is possible throughout the two- year course. This will be organised in collaboration with local international
schools and The Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS-online.org). Throughout the course, trips
to local concerts take place, providing opportunities for critical analysis and development as musicians. This also
extends into artist in residency programs hosted through REWIRE and other professional organisations, as well as
a composition project with a live ensemble.
Students will also get an opportunity to participate in a cultural trip where they begin to document, research and
annotate works in their portfolios. These portfolios will become materials that can be submitted for their final
Diploma coursework. Trip details and costs are separate to school fees and will be made available in the new year.
Visual Arts
The IBDP visual arts course, offered at HL and SL, combines creativity, critical thinking and art appreciation that
provides a firm foundation for university studies. ISH students go on to study art and design at colleges all over
the world. Possible careers for students with an art and design qualification include: architecture, engineering,
interior design, graphic/digital design, advertising, fine art, publishing, fashion, photography, film, television,
video and industrial design, as well as many other related professions. If a student is considering pursuing a
design study, in higher education, taking both DP design technology and DP visual arts is highly recommended.
Many design studies require a portfolio with a variety of works and this is an important component in the visual
arts course.
Central to the course is the development of an increasingly personal line of investigation. Throughout years
12 and 13, students gradually develop their own work, using a range of media of their choosing and media
introduced by teachers and visiting artists. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical
skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and creative self-
confidence. The students are also encouraged to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and
boundaries, helping them discover unforeseen areas of strength and interest.
In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students
are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary art practices
and media. The course culminates with an exhibition of the student’s work, curated by the students themselves.
The range of media offered includes: sculpture, painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, photography and digital
media (Adobe film and editing software). Student works are also made with specialist tools such as a laser cutter.
38
Assessment components Weighting
External assessment 60%
Comparative study: 20%
Culture, context and critical thinking in visual arts
Students analyse and compare different artworks by different artists. This independent
critical and contextual investigation explores artworks, objects and artifacts from
differing cultural contexts.
Process portfolio: 40%
HL Exploring and acquiring skills, techniques and processes involved in making artwork
SL Students submit carefully selected materials which evidence their experimentation,
exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities during the
two-year course.
Internal assessment 40%
Exhibition: 40%
The processes involved in selecting work for exhibition and public display
Students a selection of resolved artworks from their exhibition. The selected pieces
should show evidence of their technical accomplishment during the visual arts course
and an understanding of the use of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual
communication.
Music
The DP music course, offered at HL and SL, offers students an opportunity to expand their ability to understand,
create, and perform music. The music course has been reviewed by the IB and the new course will be taught as of
August 2020-21. A brand new platform is being offered within the context of four areas of inquiry:
1. Music for sociocultural and political expression
2. Music for listening and performance
3. Music for dramatic impact, movement and entertainment
4. Music technology in the electronic and digital age
The 21st Century music learner must prepare for a world in which global musical cultures and industries are
rapidly changing. Throughout the course, students embody three roles: the researcher, the creator and the
performer. In these roles, they inquire, create, perform and reflect on the course’s three musical processes:
u exploring music in context
u experimenting with music
u presenting music
This course is relevant for any students considering a career in many different areas. These include performance
and composition, but also those interested in media law, multi-media creation, events- management,
performance in collaboration with other artists, music technology and cultural research. Teachers and students
will be empowered to recognize how technical training and creative competencies combine to inform practical
work and contribute to the formation of a well-rounded modern musician. Higher Level students even get the
opportunity to create a project of their own that is theirs to lead and direct (from recording an album, composing
for a film, DJ-ing a live set or playing piano through a loop pedal with orchestra).
39
Assessment in the music course has the following characteristics:
a) There is an aligned component structure with three shared components in SL and HL.
b) There is one additional component at HL: applied learning building on the three foundational components.
c) Students develop their holistic musicianship across the three roles of researcher, creator and performer.
d) Music Theory is applied and connected to student work inside the course.
e) Students systematically keep a musical journal as this serves as the basis for submissions.
f) Set works are no longer prescribed but integrated into the four areas of inquiry.
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Theatre
41
Assessment task External/ Internal SL HL
Online Courses
There are a number of IBDP courses that can be taken through Pamoja Online Education. The courses that ISH
students can choose from are:
u Group 2: Mandarin ab initio SL,
u Group 3: Philosophy SL, Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) SL
u Group 6: Film SL
For information about the courses please see http://pamojaeducation.com/IB-online-courses/ and contact Mr
Petar Ogrizovic ([email protected]), our Site-based Coordinator.
Please note that there are additional costs involved in taking an online course and for a student to be successful
in an online course he/she needs to have strong self-management skills.
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Assessment and Grading
Assessment in the DP
The formal assessment components for each subject and their weighting in the final diploma grade are listed in
the previous chapter “The DP Subjects”.
DP Grades
In the IBDP, student work is assessed as direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the DP
courses. Student results are determined by performance against set standards, not by each student's position in
the overall rank order.
In the DP subjects in Groups 1-6, students receive grades ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. In TOK,
students receive grades ranging from A to E, with A being the highest. The EE is entirely externally marked; grades
also range from A to E, with A being the highest; teachers are only required to provide a predicted grade. No
grades are awarded for CAS, but authenticated participation is a requirement for the award of the diploma.
In the IBDP, we work with a mix of marks based on criteria and point scores. The criteria for each subject are
specified in the IBDP subject guides.
In Years 12 and 13, grade boundaries, expressed as percentages, are used for converting assessment criteria
marks and point scores into grades on a 1 – 7 scale in the DP subjects in Groups 1-6, unless other criteria or
specific arrangements apply. These grade boundaries differ per subject. The final grade in Year 12 is comprised of
the exam grades and/or other summative assessment grades (see section “Calculation of the Final Year 12 Grade”
for more details) and is used to determine promotion from Year 12 to Year 13.
Promotion from Year 12 to Year 13 depends upon satisfaction of all of the following requirements at the end of
Year 12:
u a minimum total point score of 24 points, out of which 12 points in the higher-level subjects (see section:
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“Calculation of the Final Year 12 Grade” for details on how the final Year 12 grades are calculated in each
subject group);
u satisfactory progress on the extended essay (indicated by at least a green flag) as judged by the EE supervisor
based on the subject-specific requirements established by the EE Coordinator;
u satisfactory progress in CAS (indicated by at least a green flag) as judged by the CAS advisor/mentor based on
the requirements for the final Y12 checkpoint established by the CAS Coordinator;
u satisfactory progress in TOK, indicated by a passing grade (at least D);
u satisfactory participation in PHE;
u all coursework up to date (see section: “Coursework Requirements for Promotion into Year 13” for more
details);
u a good record of attendance and punctuality.
Please note that for Year 12 students of SSST Language A Literature, the minimum total point score for promotion
is 20 points, out of which 12 points must be achieved in the higher level-subjects.
In order to be promoted to Year 13, students must obtain a minimum total point score of 24 points, out of which
12 points in the higher-level subjects, at the end of Year 12. The total point score is based on the final Year 12
grades students obtain in their Group 1-6 subjects. The model for calculating the final Year 12 grade is different
across subjects/ subject groups. This grade is based on the grades the students have obtained in the exams and/
or in other summative assessments completed during the year.
