Candidates for admission to BISUL IB Diploma Programme must demonstrate that they are students who embrace and embody the IB Learner Profile. We expect applicants to have inquiring and open minds, to be diligent and reliable, to be good communicators, and to have an openness to learning new things. Good time-management and organizational skills are also indispensable qualities for students to be successful in the IB DP.
Good command of English language at a minimum level of B2.
Candidates coming from the British, Canadian, American or international systems:
A minimum final attainment score of B in all subjects to be studied in the Diploma Programme at the Higher Level and a minimum final attainment score of C in all subjects to be studied in the Diploma Programme at the Standard Level.
Candidates coming from the Polish educational system:
A minimum final attainment score of 4 in all subjects to be studied in the Diploma Programme at the Higher Level and minimum final attainment score of 3 in all subjects to be studied in the Diploma Programme at the Standard Level.
Academic achievements must be confirmed with copies of school transcripts (reports) from the last academic year or certificates.
Transfer students:
Students who transfer from other IB DP schools are welcome. BISUL will work closely with parents and other DP coordinators to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. If you are transferring from another IB World School you must provide evidence for your commitment and academic success in the DP. In the case of students transferring on completing the first year in the IB DP, a minimum academic achievements are:
Upon admission, you will be asked to submit a motivation letter explaining the reasons why you would be a perfect candidate for BISUL`s IB DP and outlining how the Diploma Programme is going to be beneficial to you.
You will be interviewed to determine your level of commitment and ability to take personal responsibility for your learning, as well as your level of oral English fluency. The primary purpose of the interview is to consider your potential to succeed not only in the individual subjects, but also in the core components of CAS, Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay.
You will be asked to sign an academic honesty contract indicating your awareness of the rigorous nature of the programme and confirming your commitment to BISUL`s policy of academic honesty.
The criteria outlined above do not, on their own, determine your eligibility. Individual circumstances and student interest are also taken into account. BISUL`s Inclusion (SEN) and Language Policies outline our philosophy on making the Diploma Programme as accessible as possible. If you fail to meet the above academic requirements in one or more subjects it may be required to take subject tests administered on campus. You will be required to pass these examinations before admission can be confirmed. In all admissions cases, the head of school makes the final decision.
Welcome to the IB Diploma Programme, designed for students aged 16 to 19 years who aspire to embark on advanced studies as they prepare for their university journey.
Unlike some other pathways, the IB Diploma Programme at BISUL is uniquely structured, allowing students to join without the prerequisite of completing IGCSEs. This flexibility ensures that learners can dive into this enriching academic experience regardless of their prior educational backgrounds.
Aligned with our commitment to delivering a world-class education, BISUL is dedicated to offering a curriculum that not only stimulates young minds but also maintains international relevance.
At this pivotal stage in their education, students have the opportunity to handpick subjects that pique their interest while honing skills that hold tremendous value in the eyes of universities across the globe. It’s a journey of discovery, growth, and preparation for the bright future that lies ahead.
Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2 – Language Acquisition
Group 3 – Individuals and Societes
Group 4 – Sciences
Group 5 – Mathematics
Group 6 – One more Subject Selected from the Group 3 or Group 4
To offer students even more flexibility and choice, we provide the option to select certain IB courses through Pamoja, an online learning platform, at an additional cost. This allows students to tailor their educational experience to their unique interests and academic goals, further enhancing their IB Diploma Programme experience.
In order to assist students in making informed decisions about their course selections, we have implemented certain guidelines to ensure that their choices align with their future career goals and academic success. To facilitate this, students are not allowed to simultaneously choose both history and geography, as well as biology and physics.
This restriction aims to encourage a well-rounded education, that serves their future career aspirations and provides them with a solid educational foundation. Our goal is to help them make informed choices that align with their interests, skills, and career objectives, ensuring that they have the best possible educational experience.
The IB Diploma Programme is recognized and respected worldwide. Post secondary institutions know graduates of the programme bring passion for learning to their campuses and are prepared for academic success. IB students, through their experience in a rigorous and balanced programme, have well developed critical thinking skills, communication skills, study skills and an enhanced ability to adapt and contribute to university life.
Students will develop the knowledge, skills and motivation needed to be successful not only in university but in life beyond schooling. The IB teaches students how to think, not what to think, and it gives them the skills and knowledge necessary to confidently embrace and overcome challenges in our complex 21st century world.
Research shows that DP graduates are much more likely to be enrolled at top higher education institutions than entrants holding other qualifications.
Through, creativity, action, service (CAS) you learn outside the classroom and develop emotionally and ethnically as well as intellectually.
For example, the extended essay requires independent research through an in-depth study
The DP is recognised globally by universities and employers.
Language classes encourage an international mindset, key for increasingly globalised societies.
Learn how to analyse and evaluate issues, generate ideas and consider new perspectives.
Take good study habits and strong time management to further education and the working world.
Learn to understand, not just memorise facts and topics and prepare for exams.
Theory of knowledge (TOK) classes encourage you to make connections between subjects.
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
The aim of IB Diploma programme is to develop internationally minded people, who recognise their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives – intellectual, physical, and emotional – to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
The IB DP is not just about what you learn – it also about who you become as you learn. The IB has set out the characteristics of a student who will be successful in their programmes in the ‘IB Learner Profile’. You will never be ‘assessed’ on the learner profile, but you should keep it in mind as you learn, and think about how it informs the different ways in which you learn. IB learners strive to be Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective.
