Diploma Programme (DP)

Programme at a glace

Reflecting on the nature of knowledge

International School Groningen is an International Baccalaureate®(IB) World School, providing an ambitious and supportive learning environment that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their future endeavours.

The prestigious IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised 2-year pre-university programme offered in more than 150 countries. This ensures that students can continue their studies seamlessly in the event that they move to another IB school outside of the Netherlands. Crucially, the Diploma Programme opens the doors to leading universities in the Netherlands and around the world, so students may pursue higher education.

The Diploma Programme is suitable for students ages 16-18. Students in the Middle Years Programme who met the DP entry requirements may also be entitled to transfer to DP, pending the professional recommendation of their teachers.

The IB learner profile

IB Diploma Programme is designed to foster students who embody the IB learner profile. These characteristics include curiosity and a love of learning, a strong knowledge base, critical and creative thinking skills, effective communication abilities, strong principles and a sense of fairness, openness to new ideas and perspectives, compassion and care for others, a willingness to take calculated risks, a balanced approach to life that considers intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being, and a capacity for self-reflection.

DP Core and CAS

Theory meets practice outside the classroom

Alongside their daily studies, DP students are invited to examine in-depth aspects of learning as part of DP Core. The DP Core broadens students’ educational experience and challenges them to apply their knowledge and skills. As part of DP Core, students are also required to conduct their own guided research, culminating in a full-length essay which further prepares them for higher education.

Within the philosophy of active learning, students take part in a CAS project (Creativity, Activity, Service). In this ongoing self-initiated project, students undertake and engage in projects that call upon their own creativity in arts and develop problem-solving skills. They take part in a physical activity relating to their studies, and in a voluntary transaction for the benefit of the wider community. This real-world experience gives students the opportunity to depart from their usual classroom setting while gaining valuable life skills.

ISG's CAS website

Curriculum

Interdisciplinary learning and skills

The Diploma Programme curriculum covers the following subject groups, alongside DP Core:

Group 1

Language and literature
Students take their studies in a language in which they are academically competent. The course introduces the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary forms and non-literary text-types.

Group 2

Language acquisition (French, Dutch, English)
The modern language courses emphasise the acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes while, at the same time, promoting an understanding of another culture through the study of its language.

Group 3

Economics, Global Politics and History
Through subject specific content these courses foster critical appreciation of: human experience and behaviour, the varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit, and the history of social and cultural institutions.

Group 4

Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies*
Students explore the concepts, theories, models and techniques that underpin each subject area and through these develop their understanding of the scientific method. A compulsory project encourages students to appreciate the environmental, social, and ethical implications of science.
* ES&S is also included as a group 3 subject.

Group 5

Mathematics
- Analysis and approaches recognises the need for analytical expertise in a world where innovation is increasingly dependent on a deep understanding of mathematics.
- Application and interpretation recognises the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world.

Group 6

Visual Art
Encouraging students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers.

DP Core

The core is made up of three required components, which aim to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.
The three core components are: Theory of knowledge; the extended essay; and creativity, activity, service.

Higher Education and your future career

Students who graduate with the Diploma Programme:

Study at internationally recognised universities

Arrive prepared to furthering their studies

Thanks to strong research and time-management skills.

Obtain hands-on experience

Volunteering and acting through the CAS project.

Prepare for a meaningful future

In which they can pursue their dreams.

Language of study

An English-first education with Dutch sensibility

The studies at ISG are conducted in English, requiring students to exhibit sufficient English literacy. Students with lower levels of English are of course welcome. English is offered at all levels to ensure all students can follow the learning. Trained staff and language support will soon get you on the road to success.

Dutch is taught as mother tongue and as a second language to help students communicate and feel oriented in Dutch society and culture.