In addition to the point requirements, students must also meet other requirements. Thus, students must
complete all the required coursework by the end of Year 12. The required coursework includes compulsory formal
assessment components (IAs, EAs) that must be completed in Year 12.
44
Subject group/ Subject Compulsory coursework components
Group 1
English A Lang Lit u Successful completion of one practice IO
u Shows satisfactory progress in paper 1 and paper
2 assessments
u Has a varied and effective learner portfolio
HL only: completion of first draft HL essay
English A Literature uHas understanding of the requirements of the IO
uShows satisfactory progress in paper 1 and paper 2 assessments
uHas a varied and effective learner portfolio
HL only: completion of first draft HL essay
Other languages: SSST Language A Completion of:
Literature (SL) ■ All required Portfolio tasks
■ Self-assessment of skills form
■ Individual oral presentation (EA)
Other languages: Externally taught Lan- Satisfactory completion of
guage A Literature (HL) ■ All required tasks (e.g. Portfolio, paper 1 and paper
2 assessments)
Satisfactory progress in working towards:
■ oral exam presentation (IA)
■ Written assignment (EA)
Dutch A Lang Lit At least 1 P1 & P2 assessment
1 IO as practice
HL Essay, draft with a positive advice for the final
French, Spanish & German A Lang Lit All: successful completion of the individual oral commentary
(IA component)
Student portfolio in line with the work done during the year
+
French:
HL: successful completion of 3 papers and 2 OAs
SL: successful completion of 2 papers and 1 OA
German:
HL & SL: successful completion of 2 papers and 1 OA
Spanish:
HL: successful completion of 3 papers and 1 OA SL:
successful completion of 2 papers and 1 OA
Group 2
English B SL+HL
Successful completion of 4 Paper 1 tasks
Successful completion of 3 Paper 2 reading tasks
Successful completion of 2 Paper 2 listening tasks
2 Oral Activities, including 1 Individual Oral based on
a literary response
Language B (Spanish, German, French) SL+HL
Successful completion of 3 papers 1
Successful completion of 3 papers 2
and 1 OA at the end of the academic year
Dutch B No specific coursework requirements so far - would be great to
align them within all Languages B.
Other languages: Externally taught SL + HL
Language B Satisfactory completion of paper 1 and paper 2 assessments and
at least one oral assessment
Language ab initio: Spanish, French, Successful completion of 2 papers 1
Mandarin Successful completion of 2 papers 2
and 1 OA at the end of the academic year
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Group 3
History, Geography, Business Ma- IA up-to-date:
nagement, Economics, Global Politics, u Business management HL: IA Outline completed
Psychology u Economics: first commentary completed
u Geography: first two sections drafted (geographical context
and methodology)
u Global politics SL&HL: IA engagements presented in class / HL:
One HL presentation complete
u History: IA completed
u Psychology: IA completed
Group 4 & ESS
Interdisciplinary Group 3 & 4: ESS Group 4 project completed
Group 4: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, +
Computer Science, Design Technology, IA up-to-date:
Sports, Exercise and Health Science ■ Computer Science, Design Technology: criteria A & B
completed
■ ESS: IA: ICX & PLA drafted
■ SEHS IA: PE & EX drafted (methodology descriptor completed)
Physics: IA proposal approved and data collected
Group 5
Mathematics Mathematics: analysis & approaches:
Satisfactory completion of the subject requirements.
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DP Core
Extended essay satisfactory completion of the subject-specific requirements
Theory of Knowledge The exhibition completed including a typed commentary on each
object that identifies each object and its specific real-world
context, justifies its inclusion in the exhibition and links to the IA
prompt
Creativity Activity Service (CAS) At least one CAS Project using the IPARD CAS Stages in progress
or completed. Regular reflections that show creativity, depth and
link to the learning outcomes. At least 20 quality reflections
expected by this point. At least a green flag in ManageBac.
CP Career-related study
BTEC in Business a minimum of a Pass across all the units covered by the end of
year 12
CP Core
Reflective Project (RP) satisfactory completion of the subject-specific requirements.
At least a green flag in ManageBac to indicate satisfactory/good
progress
Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) Satisfactory evidence of working towards the learning outcomes
for PPS within a structured portfolio
Language Development (LD) satisfactory completion of the course requirements and
completed portfolio .
Service Learning (SL) satisfactory completion of the outcomes and SL requirements
along completed portfolio. A green flag on ManageBac
The IB diploma is awarded based on performance across all parts of the DP.
A total of six subjects must be studied, with a combination of SL and HL. Students must also complete the DP core,
which consists of CAS, TOK and EE.
Each subject is graded 1–7, with 7 being the highest grade. These grades are also used as points (that is, 7 points
for a grade 7, and so on) in determining if the diploma can be awarded. TOK and the EE are graded A–E, with A
being the highest grade. These two grades are then combined in the diploma points matrix to contribute between
0 and 3 points to the total (see the section “Bonus Points Matrix” for details). CAS is not assessed but must be
completed in order for the diploma to be awarded.
The overall maximum points from subject grades and TOK/EE is therefore 45 = (6 × 7) + 3. The minimum threshold
for the award of the diploma is 24 points.
47
In addition, students who have completed these conditions through multiple languages may be eligible for a
bilingual diploma.
A maximum of three examination sessions is allowed in which to satisfy the requirements for the award of the IB
diploma. The examination sessions need not be consecutiv.
Summary
u Students must study six subjects, plus TOK, EE and CAS. They must accumulate no fewer than 24 points from
assessment in these subjects in addition to grade stipulations.
u They must meet all of the additional requirements listed above.
u They must do so within a maximum of three examination sessions.
u Candidates who successfully meet these conditions will be awarded the diploma.
u Candidates who take the diploma in multiple languages may be eligible for a bilingual diploma.
A bilingual diploma will be awarded to a successful candidate who fulfils one or both of the following criteria:
u Completion of two languages selected from group 1 with the award of a grade 3 or higher in both;
u Completion of one of the subjects from group 3 or group 4 in a language that is not the same as the candidate's
nominated group 1 language (the candidate must attain a grade 3 or higher in both the group 1 language and
the subject from group 3 or 4).
If a student fulfils these criteria, the bilingual diploma will be automatically awarded by the IB; no request needs
to be submitted.
“Career-related programme students will access a broad, flexible education which will give them knowledge,
practical training, intellectual engagement, and international-mindedness, while developing higher-order
cognitive skills and academic behaviours that will enhance their employability and dramatically alter their world
view. “
Dr Siva Kumari, IB Director General 2014
With the IBCP at ISH, we promote access to an IB education to satisfy a worldwide trend of demand for
qualifications that combine academic with career-related achievement, to broaden student options, to challenge
and support our students every step of the way, and to ensure that our students are uniquely prepared to serve,
lead and succeed.
As a part of our whole school mission, the IBCP programme aims to develop the curiosity of our students by
connecting the real world with the classroom and enabling them to become compassionate global citizens of
the future.
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The IBCP is a rigorous and unique academic programme that offers students a different learning experience than
that of the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The IBCP provides a balance of academic and career-related education,
which allows students the opportunity to gain a valuable qualification that will enable them to attend universities
both here in The Netherlands and in the UK, as well as in other countries according to equivalence. It also provides
an excellent foundation for apprenticeships or employment.
