IB Diploma Programme (11-12)

The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepare students for success at university and life beyond. The programme is taught over the course of two years from grades 11 - 12 and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities.

Diploma Programme students study six courses at the higher level (HL) or standard level (SL). In addition to the courses, the program has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding:

• The extended essay is an independent 4000-word in-depth study/research project focused on any of the six chosen IB subjects: English, Math, Arabic, History, Business, and Chemistry. It is one of the three required core elements of the DP Programme that students must start in their junior year and finish by the end of their senior year. The goal of the extended essay is for students to develop their skills in conducting research, posing thoughtful questions, deepening their understanding of a specific topic, developing an argument, and communicating the outcomes of the research in writing following the recommended protocols. It's a first-hand experience of steps necessary to prepare students to conduct undergraduate research upon their entrance to college. Throughout the process, students develop the ability and capacity to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge.

• Theory of knowledge is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language, and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical, and historical).

• Creativity, action, service (CAS) is a requirement that students must complete as a part of the Diploma Programme (DP). Upon the completion of CAS, students reflect on their experience in achieving seven learning outcomes outlined by the program. The three strands are interwoven with: Creativity, covering areas such as the arts and other creative thinking activities; Activity, which encourages living an active, balanced, and healthy lifestyle; and Service, which will cover areas of volunteerism and community-based services to the outer community. In completing CAS projects, students learn how to display initiative, demonstrate perseverance, and develop essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making processes.

• English Lit (IB HL1) - this course is the first part of the two-year English Literature HL course. Students will develop their social, aesthetic, and cultural literacy, as well as develop language competence and communication skills. The course explores the relationship between readers, writers, and texts; the range and functions of texts across geographical space and historical time; and aspects of the intertextuality of texts. Students will write critical essays, engage in discussions, and learn to compose their thoughts in clear and focused academic language. Internal and external assessments address knowledge, understanding, and interpretation; analysis and evaluation; focus and organization; and language. The works in the course cover different eras, genres, and include works in translation. Emphasis is placed on studying a minimum of seven works in depth, drafting a Higher Level (HL) essay, and preparing for the oral internal and written external examinations.

• Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (IB SL1) - this course is the first part of the two-year Mathematics Analysis and Approaches IB course. Students will develop strong skills in mathematical thinking and become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments. It is designed for students who wish to study mathematics as its own individual subject or to pursue their interests in related areas such as engineering, physical sciences, or economics. It appeals to students who are interested in exploring real and abstract applications of mathematical concepts and enjoy problem-solving and generalization. The course has a strong emphasis on calculus, and on algebraic, graphical, and numerical approaches, covering the five introductory courses: Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, and Calculus.

• Chemistry (IB SL1) - this course is the first part of the two-year IB Chemistry Standard Level sequence, which fulfills the science requirement for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Students are introduced to higher-order investigative experiences and activities to develop a deeper understanding of critical concepts in chemistry. Through a variety of labs, students will explore different manipulative and experimental skills necessary to perform college-level scientific investigations. Students will be improving their skills in experimental methodology, data collection, and the interpretation of experimental data. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) concepts and global connections will be discussed and integrated throughout the course. Topics that will be covered are Stoichiometry, States of Matter, Atomic Structure, Periodic Trends, Chemical Bonding, and Thermochemistry.

• Arabic (IB HL1) - in this course, students will develop a thorough understanding of the cultural and linguistic aspects of the Arab world. Through exposure to and interaction with a wide variety of Arabic language materials, students will strengthen oral and written communication skills, and gain a deeper appreciation of the Arabic language and Arabic culture. They will implement the usage of the oral and written language in multiple formal academic contexts and informal social contexts, and by interacting with Arabic speakers. They will also learn to recognize the hidden implications of the language. Students will study and use sources such as poetry, short stories, essays, video documentaries, magazines, interviews, journals, selections from novels, pamphlets, the internet, and advertisements. An emphasis on critical thinking and analysis of texts in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing will challenge students to grow and develop in these areas.

• History of Africa & the Middle East (IB HL1) - this course is the first part of the two-year IB HL World History course. The course is based on a "comparative and multi-perspective approach to history." Students will explore a variety of historical topics with regards to politics, economics, social issues, and culture. Students will also develop skills in critical thinking, research, comprehension, text analysis, and the transfer and use of primary sources. They'll be exploring multiple interpretations of history, and acquiring essential historical foundational knowledge to their success in the second year of the IB World History course. Topics that will be covered include WWI, WWII, and New Imperialism and Decolonization. Students will utilize their developed skills to complete the following two papers: "Cause and Effect 20th Century Wars" and "20th Century Independent Movements (1800-2000).