The IB Diploma requires more than just in-depth knowledge of the subjects you study. It is recognised worldwide as strong preparation for the kinds of thinking skills and problem-solving tools you will need to demonstrate at university and beyond in your career.
Let’s be clear about this if you want to gain the most from your learning, and achieve your fullpotential, you will not be able to do it just by cramming for exams at the end of the two years. The IB Diploma is a continuous programme, and your performance from day one of Year 12 will influence the outcome on graduation day of Year 13. A really good education like the IB DP does not come as a‘package’ you can buy ‘off the shelf’ – rather, you should see the next two years as a series of opportunities that you are fortunate to have, and actively encouraged to take.
The IB Diploma is also intended as a pre-university qualification. This means that its academic standards are set to meet the requirements of study at degree level. The Universities around the globe know and appreciate the value of the IB DP. Once you are awarded a Diploma, you can continue your education at almost any University in the world!
The IB Diploma is given formal equivalency to national examinations in most parts of the world. To check up-to-date details for your country of interest, refer to www.ibo.org/country/ Somecountries require that the IB Diploma is ‘notarised’ or ‘legalised’ in their consulate in Geneva, Switzerland (where the IB headquarters are based). Where this is the case, the IB offers a legalization service at a small additional cost.
From our perspective, the most critical factors in the admissions process is the student’s consciouschoice for BISUL`s IB DP. It is also fundamental that BISUL`s Admissions Team believes that IB DP is the best option for that candidate. Through its Admissions Policy, BISUL aims to ensure that students are placed into courses which are both challenging and manageable to support their academic and personal success. To this end, our school has a set of basic prerequisites for candidates applying to our IB Diploma Programme.
A candidate in the Diploma Programme has to fulfil the requirements of 3 Core elements and pass exams in 6 subjects.
We are offering the following subjects:
– Group 1. First language:
English language and literature
Polish Literature
– Group 2. Second language:
Spanish SL & HL
Spanish Ab Initio
English SL & HL
– Group 3.
Geography
History
Business management
– Group 4.
Biology
Physics
Chemistry
– Group 5. Mathematics
– Group 6. One subject selected from: Geography, History, Business management, Biology, Physics, Chemistry (you can`t select the same subject twice).
Students will take 3 subjects at higher level (HL) and 3 subjects at standard level (SL). HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level. Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours.
Yes, you may choose to study fewer subjects. However, this will NOT lead you to the IB Diploma. The same rule applies to the Core components, which are obligatory if you strive for a Diploma. However, if you decide to drop some subjects or not to do the Core, you can still take exams in other IB DP courses. The IB will issue a certificate confirming your score only in those subjects that you have taken. The certificate that you will receive is recognized by some universities in the world. It is highly recommended that you check the university admissions policy before you decide to study separate subjects (called Courses) in the IB DP. Before any decisions are taken, you definitely should discuss it with the IB Coordinator.
The grades are awarded according to the 1-7 grading scale. The IB uses several ways to assess your knowledge and understanding of the subjects. Each subject is tested through a number of different elements, or components. Exams are taken at the end of your programme of study, and the answers are marked by examiners (External Assessment). As well as exams, you also complete assessment tasks within your school. These assignments are either internally assessed, that is, they are marked by your teachers and then moderated by IB examiners, or externally assessed, meaning they are sent directly to examiners to be marked.
The IB DP core elements are Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge is a space in the programme in which students are encouraged to reflect on their own learning. It concerns the ways in which we know, the extent and limitations of our knowledge, and the different kinds of knowledge produced by different subject methodologies. The course is taught by a ToK teacher and takes 100 hours. Many ToK elements are also present in other subjects. Theory of knowledge is assessed through written essays, and a visual presentation (exhibition).
The Extended Essay
The Extended Essay is an opportunity to deepen and enrich your understanding of a subject. You choose the question and then work on the essay in your own time, with guidance and advice from a teacher supervisor. The essay is a major piece of written work – up to 4000 words long – and a real chance to express yourself! The Extended Essay is one of the most important components of the IB Diploma Programme. However, there is no need to worry about it beforehand. You will receive help from your teacher-supervisor and you will learn much more details form a specially designed EE Handbook, which is going to be available in September.
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)
Creativity, Activity and Service is a way for you to use your learning in the IB DP to make a difference– both to yourself, to your community, and to the world at large. You will be encouraged to choose and then develop your own projects. You are expected to be creative, active and help the others. There is no grade for CAS, however you will be monitored and advised by a CAS supervisor.
CAS is obligatory to all IB learners and lasts at least 18 months. It will engage students weekly in CAS experiences and project. These should fit within one or more of the CAS strands, be enjoyable, meaningful and developing.
All CAS activities must meet these four criteria:
Real, purposeful activity, with significant outcome
Personal challenge – tasks must extend the student and be achievable in scope
Thoughtful consideration, such as planning, reviewing progress and reporting
Reflection on outcome and personal learning.
Examples of CAS experiences:
Team sport
Fundraising run
Hiking expedition
Teach sports to kids
Learn to play a musical instrument
Create a mural
Design a website
Tutoring
Forest clean-up
Volunteer in the nursery or dog shelter
There are no assessments or tests as this part is concentrated on activities and reflection. There will be a short meeting every month and 3 formal interviews focused on assessing your progress, assist you with your plans. You should maintain a CAS portfolio and keep records of your experiences and reflections. It could be a diary, a blog, a photo album or a video.
The core elements can give you up to 3 extra credits to your final Diploma score. The points are awarded according to the Diploma points matrix.
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