The IBCP enables us to meet the diverse needs of the international student body at our school. It gives students
the opportunity to gain a meaningful and recognized qualification in an educational context that provides them a
different learning experience by bringing the commercial world into the classroom and by linking their curriculum
to the real world of international business.
The IBCP is a very exciting applied learning course that enables students to acquire skills such as developing their
foreign language ability, professional and personal organization and the ability to work with others, that many
people do not learn until they begin university.
The Career-related study further supports the programme’s academic strength and provides practical, real-world
approaches to learning. This is achieved through career- related excursions, guest speakers from industry and
serving the community through raising money for charity. Where appropriate, each unit is linked to external
trips, in order to bridge the understanding between the classroom and the real world of business. Excursions to
organisations such as The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Heineken, deBijenkorf and Apple enable the learners to
observe how organisations operate and students can relate this experience in their classroom assignments.
The IBCP develops students to be academically strong, skilled in a practical field, critical and ethical thinkers,
self-directed, collaborative, resilient and determined, confident and assured, caring and reflective, and inquirers.
The Certificate of the Career-related Programme of the International Baccalaureate will be awarded subject to
satisfactory completion of the following requirements by a candidate:
a. The candidate has completed the specified career-related study (BTEC).
b. The candidate has been awarded a grade 3 or more in at least two of the Diploma Programme courses
registered for the Career-related Programme.
c. The candidate has been awarded a grade of at least D for the Reflective Project.
d. Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning and Language Development requirements have been met.
e. The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct.
All candidates will receive programme results detailing their level of achievement in the Diploma Programme
courses and the reflective project along with the status of completion of the Career-related Programme core.
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The IBCP Core
The Career-related Programme core is designed to enhance students’ personal qualities and professional
development. The programme core places the Diploma Programme courses and the career-related study into
context and draws all aspects of the framework together.
The IBCP core specifically promotes attributes of an IB education such as reflection, open-mindedness,
communication, and thinking through a range of activities.
The Personal and professional skills (PPS) course is designed for students to develop attitudes, skills and strategies
to be applied to personal and professional situations and contexts now and in the future.
In this course, the emphasis is on skills development for the workplace, as these are transferable and can be
applied in a range of situations.
The PPS course aims to develop responsibility, practical problem-solving, good intellectual habits, ethical
understanding, perseverance, resilience, an appreciation of identity and perspective and an
understanding of the complexity of the modern world. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills needed
to successfully navigate higher education, the workplace and society.
The overall aims of the personal and professional skills course are for students to:
u Develop as reflective and lifelong learners who can adapt to diverse situations
u Recognize personal strengths and identify ways to overcome challenges
u Be aware of and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas
u Value diversity of cultures and perspectives
u Demonstrate the ten attributes of the IB Learner Profile
There are five themes in the personal and professional skills course:
1. Personal development
2. Intercultural understanding
3. Effective communication
4. Thinking processes
5. Applied Ethics
The PPS course at the International School of The Hague will run concurrently with the career-related study which
is a BTEC Level 3 course in Business. There will be many links as the skills developed in the PPS course will serve
to strengthen the students’ achievement in the Business course and in the other components of the CP core such
as Service Learning and the Reflective Project.
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There will be many significant connections made throughout the course with the career-related study, the CP
core components, the DP subjects and events and activities going on within and without the school.
Students will receive two lessons periods of instruction every week. They will need to complete various tasks
and assignments throughout the course which will be assessed using various strategies. The students will need
to complete the tasks and assignments according to the grading criteria. They will need to meet the minimum
requirements for each task and assignment. The students need to be actively engaged participants in class and
achieve all the learning outcomes for them to successfully complete the PPS course.
Assessment
There will be ongoing assessment of personal and professional skills throughout the course. A variety of
assessment tasks will be designed by teachers and students themselves. The school will report to the IB whether
or not the PPS course has been satisfactorily completed by each student.
The ability to communicate in a variety of modes in more than one language is essential to the concept of an
international education that promotes multilingualism and intercultural understanding, both of which are central
to the IB’s mission.
The IBCP Language Development course has been developed to: “ensure that all students have access to, and
are exposed to, a second language that will assist and further their understanding of the wider world. Students
are encouraged to extend or begin a second language that suits their needs, background and context. Language
development aims to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them
to communicate in an environment where the language studied is spoken.
This process encourages learners to expand their awareness of the world and fosters respect for cultural diversity,"
(www.ibo.org).
At ISH all IBCP students need to complete a language development course and a portfolio over the course of two-
years. Students need to complete a minimum of 50 hours (over the two-year period) on Language Development
tasks. The language portfolio is a requirement for Language Development. This portfolio will help students reflect
on their language learning and document the evidence of their learning. Students will need to use the “language
phases” provided in order to assess their progress towards their own language goals. It is important that students
update their portfolio regularly.
At ISH IBCP students are required to go through an appropriate Language Development course which is relevant
to their needs and supports their career-related studies.
Assessment
There is no formal examination. There will be ongoing assessment throughout the course through a variety of
assessment tools. The school will monitor the satisfactory completion of the language portfolio, which may be
required to be sent to the IB for verification.
Service Learning
Service learning provides opportunities for students to understand their capacity to make a meaningful
contribution to their community and society. Through service learning, students develop and apply academic
knowledge, personal skills and social skills in real-life situations involving decision-making, problem-solving,
initiative, responsibility and accountability for their actions.
Service learning emphasizes reflection, which is central to building a deep and rich experience. Reflection informs
students’ learning and growth by allowing them to explore ideas, skills, strengths, limitations and areas for further
51
development and consider how they may use prior learning in new contexts.
The school and students must give service learning as much importance as any other element of the Career-
related Programme and ensure sufficient time is allocated for engagement in the service learning programme.
Learning outcomes
Students` completion of service learning is based on the achievement of the five service learning outcomes
realized through the students’ commitment to their service learning programme.
Through meaningful and purposeful service learning experiences, students develop the necessary skills, attributes
and understandings to achieve the five service learning outcomes.
Assessment
Students’ reflections will be monitored by the school. The school will report to the IB whether or not each student
has satisfactorily completed the Service Learning requirements.
Reflective Project
The Reflective Project is an in-depth body of work produced over the duration of the programme and submitted
by the end of the course. It is the product of the students’ own initiative and should reflect his or her experience
of the IBCP. It is designed to draw together key elements of the IBCP: Career-related studies, Service Learning,
and Personal and Professional Skills. For their project, students identify an ethical issue/dilemma, stemming from
their career-related studies, which they would like to explore in greater depth.
The reflective project aims to give students the opportunity to: Produce an extended piece of work
u Engage in personal inquiry, action and reflection on a specific ethical dilemma
u Present a structured and coherent argument
u Engage with local and global communities
u Develop research and communication skills
u Develop the skills of critical and creative thinking
52
Different formats of the Reflective Project:
Assessment
The school assesses all reflective projects. The IB will then select a sample for the school to send to an external
moderator for confirmation of the school’s marks.
Students will be assessed on the approach they use to complete the reflective project—the process, the output
from that process and the product.
The reflective project is assessed using five assessment criteria (A-E) designed to foster independent study and
encourage students to use their own initiative.
In total, students can achieve a maximum of 36 points; the points will be converted into a grade A (=excellent)
to E (=elementary).
