Verdala International School offers the IB Diploma programme (IBDP) for students aged 16-18.  

The IBDP was created in 1968, and has been offered at Verdala International School since 1995. It is a rigorous and challenging two-year pre-university programme. The curriculum includes six subject groups, together with the DP core: creativity, activity, service (CAS); the extended essay (EE); and theory of knowledge (TOK). Through the IBDP, students are able to develop depth of knowledge in their chosen subjects and grow physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. It is assessed through external assessment, which is a combination of coursework and examinations, and also through internal assessments which are rigorously moderated by the IB.  There are over 2000 schools in more than 130 countries that are members of the (IBO) International Baccalaureate Organisation.

The IBDP is more than just a qualification. The programme stresses international understanding and encourages an academic experience that emphasises critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to different ideas. It provides students of different linguistic, cultural and educational backgrounds with the skills necessary for the adult world. In fact, at the heart of the IBDP is a Learner Profile that encourages students to be reflective, open-minded, balanced, caring, principled, knowledgeable, inquirers, thinkers, communicators and risk-takers. This fits in well with our Verdala Student profile of knowledgeable, inquisitive, ethical contributors.

The IB Diploma requires students to sit for a broad range of subjects including Languages, Social Studies, Sciences, Mathematics and the Creative arts.  Apart from breadth, it also allows for more in-depth study of some subjects, as students take three subjects at Standard level and three at Higher Level.  The combination of subjects allows students to learn how to research, analyse, and apply information.  The relationship between these disciplines is emphasised by a course on Theory of Knowledge which explores critical reflection on the knowledge acquired in their different disciplines.  Students also participate in CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) as well as experience personal research under appropriate guidance when they write their Extended Essay. More details on the diploma programme at Verdala is found in the Handbook of the IB at VIS.

The IBDP is recognised by universities and colleges around the world and many top universities make a point of recruiting IB diploma holders. University Admissions tutors regularly support the claim that the IB provides the best preparation for university and the world of work.