Diploma Programme

Grades 11–12, Ages 16–19

The IB Diploma Programme at DISV is a two-year pre-university course for students in Grades 11 and 12. Widely recognised by universities worldwide as a rigorous, academically demanding qualification, the Diploma Programme prepares students for the intellectual and personal challenges of higher education and adult life. DISV has been offering the DP since its founding in 1992 and consistently achieves outstanding results.

Six Subject Groups

DP students choose one subject from each of six groups, including at least three at Higher Level (HL):

• Studies in Language & Literature — English A: Language & Literature
• Language Acquisition — German, French, or Spanish at various levels
• Individuals & Societies — History, Economics, Psychology, Geography
• Sciences — Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems
• Mathematics — Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretation
• The Arts — Visual Arts, Theatre, or an additional subject from another group

Core Requirements

In addition to their six subjects, all DP students complete three core components that distinguish the IB Diploma:

• Extended Essay (EE) — a 4,000-word independent research essay on a topic of the student's choice, supervised by a school mentor
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) — an interdisciplinary course exploring the nature of knowledge, assessed through an exhibition and essay
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) — a programme of extra-curricular activities that develop the whole person beyond academics

University Preparation

DISV's dedicated university counselling service supports DP students from the beginning of Grade 11 through to acceptance. Students receive individual guidance on university selection, personal statements, application timelines, and interview preparation. Our graduates are accepted at leading universities across the UK, USA, Europe, and beyond, with the IB Diploma recognised as excellent preparation for university-level study worldwide.