Please note that if a student gets a grade E for the reflective project, the student will not be awarded the IB CP
certificate.
IBCP students are expected to study three DP courses: English, Mathematics and a third DP subject of their
choice.
A description of these courses can be found in the chapter on “The DP Subjects” (pages 21-51).
Career-related Studies
The career-related studies present students with a more vocational curriculum though it still remains highly
theoretical. Whilst there are a number of suitable courses that the school could introduce for this option, we
have decided to focus initially on a Pearson BTEC (Business and Technology Educational Council) International
Level 3 Diploma in Business. The qualification is awarded by BTEC and is delivered in more than 100 countries at
all levels. Although it is not compulsory to use BTEC, this qualification comes highly recommended by the IB as it
fulfils all of the necessary requirements for successful completion of the IBCP.
The course requires the completion of 10 units. Five (5) are mandatory which include three (3) internal units and
two (2) set assignments by Pearson (PSA). Learners must complete a further five (5) Optional units. To achieve the
Diploma a learner must complete a minimum of nine units. Each unit is split into preparatory tasks that teach the
skills needed for each assignment, followed by the formal assignments for the unit. Each unit must be completed
and handed in by the learner by the deadline date shown on each assignment brief.
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business
Unit Unit Title Credit Type Assessed
Number
Mandatory units – learners complete and five (5) units
1 Exploring Business 90 Mandatory Internal
Assignments
2 Research and Plan a Marketing Campaign 90 Mandatory Pearson set
assignment
3 Business Finance 90 Mandatory Internal
Assignments
4 Managing an Event 90 Mandatory Internal
Assignments
7 Business Decision Making 120 Mandatory Pearson set
assignment
Assessment
Students will complete their assignments throughout their course, using many different assessment methods,
such as real life case studies, video blogs, projects and presentations.
Their assignments are based on learning outcomes set by Pearson Edexcel. These are listed for each unit in the
unit specifications. They must achieve all the learning outcomes to pass each course including the Pearson Set
Assignments (PSA) that will be taken under controlled conditions before it is assessed by teachers.
The Pearson BTEC International Diploma course is made up of a number of units worth a total of 720 guided
learning hours (GLH).
Students should:
u Work steadily throughout the course
u Make full use of tutorials
u Attend all sessions to get the most from the course.
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u Have good and regular attendance to lessons
u Be well organised
u Be responsible for their own learning which means a high level of self-motivation
u Have a positive and professional approach, which must be maintained throughout the course.
When learners have completed all the units of the BTEC course they will receive an overall grade for their
qualification- Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. These are the grades that will be shown in their diploma.
Promotion from Y12 to Y13 depends upon satisfaction of all of the following requirements:
u Satisfactory progress in the Career related study (BTEC), indicated by a passing grade (at least a Pass)
u A grade of 3 or more in at least two of the Diploma Programme courses registered for the Career Related
Programme.
u Satisfactory progress in Personal and professional skills (PPS) and Language Development (LD), indicated by a
passing grade (at least a Pass)
u Satisfactory progress in Service learning (SL) indicated by at least a green flag as judged by the Service learning
coordinator.
u Satisfactory participation in PHE
u All coursework up to date
u A good record of attendance and punctuality.
Re-submissions
Each internal assignment can be resubmitted once, within 15 days of the original work being returned to the
student. Students can improve their grade, whether that’s to reach the Pass threshold, or to achieve a narrowly
missed Merit or Distinction.
The Lead Internal Verifier (BTEC teacher) can only authorize a resubmission if all of the following conditions are
met:
u Students have met initial deadlines set in the assignment, or have met an agreed deadline extension.
u The Assessor (BTEC teacher) judges that the student will be able to provide improved evidence without
further guidance.
u The Assessor (BTEC teacher) has authenticated the evidence submitted for assessment and the evidence is
accompanied by a signed and dated declaration of authenticity by the student.
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Re-takes
If students are still short of the Pass threshold, then they can retake the assessment for that unit, against a new
assignment brief which covers only the Pass criteria.
The condition for retaking a new assignment is that students must have met all of the conditions listed above in
resubmission but still not achieved the targeted pass criteria following resubmission of an assignment. The Lead
Internal Verifier (BTEC teacher) may authorize one retake opportunity to meet the required pass criteria. The
Lead Internal Verifier (BTEC teacher) must only authorize a retake in the exceptional circumstances where they
believe it is necessary, appropriate and fair to do so.
The Certificate of the Career-related Programme of the International Baccalaureate will be awarded subject to
satisfactory completion of the following requirements by a candidate:
a. The candidate has completed the specified career-related study (BTEC).
b. The candidate has been awarded a grade 3 or more in at least two of the Diploma Programme courses
registered for the Career-related Programme.
c. The candidate has been awarded a grade of at least D for the reflective project.
d. Personal and professional skills, service learning and language development requirements have been met.
e. The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct.
All candidates will receive programme results detailing their level of achievement in the Diploma Programme
courses and the reflective project along with the status of completion of the Career-related Programme core.
Bilingual CP Certificate
Students successfully completing the Career-related Programme may, under certain conditions, be awarded
a Bilingual Certificate of the Career-related Programme of the International Baccalaureate. This can benefit
students’ application to universities in addition to the numerous general benefits of demonstrating proficiency in
more than one language.
A Bilingual Certificate for the Career-related Programme will be awarded to successful candidates who fulfil at
least one of the following criteria in their Diploma Programme courses:
Completion of two Diploma Programme language courses selected from studies in language and literature, with
the award of a grade 3 or higher in both.
Completion of one Diploma Programme language course selected from studies in language and literature, with
the award of a grade 3 or higher. In addition, completion of one Diploma Programme course from individuals and
societies or sciences, in a language that is not the same as the student’s chosen language from studies in language
and literature. The student must attain a grade 3 or higher.
Courses in individuals and societies and sciences are available in English, French and Spanish, and a small number
of courses are available in German.
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YEARS 12 AND 13 AT ISH
Being the oldest students in the school brings with it privileges as well as responsibilities. Younger students often
look at the way the older students behave and copy language and behaviour. Therefore, it is vital that our IBDP/
CP students are aware of being role models and act accordingly. IBDP/CP students increasingly represent their
school as part of the events team, the student council, ISST teams, at THIMUN and in other functions. They shape
school life and help younger students academically as well as in the process of settling in.
During free periods IBDP/CP students can use various areas to study, do research or socialize. All IBDP/CP students
are responsible for keeping these areas tidy and will be assigned clean up duty. The notice boards offer students
the chance to find out about CAS/ Service Learning activities, career information and also important notices
from the teachers, Year Leaders and the Deputy Heads. In addition, the screen on the Plaza provides up-to-date
information about timetable changes. ManageBac is used for important assignments (under “Assignments”),
resources (under “Files”) and other messages, including work set when teachers are absent (under “Messages”).
(See “Missed Lessons” for more on lessons missed or cancelled in the DP/CP.) It is the students’ responsibility
to check these platforms and emails daily in order to obtain vital information and to act on the information
published.
An IBDP/CP student’s timetable may contain “free periods” in addition to classes. Those free periods are ideal to
get work done during the day. They can be spent at home, in the library, or with other students in the study areas.
