The IB Diploma Programme is rigorous, it is a challenge. Students are stimulated intellectually, there are lots of opportunities for critical thinking and research. It is a two-year-programme and leads to a qualification that is accepted at thousands of universities across the world. To undertake the IB Diploma Programme students must be motivated, academically able to study in class and in their own time. The programme requires students to commit to deadlines for assignments and all other requirements. However, there are many rewards: the IB Diploma qualification is highly attractive to many universities, and the holistic nature of the Diploma Programme means students will receive a broad education that encourages them to be lifelong learners. The IB Diploma Course at GIS will be an enjoyable, enriching and rewarding experience and we look forward to you joining us on this incredible journey. 

As a private, co-educational school, we offer three International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP).

Following the UAE’s educational guidelines, all students must take Arabic until the end of Grade 9, while students who are citizens of Arabic-speaking countries are required to study Arabic until graduation. Muslim students study Islamic Education as part of their academic schedule through the end of grade 12.

The language of instruction at the school is English. Students in Grades 9-12 follow a university-preparatory program culminating in the IB’s Full Diploma or Diploma Courses (certificate) programme. Graduates also receive a CIS-accredited GIS high school diploma.

We offer 18 higher level (HL) and 23 standard level (SL) IB class options. Students choosing the mother tongue School-Supported and Self-Taught language option have the possibility of earning a Bilingual Diploma.

To be awarded a GIS high school diploma, a student must score 3 or higher in all DP courses and complete all Community, Activity & Service (CAS) requirements. 

The DP is a demanding university preparatory programme that leads to external exams. It is designed for highly motivated students in their final two years of school. The DP curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, research skills and community service. Almost 90% of GIS students in Grades 11 & 12 are enrolled in the DP, with the remainder enrolled in the Diploma Courses (certificate) programme. 

A bilingual diploma is awarded to candidates who complete and receive a grade 3 or higher in two languages selected from the DP course studies in language and literature. 

The six subject groups are:

• Studies in language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• The arts

There are different courses within each subject group.

GIS conforms to the IB Diploma Programme system with grades ranging from 7 (high) to 1 (low), with the exception of TOK and EE which are reported A (high) to E (low). The TOK and EE components are awarded individual grades and, collectively, can contribute up to 3 additional points towards the overall Diploma score, for a maximum total of 45 points. CAS does not contribute to the points total, but authenticated participation is a requirement for the award of the diploma.

The assessment scheme is used for all internal and external assessments and on official transcripts. GIS only provides end-of-year grades on high school transcripts. Should a mid-year transcript be required for Grade 12 students, it will be noted that the grades are only preliminary (predicted). An updated transcript with final grades will be provided at the end of Grade 12, following the release of IB exam scores in early July.