IB Diploma Programme: Frequently Asked Questions

Your child is about to enter their final two years of High School, years of culminating and exciting learning experiences that will prepare them for the world beyond IST.

Through the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) Diploma Programme (DP), your child has access to a curriculum that is globally recognized, and highly respect, by higher education institutions around the globe. Graduates receive competitive offers from top universities around the world. 

But before your child enters the Diploma Programme, you probably have some questions about what this programme entails.

We sat down with the International School of Tanganyika's coordinator, Mr. Jason Crook, who answered your most frequently asked IB Diploma questions. 

What is the IB Diploma Programme?  

The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous, assessed program for students ages 16 to 19 that is highly regarded by colleges and universities around the globe. At IST, students enroll in the DP in Grades 11 and 12 - the last two years of Secondary School.

The programme is a two-year course of study that is both broad and balanced in its offerings and learning outcomes. IB Diploma students are enrolled in six total subjects, with three studied at Standard Level and three at Higher Level. 

Students must also complete three core components which include: 

1. The Extended Essay
2. A Theory of Knowledge course 
3. A service component called, Creativity, Activity and Service

How do colleges and universities view an IB Diploma?  

An IB Diploma is highly respected by colleges and universities around the globe as a qualification which produces secondary graduates ready to engage with university-level demands. At the International School of Tanganyika (IST), 95 percent of our students receive admissions to a four-year university.

How does the IB Diploma Programme prepare students for university?  

Students explore a broad range of content in six different subject areas while developing the skills unique to each of these subjects. In addition, through the core components, students acquire well-developed research and critical thinking skills while also demonstrating engaged citizenship.  

What kind of student is a good candidate for the DP? 

Any engaged and curious student who is reasonably organized and can manage their time well can have success in the DP.

What is the difference between an IB Diploma and Certificates? 

To earn the Diploma, students must enroll in six IB subjects (three at Standard Level and three at Higher Level) and complete the core components (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity and Service). Students who earn at least 24 out of the available 45 points in all assessments and components receive the Diploma. 

Students can elect to take stand-alone IB courses and these are referred to as Diploma Course Subjects (Certificates). A student who takes one or more stand-alone IB subjects completes the course and passes the final assessments will earn a certificate for those courses.

How can parents help their children excel in the Diploma Programme? 

Make sure to check in with your child with regards to what they are learning. Ask them engaging questions and encourage them to keep organized. As their parent, it is of the utmost importance that you are the role model for passion, ambition and enthusiasm when it comes to learning. 

Are there meetings and/or events where parents can learn more about the International School of Tanganyika's IB programme? 

International School of Tanganyika hosts regular information sessions and coffee hours where parents can sit down and learn more about our program. Keep an eye on emails and the weekly bulletins to find out more. 

Now that you know the answers to the DP’s FAQs, we invite you to find out more about our DP Curriculum.