An IBDP/CP student is expected to work on average for about 2.5 hours outside scheduled lessons each day, so it
makes sense to use free periods. Moreover, students have resources available in school that they might not have
access to at home.
Planning is essential to manage the workload. The student will be given short-term homework and long-term
assignments. Some work will be coursework already counting towards final grades, e.g. IAs in sciences, the
TOK oral presentation and other assignments. One key component is the extended essay. It is the student’s
responsibility to be proactive in coping with all this work, as no-one will be able to do all of it the night before
the work is due.
Missed Lessons
When a DP/CP teacher is absent, a cover teacher is not provided by default, unlike in the MYP. However, DP/CP
classes are sometimes covered by subject teachers; this is arranged within each department especially in the
case of longer-term or recurrent absences. Even if the class is not covered by another teacher, work is set for the
students; students can and must complete this work independently during the time normally allocated to the
lesson.
Students must check the display screens/ their Untis timetable app to know if their lesson is cancelled or not
(covered). Students must check ManageBac for work set and they must complete this work: in the classroom,
during the lesson, if there is a teacher covering the lesson, or independently, by the deadline indicated by their
teacher (usually before their next class). Students must complete this work; otherwise, the usual consequences
for not completing work will apply.
Pastoral Care
At ISH we safeguard the success of our students’ learning through a pastoral structure that consists of a Deputy
Headsl, a Year Leader and Deputy Year Leader for each year and a team of mentors.
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The student will have the closest contact with the mentor, who works closely with the Year Leader, the Deputy
Year Leader and the Deputy Head (DP/CP coordinator), to ensure that all students are supported in meeting the
expectations of the programme and our school community.
Each student is assigned to a mentor who is also the CAS/ Service Learning advisor. During regular meetings and
conversations, the mentor and students will get to know each other very well, so that individualized guidance
can be provided. The mentor is the first person students and parents should contact in case of questions and
concerns. He/She can be contacted via email ([email protected]).
DP students have two mentor classes each week; each period will focus on one of the following two strands:
u One of the mentor lessons will focus on the mentor programme; this which centres around issues that are
of relevance to DP students and takes into account their interests and concerns. Topics addressed include:
planning and organization, career exploration, university applications, exam preparation and study skills,
digital citizenship, coping with stress, etc.
u The second mentor class is a core lesson. These lessons focus on skills that are crucial to success in the DP core
components, especially CAS and the EE, such as research skills, referencing, reflection, presentation skills etc.
CP students only have one mentor class, focusing on the mentor programme.
The DP and CP mentor classes focus on topics and skills relevant to all students. Some of the sessions are held in
a plenary format, some are in mentor groups and some sessions will include individual interviews.
In addition to the mentors, a Year Leader maintains standards and ensures that expectations are met by the
students in each year group. A student will have an appointment with a Year Leader if a matter is considered of
serious behavioural or academic concern. The Deputy Year Leader supports the Year Leader in this role. Thus,
they may be involved in dealing with behavioural/pastoral issues in accordance with the Behaviour Expectations
at ISH policy and monitor and support students of concern.
The Library Resource Centre is an active centre for research, homework and leisure reading available to all
students for their academic and personal information needs and offers places to study or a group study room for
group work. It aims to provide appropriate materials for study, revision and research. The library is open from
8:15a.m. until 5.30p.m. Students in Years 12 and 13 may borrow up to 50 books or magazines at a time, usually
for three weeks. If students need resources for longer periods for research, please request extensions from the
library staff. Students also have access to print facilities in the library.
The librarian, together with library assistants, are available during school hours. They are happy to help students
access resources for research and to advise them on available resources. If students need additional research
support they can make an appointment to speak to the librarian. The librarian also participates in mentor group
activities focusing on research skills.
Students can search the library catalogue, for the ISH collection of print and ebooks and also our database of
reliable web resources for education. The library’s print collection aims to support research across the curriculum
as well as encouraging reading for personal interest and pleasure. Details of services and resources can be found
on the library portal (you will need to login with your ISH google id). The collection comprises a wide variety of
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books in print and electronic format, a small collection of curriculum support magazines in print. The library portal
also has a dedicated page for EE/RP research with links to subject specific recommended research resources. The
library also subscribes to a variety of general and subject-specific online databases for science, history, literature,
sports science, drama, current affairs, news, and broad research encyclopedias and databases. The library
welcomes recommendations from teachers and students for additions to the library collection. Students in Year
12 and 13 also have an opportunity to learn more about the library by volunteering their time and assisting in a
range of activities as part of CAS/SL as well.
If the research resources of the library are not meeting your needs, students can expand their search into the
local public libraries, many of which have English and other language resources. You can use the ISH library
catalogue to begin your search of the public libraries. Membership in local public libraries is free of charge for
students under 18.
Careers Guidance
already had the opportunity of taking an aptitude test. Once in Y12-13, students are expected to take an active
interest in their own future. The Careers team provides information, advice and guidance in the application
procedures, however, the responsibility for all application procedures, deadlines and accuracy of documentation
lies with the student and their family. In addition, they should ensure that their IBDP/CP package meets any specific
requirements of the university/country where the student aims to study.
To facilitate exposure and experience to different careers and subject areas and to inspire Years 8-13 students to
be curious about their future possibilities, the Careers team organises career orientation sessions. Guest speakers,
alumni and university professionals are invited to speak to students about their career paths, experiences, passions
and professions.
The majority of our students go on to study courses offered in English at various Dutch universities and colleges. Less
than 5% go on to take university courses taught in Dutch and approximately 10% apply to UK universities, though
not more than 5% end up studying there. Some students apply to universities or colleges in other countries around
the world such as the US and Canada.
We use BridgeU, an online careers support platform, which is introduced to students in year 11 and provides tools
to further support students find and apply to suitable universities. Students are encouraged to visit University and
College Open Days. There are various opportunities for students to find out information on educational systems
including The Netherlands, UK, US and Canada. Students should keep an eye on the latest Careers news - found on
the school website - and on BridgeU.
It is never too early to start planning for the future. During Years 12-13, students will be writing personal statements
(‘letters of motivation’) and CVs, and preparing other relevant application material. CAS activities and EE (DP), Service
Learning, Personal & Professional Skills and Reflective Project (CP) are useful evidence for demonstrating skills and
interests. Students should bear in mind that many competitive courses are very interested in what students do as
extracurricular activities and super-curricular activities (in-depth course-related activities). For example, Medical
Schools in the UK now often regard work experience in hospitals or the care sector as almost an indispensable part
of a student application. It is also worth remembering that many courses/ universities require students to get an IB
diploma with a certain minimum number of points; some very competitive courses may require 38-43 IBDP points.
Students and parents are welcome to book appointments by sending an email to [email protected].
Learning Support
The Learning Support department is an academic support service which serves the educational needs of our
students who require additional academic support in order to access and/or engage in our IB curriculum and
assessments. The Learning Support team is led by a Learning Support Coordinator and highly qualified Learning
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Specialists with a wide variety of training and experience in serving the needs of differently-abled students.
The department supports our inclusive educational environment, values diversity and encourages independent
learning. Inclusion is an ongoing process that aims to identify and remove barriers to learning, and relies heavily
on communication and collaboration with teachers, families and external professionals. We strive for excellence
with high expectations and equally high support. Our aim is to inspire individual excellence in our strong and
diverse community.