• Islamic Studies - this course is divided into two parts. The first part is Tazkiyyah - the Purification of the Soul, which covers a number of indispensable Islamic methods of purifying oneself of temptation and protecting oneself from social toxicity stemming from the whispers of Shaytan. The purification of the soul is a lifelong process of nurturing and strengthening human qualities, and one's relationship and responsibilities towards Allah (SWT). It will identify the ways of seeking Allah's pleasure. The second part of the course is Fiqh of Ibaadah II - Fiqh of Zakah, Sawm, and Hajj, which focuses on the particularities of zakah such as the types of wealth that can be given as zakah. Students will also discuss a great number of issues related to fasting and gain a better understanding of the rites, rulings, and matters of Hajj.

• Tafseer of the Qur'an - course is a thematic tafseer of the Noble Qur'an, and covers certain themes from the Qur'an with related ayaat: Ayaat us-Seyyaam: Fasting and its Various Stages (Al-Baqarah 2:183 - 188), Ayaat ur-Riba: the Punishment for Dealing with Riba (Al-Baqarah 2:275 - 282), Dialogue/Debate with the People of the Book (Al-Ma'dah 5:67 - 82), Ten Commandments (Al-An'aam 6:151 - 153), and Events of the Day of Judgement (Az-Zummar 39:53 - 75). By the end of the year, students will have achieved the following: proper recitation and memorization of the selected ayaat, understanding of the basic tajweed rules, understanding and memorization of new vocabulary terms, and the ability to interpret and explain the ayaat previously listed (Tafseer).

• Business Management (IB SL1) - this course is the first part of the two-year Business Management SL course, which is designed to develop students' knowledge and understanding of business management theories, as well as their ability to apply a range of tools and techniques. Students learn to analyze, discuss, and evaluate business activities at local, national, and international levels. The course covers a range of organizations from all sectors, as well as the socio-cultural and economic contexts in which those organizations operate. Emphasis is placed on strategic decision-making and the operational business functions of human resource management, finance and accounts, marketing and operations management, as well as the exploration of the six concepts underpinning the subject (change, culture, ethics, globalization, innovation, and strategy). Students in year one prepare for their internal and external examinations through applying the integrated relationship of concepts, content, and contexts. The first few units of the course are covered in year one, as well as an introduction and application of business management tools and theories through case studies and examples. Students will draft a written commentary and practice a CEUGIS essay (six-concepts paper).

• Theory of Knowledge - this course is a part of the International Baccalaureate Core Curriculum. Theory of Knowledge falls between Critical Thinking and Epistemology; it asks students to consider their own knowledge and how reliable it is. This section introduces the concepts of Areas of Knowledge, Ways of Knowing, and the TOK Thinking Process.

• English Lit (IB HL2) - this course is the second part of the two-year English Literature course. As with the first year, students develop their social, aesthetic, and cultural literacy, as well as develop language competence and communication skills. The course explores the relationship between readers, writers, and texts; the range and functions of texts across geographical space and historical time; and aspects of intertextuality of texts. Students focus on literary texts through different approaches including literary criticism. They will write critical essays, engage in discussions, and learn to compose their thoughts in clear and focused academic language. Internal and external assessments address knowledge, understanding and interpretation; analysis and evaluation; focus and organization; and language. The works in the course cover different eras, genres, and include works in translation. Emphasis is placed on studying a minimum of seven different works in depth than those studied in year one. The work carried out for the learner portfolio forms the basis of preparation for the assessments. It is a fundamental element of the course providing evidence of the student's work and a reflection of his or her preparation for the assessment components. Students will also submit a final draft of the Higher Level (HL) essay which they will have developed over the two years. If the oral internal assessment is not carried out in year one, it will be completed in year two, after exploration of a global issue of their choice. Students will prepare for the external examinations.

• Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (IB SL2) - this course is the second part of the two-year Mathematics Analysis and Approaches IB course, in which students will develop strong skills in mathematical thinking and become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments. This course is suitable for students who may go on to further study in subjects that have a significant level of mathematics content, such as mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences, or economics. There is a strong emphasis on calculus and on algebraic, graphical, and numerical approaches. The course covers the following five advanced topics: Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, and Calculus.

• Chemistry (IB SL2) - this course is the second part of the two-year IB Chemistry Standard Level sequence, which fulfills the science requirement for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This course provides higher-order investigative experiences and activities to develop a deeper understanding of critical concepts in chemistry. It will also help the student to develop the ability to analyze scientific literature critically. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge in experimental methodology, data collection, and the interpretation of experimental data, culminating with an internal assessment project that requires students to conduct an investigation in the field of chemistry research. It will also include a Group 4 (DP Science) collaborative project and an externally assessed IB exam at the end of the course. Both of these assessments will contribute to the student's IB grade and will count towards the earning of an IB Diploma. Topics covered in this course are: Energy, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Redox, Organic Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Measurements, Data Processing, Medicinal Chemistry, Matter, Atomic Structure, Periodic Trends, Chemical Bonding, and Termochemistry. 