The Learning Support department aims to empower students and staff with tools and strategies to improve
learning outcomes and further develop executive functioning skills in areas such as planning, organisation, time
management, study skills, and more. Additionally, the Learning Support department guides students in acquiring
individual access arrangements (IAAs), and implementing accommodations and modifications to their learning
experience and/or environment based upon current and valid documentation.
We utilise a multi-tiered approach to intervention based on the specific learning needs of individual students.
Support for students may include:
u In-class support through parallel teaching to increase student accessibility and curriculum engagement
u Small group explicit instruction in areas of literacy, mathematics, organisational study skills and self-advocacy
u Targeted, individual support for students with identified learning challenges
u Classroom observations and teacher consultations to support differentiation, scaffolding, and student
achievement
u Facilitating connections between ISH families and external agencies and/or professionals for assessment
services including educational evaluations
Student Well-Being
The Student Wellbeing department offers support to all students to be emotionally resilient and well-balanced
individuals.
The student wellbeing coordinator leads the department and is the main point of contact for staff, parents and
external organisations. The student wellbeing counsellors provide individual and group support to students and
their families, working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals. The school psychologists conduct
psycho-educational assessments and contribute to the development of school-wide policies and procedures, in
addition to providing counselling support as above. The social worker provides counselling support to students
and their families in their homes as well as in school. They support students and families through the process of
finding additional professional support outside school.
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SCHOOL RULES
ISH prides itself on the fact that it is truly an international school with students of approximately 90 nationalities,
and a multicultural staff body. Respect is fundamental to the ISH community and the expectations here provide
guidance for everyone who is a part of it. These expectations apply to all aspects of school life including trips and
events on or off the school premises.
In addition to these general expectations, there are some specific rules that apply to our students. Students will:
u Not eat or drink anything other than water in class
u Correctly record all assignments and homework
u Store balls in lockers unless they are carried in a bag
u Only go to lockers at break and lunch times, NOT between lessons
u Move calmly and safely around the building
u Not bring skateboards and/or skates onto school premises
u Avoid sitting in spaces that make movement of others around the school challenging or unsafe
u Where possible, only arrive in time for the first lesson of the day and leave the school premises after the last
lesson unless they are: waiting for an extracurricular class, a sibling, and/or a meeting with a teacher; for quiet
study in a designated study area
Being an IBDP/CP student means that a student has gained the privilege of being treated as a mature learner who
can be trusted to organize his/her work outside class and to behave in a responsible way. The fact that an IBDP/
CP student is allowed to leave campus reflects the school’s trust in its students.
However, this trust is a privilege. If a student does not accept the rules that apply to IBDP/CP students they
will see some privileges taken away. It is important that all students familiarize themselves with the rules and
procedures, as we expect them to be followed. Ignorance is not a valid excuse. School rules and procedures are
there to support the learning process of all students in our community.
The document Behaviour Expectations at ISH contains all the relevant rules and regulations; other relevant
documents are: The Academic Integrity Policy and The Late Work Procedures. These rules, regulations and
guidelines will not be reproduced here in full. Only a summary will be provided, and students are referred to the
documents mentioned above for further details. See the section “Further Reading”.
All students are expected to attend lessons unless they have a valid excuse. Having to catch up on work for
other subjects is not a valid excuse. Parents/guardians should report absences immediately to the school (phone
or email). Attendance is recorded for all lessons and shared with parents via daily e-mails. If absences remain
without excuse, disciplinary measures will be taken. When there is a high number of lates or unexcused absences
the Attendance Officer will be notified.
For every period of unexcused absence students will need to attend one period of Attendance Detention on
Wednesday afternoon.
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Meeting School Expectations
Expectations for student attitudes, work ethic and behaviour inside and outside the classroom are clearly outlined
in our student charter, in guides, assemblies, by mentors and teachers. Especially in the IBDP/ CP years it is vital
that all students focus on lessons and feel safe in their environment, as the academic expectations are high. Each
student should contribute to the smooth running of our programme by meeting school expectations.
Parents/guardians are notified of detentions and suspensions. Detentions and suspensions will also be recorded
in the school files. Please bear in mind that attendance, completeness of coursework and behaviour are also
considered for promotion into year 13.
The document Behaviour Expectations at ISH contains all the relevant rules and regulations as well as the full
details of the consequences students face when not meeting expectations.
Homework Guidelines
In preparation for class, students are expected to complete homework (work outside of the classroom) that
develops new content knowledge, conceptual understanding, and skills.
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In the IBDP, these are the minimum expectations concerning students’ work outside of the classroom:
u Total: 13 hours approx. per week (2 hours per week day, 3 hours on weekend)
u 4.5 hours approx. per week for SL subjects (1.5 per subject)
u 7.5 hours approx. per week for HL subjects (2.5 per subject)
u 1 hour approx. per week TOK and/or EE
The expectation is that students use this as a guide to the amount of preparation and study required to succeed
in the DP. The aim is to help students better organise their time and meet deadlines.
This procedure will be applied for all written IBDP internal assessments (IAs) and external assessments (EAs) that
students complete at various times during their course and that directly contribute to the IB diploma qualification,
and for BTEC assessments in the IBCP.
In the case of a student not submitting a draft formal assessment by the due date:
u The teacher is not obliged to provide formal feedback.
u The subject teacher will sign the student up for the Y12-13 ACA on the following Wednesday afternoon. When
filling in the online form, the subject teacher will specify that the outstanding work is the draft for a formal
IBDP/CP assessment (IA, EA or BTEC component). When the form is submitted, an email is generated and sent
to the student, the parent(s)/guardian(s), the Year Leader and the Deputy Heads.
u Whatever work has been submitted by the end of this extension will constitute the draft. In the case of no
work having been submitted by the end of the slot, a blank piece of paper will constitute the draft.
In the case of a student not submitting a final formal assessment by the due date:
u The subject teacher will sign the student up for the Y12-13 ACA on the following Wednesday afternoon. When
filling in the online form, the subject teacher will specify that the outstanding work is the final version of a
formal IBDP/CP assessment (IA, EA or BTEC component). When the form is submitted, an email is generated
and sent to the student, the parent(s)/guardian(s), the Year Leader and the Deputy Heads.
u Whatever work has been submitted by the end of this extension will constitute the final version. In the case of
no work having been submitted by the end of the slot, the student’s draft will be submitted to the IB/ BTEC.
If a student is sick on the day of an internal assessment deadline that must be completed in class, a presentation
or an oral exam (e.g. the TOK oral presentation, the oral exams in the languages, the Group 4 project etc.):
u The student and the parents/ guardian need to inform the teacher by email that he/she will not be in school.
u A doctor’s note will be required.
u Upon receipt of the doctor's note, the oral assessment will be rescheduled/ the deadline will be extended to
the day the student is back in school. The student and the parents/guardians will be informed of the new date
by email. (Please note that rescheduling will be particularly difficult in the event of a group activity, such as
the Group 4 project or a pair or group TOK presentation.)
Failure to keep a second appointment will be taken even more seriously. Unless a medical note is available, the
same approach will be taken as in the case of written formal assessments (see above).
If a student is late submitting coursework, the teacher will first try to solve the issue, for example, by discussing
it with the student and re-emphasizing the expectations. A follow-up step would be signing the student up for a
ACA.
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Catch-up Work or Tests
If a student misses a test (or similar assignment), it can be agreed with the student that he or she completes it in
the ACA as this does not impinge on lesson time and there is a supervisor present.
Students are required to act in a responsible and ethical manner throughout their participation in the IBDP and
IBCP at ISH. Being a community based on integrity is part of our school’s mission and philosophy. Students of all
ages are, therefore, expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity in their academic work and must
avoid any form of malpractice.
Academic integrity refers to the use of one's own thoughts and materials in the writing of papers, taking of tests,
and other classroom related activities. Students are expected to give full credit for using others’ ideas, words or
work or indeed work that the student has previously submitted.
The IB programmes taught at ISH require academic rigour and active student involvement in all aspects of
the curriculum. The IB programmes place “a strong emphasis on the ideals of international understanding
and responsible citizenship. The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who,
recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more
peaceful world” (Ethical Practice in the Diploma Programme). IB learners strive to be principled: “They act with
integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights
of people everywhere. They take responsibility for their actions and their consequences” (IB Learner Profile).
“Behaving and learning in an ethical way means that students will observe [among others] the following practices:
u Students will exercise academic integrity in all aspects of their work. They will acknowledge the work of
others, including material taken from other sources. They will not claim as their own the work of others.
They will not give their work to others to pass off as their own. They will observe the integrity of the
examination room.
u Laboratory or field experiments and investigations will be undertaken in an ethical way.
■ No experiments involving other people will be undertaken without their written consent and their
understanding of the nature of the experiment.
■ No experiment will be undertaken that inflicts pain on humans or live animals.
■ No experiment or fieldwork will be undertaken that damages the environment.
u No artwork, performance or film will be undertaken that damages the environment.
u No artwork, performance or film will include excessive or gratuitous violence or explicit sexual activity.
u All presentations will respect the personal, political and spiritual values of others and will contain no intention
to offend in remarks about race, gender or religious beliefs.” (Ethical Practice in the Diploma Programme).
We follow the IB in defining academic misconduct as behaviour (whether deliberate or inadvertent) that results
in, or may result in, the student or any other student gaining an unfair advantage in one or more components
of assessment. Behaviour that may disadvantage another student is also regarded as academic misconduct. The
definitions we use are based on official IBO publications (General regulations: Diploma Programme 12-13; The
conduct of IB Diploma Programme examinations 26) Thus, academic misconduct is a breach of regulations and
includes, but is not restricted to:
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2) Cheating and other types of misconduct during a test or an examination or other summative assessments:
u cheating and other types of misconduct - for example:
u taking unauthorized material into an examination,
u copying off someone else’s exam/ quiz etc.,
u communicating with another student,
u failing to obey the coordinator’s/ invigilator’s instructions in a test or examination (e.g. to stop writing at the
end of a test or examination, not to write during the reading time).
u any other behaviour which gains an unfair advantage for a student - for example: receipt of confidential
information about examinations, tests or other summative assessments.
3) Behaviour which gains an unfair advantage for a student or which affects the results of another student:
u collusion: this is defined as supporting malpractice by another student, for example, allowing one’s work to
be copied or submitted for assessment by another;
u disclosure of confidential information about examinations, tests or other summative assessments;
u misconduct during a test or an examination - for example: behaviour that disrupts the examination or
distracts other candidates.
Malpractice or attempted malpractice is treated as a serious matter at the ISH and by the IB and will result in a
severe penalty.
Please read our school’s Academic Integrity Policy for more information and always consult the ISH Referencing
Guide for Years 12-13 to ensure that you know how and when to reference.
Teachers help students plan their work and monitor the development of longer pieces of work or projects (e.g.
brainstorming, planning, drafts etc.). If students find they require assistance in order to complete an assignment
properly, they must see their teacher well in advance of the due date.
Academic misconduct will have serious consequences for students of all ages.
A record of student misconduct will be kept centrally and consequences will be more severe for repeated offences
across subjects.
When lack of academic integrity is suspected, students will be interviewed by the teacher and the subject
coordinator in an attempt to determine whether the transgression was inadvertent or deliberate. If it was
inadvertent, the student may be counseled and will be allowed to revise the work as appropriate. If it was a
deliberate act of dishonesty, the following procedure applies in the case of summative assessments.
First offence:
u The teacher reports the academic misconduct to the Year Leader and also informs the mentor. The teacher
should provide a copy of the assignment and the sources where it was copied from (e.g. TurnItIn originality
report) which can be used as evidence and shown to parents.
u The Year Leader informs the parents and invites the student to a meeting to discuss the importance of
academic integrity and the consequences of academic misconduct.
u The student will be required to re-do the work or complete an alternate assessment with honesty and
integrity; this has the purpose of providing accurate evidence of the student’s achievement. The student will
complete the work under supervision (in ACA). The teacher will mark the work and provide feedback, and give
a summative grade for the assessment.
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Repeated offence:
u The teacher reports the academic misconduct to the Year Leader and also informs the mentor. The teacher
should provide a copy of the assignment and the sources where it was copied from (e.g. TurnItIn originality
report) which can be used as evidence and shown to parents.
u The Year Leader informs the parents and invites them to a meeting to discuss the importance of academic
integrity and the consequences of repeated academic misconduct. The following parties will attend: the
student, the student’s parents/ guardians and the Year Leader.
u The student will receive a 0 grade for the assessment.
u The student will serve a Year Leader detention and will be required to write a paper on the subject of academic
ethics and integrity.
u The student will be required to re-do the work or complete an alternate assessment with honesty and
integrity; this has the purpose of providing accurate evidence of the student’s achievement. The student will
complete the work under supervision (in the ACA). The teacher will mark the work formatively and provide
feedback.
u If a student repeats an act of academic misconduct more than twice this will lead to more severe measures
including suspension.
First offence:
u The teacher or invigilator reports the academic misconduct to the Year Leader, who informs the parents.
u The student is given a Year Leader detention.
u The work is given a zero.
Repeated offence:
u The Year Leader informs the parents and invites them to a meeting to discuss the importance of academic
integrity and the consequences of repeated academic misconduct. The following parties will attend: the
student, the student’s parents/ guardians and the Year Leader.
u The student is given a Year Leader detention.
u The work is given a zero.
u If a student repeats an act of academic misconduct more than twice this will lead to more severe measures
including suspension.
These are incidents of “more serious misbehaviour and/or repeated minor misbehaviours” and the consequences
are as defined in the Behaviour Expectations at ISH – see section “Consequences of Not Meeting School
Expectations” above.
Formal Assessments
u If questions arise about the authenticity of a student’s work before submission to the IB or BTEC for
assessment, the situation will be resolved within the school using the following procedure:
■ The teacher reports the academic misconduct to the Year Leader and the relevant Deputy Head Academic,
and also informs the mentor.
■ The Deputy Head Academic informs the parents and invites them to a meeting to discuss the importance
of academic integrity and the consequences of academic misconduct. The following parties will attend:
the student, the student’s parents/ guardians, and the relevant Deputy Head Academic.
■ The student will serve an in-school suspension and will be required to:
● re-do the work with honesty and integrity under supervision. The teacher will mark the work and
provide feedback, subject to the applicable IB procedures and the school’s late work policy.