• Arabic (IB HL2) - Arabic Language B HL-2 is an honors level course offered to students passing Arabic Language B HL-1 (taken in the 11th grade). In Language B HL-2, the learning of the language is approached through meaning, and students will build the necessary skills to reach the assessment objectives of the language B course through expansion of their receptive, productive, and interactive skills. Students will also build a greater appreciation for literary works in the Arabic language. Related to the topics covered, students will understand complex, authentically written text and complex recorded or spoken information. Through these skills, students will have the ability to communicate orally in order to explain a point of view, produce clear and convincing arguments in support of a point-of-view, and describe in detail experiences and events accurately.

• History of Africa & the Middle East (IB HL2) - this course is the second part of the two-year IB HL World History course. Students will utilize their developed critical thinking skills, analytical skills, and research skills to focus and explore the subject of the Modern Middle East and Africa in depth. Students will develop a better understanding of this specific region and use the IB adopted approach of looking at history from a comparative and multi-perspective lens. Students will complete Paper #1, "Conflict and Intervention," and Paper #3, "History of Africa and the Middle East," in preparation for the IB exam taken at the end of the year.

• Islamic Studies - this course is divided into three sections. The first section is known as the "Fiqh of Marriage," in which the course focuses on the rulings of an Islamic proposal, the marriage contract, divorce, and contemporary fiqh issues such as abortion, and child custody after divorce. The course will also magnify the responsibilities between spouses, exemplifying the Prophet's marriages. Students will also learn the idiosyncrasies of living in harmony with their spouses in Western society. The second section is known as the "Fiqh fo Da'wah and Contemporary Fiqh," in which students are provided with a set of principles and techniques of da'wah, and gain a better understanding of it's purposes and importance. This course is designed to help students answer misconceptions about Islam, respond to sensitive issues, and provide ways to deal with societal toxicity the youth are facing today. Students will be encouraged to become involved in their community by conducting da'wah activities and projects. The final portion of the course is known as "the Explanation of the Forty Hadiths of An-Nawawi, which will focus on the study of 40 prophetic hadiths compiled by Imam An-Nawawi. By the end of this course, students will be able to read and understand the meanings of the 42 ahadith, derive the benefits from each hadith, and constructively seek out ways to implement the lessons o each hadith into their daily lives. This class also provides an overview of life.

• Tafseer of the Qur'an - this course is a thematic tafseer of the Noble Qur'an and covers certain themes from the Qur'an with the following related ayaat: Ayat ud-Dain (Al-Baqarah 2:282 - 283), Ayaat about nikaah and those whom are prohibited to marry, halal and haram food (Al Ma'idah 5:1 - 5), the story of Musa and Khidr (Al Kahf 18:60 - 82), and Qur'anic supplications (Al-Baqarah 2:284-286 and Al Imraan 3:189 - 200). By the end of the year, students will have achieved the following: proper recitation and memorization of the selected ayaat, understanding of the basic tajweed rules, understanding and memorization of new vocabulary terms, and the ability to interpret and explain the ayaat previously listed (Tafseer).

• Business Management (IB SL2) - this course is the second part of the two-year Business Management SL course, which is designed to develop students' knowledge and understanding of business management theories, as well as their ability to apply a range of tools and techniques. Students learn to analyze, discuss, and evaluate business activities at local, national, and international levels. The course covers a range of organizations from all sectors, as well as the socio-cultural and economic contexts in which those organizations operate. Emphasis is placed on the integrated relationship between content, contexts, and concepts through the remaining units in the course, a final draft of the written commentary, quantitative case studies, and papers similar to the external examinations. Further CUEGIS essays (six-concepts papers) will be written in preparation for the external exams. Students will have developed the ability to: think critically; make ethically sound and well-informed decisions; appreciate the pace, nature, and significance of change; think strategically; and undertake long-term planning, analysis, and evaluation. The course also develops subject-specific skills such as financial analysis.

• Theory of Knowledge - this course requires students to undertake two major projects, the essay and the presentation. The essay consists of 1200 - 1600 words on one topic chosen from six given by IB. For the presentation, students are required to give a ten-minute oral presentation to the class on the knowledge claims made in a debatable, even controversial, real life situation. A grading rubric for both projects is provided by IB.

Every IB course contains assessments that test the students' level in the course and determine their IB grades. 

For more information on the Diploma Programme, please visit ibo.org or contact our office.