● write a paper on the subject of academic ethics and integrity.
■ A record will be kept centrally and consequences will be more severe for repeated offences. If a student
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repeats an act of academic misconduct, this will lead to more severe measures including suspension;
the school may also withdraw the student from the session or from the subject(s) in which academic
misconduct may have occurred.
u If possible academic misconduct (for example, plagiarism, collusion) is identified after the student’s work has
been submitted to the IB or during an IB examination, the Deputy Head (DP/CP coordinator) must inform the
IB without delay.
In this case, the following IB regulations (in accordance with official IB publications - General regulations: Diploma
Programme 13-14; The conduct of IB Diploma Programme examinations 26-27) apply:
■ When the school, an examiner or the IB establishes evidence to suspect academic misconduct by a
candidate, the school will be required to conduct an investigation and provide the IB with statements and
other relevant documentation concerning the case.
■ Students suspected of academic misconduct will be invited by the MYP/ DP/ CP coordinator to present a
written statement that addresses the suspicion of academic misconduct. If a student declines to present
a statement, the investigation and decision on whether the candidate is in breach of regulations will still
proceed.
■ If the IB notifies the school that a student is suspected of academic misconduct and that the IB has
the intention of initiating an investigation, at the discretion of the head of school it is permissible for
the candidate to be withdrawn from the session or from the subject(s) in which academic misconduct
may have occurred. However, at the discretion of the IB the investigation into the suspected academic
misconduct by the candidate may still proceed and a decision be reached on whether to uphold or dismiss
academic misconduct. If a candidate is withdrawn from a subject no mark for that subject may contribute
to the award of a grade in a future examination session.
■ Academic misconduct constitutes a breach of regulations that, if confirmed by the final award committee,
will result in no grade being awarded in the subject and level concerned. If no grade is issued for a
subject that contributes to a candidate’s IB Diploma, no IB Diploma will be awarded to the candidate.
For IB Diploma candidates, DP Course Results will be awarded for other subjects in which no academic
misconduct has occurred.
■ An IB diploma, or a certificate, may be withdrawn from a candidate at any time if malpractice is subsequently
established.
■ Except in cases of serious or repeated misconduct, the student will be permitted to register for future
examination sessions, which may include the session that follows six months later, if the relevant
registration deadlines are met.
■ If the student has already been found in breach of regulations in any previous session, this will normally
lead to disqualification from participation in any future examination session.
Subject Changes
It is the responsibility of the student and their parent(s)/ guardian(s) to do research on universities and courses
prior to the student making his/her IBDP subject choices in order to ensure that the IBDP subject package meets
the entry requirements for the courses, at the universities, in the countries that the student is interested in.
Due to the complexity of the course, students may not switch to SSST Language A Literature after the first seminar
has taken place in mid September.
After the DP subject choices are made and confirmed, Y12 students have one window of opportunity to change
a subject/ level:
A year 12 student has the opportunity to request a change of subject within the two weeks, 3rd October-14th
October. The deadline is Friday, 14th October 2022. Students can collect the DP subject change form from the
secondary office, their mentor or YL.
There will be no more opportunities for student-initiated subject change requests after this point.
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Students and parents/guardians must be aware that even when a change is requested within the time frame
indicated above, we cannot guarantee that the change can be implemented due to timetable constraints and
class sizes.
A subject change may also affect an IBDP student’s other subjects. Before starting the process of requesting
a subject change, students must discuss this with their parent(s)/ guardian(s) and with their mentor and Year
Leader. They should ask their mentor and Year Leader for advice concerning the implications that changing one
subject might have for their subject package:
u What other changes might need to be made? If a student drops a subject, which other subject will they take
on instead?
u Are these changes possible given the timetable/ cluster constraints and the number of students in the class
they would like to join? (use the table below to check the clusters)
u Will their package still fulfil the IB requirements for a correct DP subject package (e.g. 3 HL and 3 SL subjects,
a subject from each Group 1-5 etc.)?
The mentor and Year Leader will also inform the students who the relevant subject coordinators and subject area
leaders are, as the students will have to discuss their motivation for dropping/adding subjects with them and to
obtain their approval. The final approval needs to be given by the Deputy Head (IBDP/CP coordinator).
When, after discussions with parents/guardians, the mentor and Year Leader, students decide to request a subject
change, they must contact Dr Alma Trumic ([email protected]), the Deputy, IBDP/IBCP coordinator, who
will provide them with the subject change form they need to fill in to submit their request.
The Deputy Head oversees the IBDP and the IBCP; she is responsible for all students doing the DP and CP at
ISH and ensure the quality of the programme. The Deputy Head also have the role of IBDP/CP Coordinator
and is responsible for communication with the IB, for the registration of all students with the IB for their final
examinations and for running the examinations.
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Subject Area Leaders (SALs)
SAL Arts Ms Elisabeth Chute
SAL Design Mr Robin Hare
SAL Dutch Mr Teun Veken
SAL English Ms Fiona Norman
SAL I&S (INH, History, Geography, Global Politics) Ms Joana Bouza Serrano &Ms Marga Vallduriola
(interim)
SAL I&S (Economics, BM, Psychology, BTEC) Mr Louis Odendaal
SAL German, French, Spanish Ms Annette Bowden
SAL Mathematics Dr Silvia Semana
SAL PE/PHE Ms Kim Adam
SAL Science Ms Ioana Howland
DP Subject Coordinators
Visual Arts DP: Ms Tina Ortiz
Theatre DP: Ms Hannah Gilman
Music DP: Mr David Guinane
Computer Science DP: Mr Robin Hare
Design Technology DP: Mr Peter Metcalfe
Dutch Language Acquisition/B DP: Ms Karolina Chelminiak
Dutch Language and Literature/A DP: Mr Teun Veken
English Language Acquisition/B DP: Mr Alec Nightingale
English Language and Literature/A DP: Ms Fiona Norman
German DP: Ms Anja Bousquet
French DP: Ms Nadia Valmorin
Spanish DP Spanish A: Mr Gabriel Callejon Torres
DP Spanish B: Ms Ana Garcia
Mathematics DP: AI: Ms Mera Achola-Okello
DP: AA: Ms Amy Battery
Geography DP: Ms Alison Kilpatrick
History DP: Ms Marga Vallduriola
Business Management DP:Ms Julia Willshire
Economics DP: Mr Louis Odendaal
Global Politics DP: Ms Hanneke de Groot
Psychology DP: Ms Helen Loughran
SEHS DP: Mr Joel Dominguez
Biology DP: Ms Nadica Kucko
Chemistry DP: Ms Zita Conroy
Physics DP: Mr Simon Walsh
ESS DP: Ms Roxan Jivan
DP TOK Ms Barbara Bouwman
DP Extended Essay Ms Emmely Kooiman
CP Reflective Project Mr Sam Inziria
CP Language Development Ms Daniella Lira
CP PPS Mr Joe Corcoran
DP CAS Mr Jeremy Prichard
CP Service Learning Ms Daniella Lira
BTEC Mr Sam Inziria
Mr Bruno Brunas
Home Language Coordinator Ms Heike Bergman
DP SSST
DP Externally Taught Languages
Pamoja Coordinator Mr Petar Ogrizovic
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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