Candidates for admission to the BISUL IB Diploma Programme should demonstrate the qualities of the IB Learner Profile. We expect applicants to be open-minded, responsible, and motivated learners with strong communication, organisational and time-management skills.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.
Applicants must have a good command of English (minimum level B2).
Candidates from international/English-medium systems:
Candidates from the Polish system:
If a subject has not been previously studied, performance in a related subject may be considered. Academic results must be confirmed with official school reports.
Applicants are required to sit the CAT4 assessment.
Additional subject-specific tests may be required depending on subject choices.
Applicants must submit a motivation letter explaining their interest in the IB Diploma Programme and how it supports their future goals.
Applicants will be invited to interviews to assess their commitment, readiness for the programme, and level of spoken English.
As part of the admissions process, BISUL will contact the applicant’s current or previous school to obtain information regarding academic performance and conduct.
Admission is based on the overall application, including academic results, assessments and interview performance. In some cases, applicants may be asked to take additional subject tests.
Final admission decisions are made by the Head of School.
The IB Diploma Programme at BISUL is designed for students aged 16–19 who are preparing for university study in an international context.
Students follow a broad and balanced curriculum, choosing six subjects: one from each of Groups 1–5 and an additional subject from Groups 1–4. In addition, all students complete the IB core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Students typically study three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) (maximum four HL), ensuring both depth and breadth of learning.
Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature
English A: Language and Literature (SL & HL)
Polish A: Literature (SL & HL)
Language A: Literature (school-supported self-taught)
Group 2 – Language Acquisition
English B (HL)
Spanish ab initio (SL)
Spanish B (SL & HL)
Group 3 – Individuals and Societies
Business Management (SL & HL)
History or Global Politics (SL & HL)
Geography or Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
Psychology (SL & HL)
Group 4 – Sciences
Biology (SL & HL)
Chemistry (SL & HL)
Physics (SL & HL)
Group 5 – Mathematics
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL & HL)
Group 6 – Electives
One additional subject chosen from Groups 1 – 4
To ensure a balanced and academically coherent programme:
Students are expected to follow the standard subject selection, consisting of:
§ two subjects from Individuals and Societies (Group 3) and one science (Group 4), or
§ two sciences (Group 4) and one subject from Individuals and Societies (Group 3)
Certain subjects are offered alternatively (e.g. History or Global Politics; Geography or Environmental Systems and Societies)
Any non‑standard subject combination (e.g. four HL subjects, atypical subject mixes, or additional subjects) requires school approval
To provide further flexibility, selected IB courses may be taken through the Pamoja online learning platform (additional fees apply), subject to availability and school approval.
HL (Higher Level): more in-depth study (approx. 240 teaching hours)
SL (Standard Level): standard course (approx. 150 teaching hours)
ab initio: beginner-level language course
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 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 https://www.ibo.org/university-admission/find-countries-and-universities-that-recognize-the-ib/. Some countries 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.
The IB Diploma Programme is a balance between the desirability of a broad education and the need to allow some specialisation. In all subjects, the emphasis is on the mastery of subject content along with the development of critical thinking and an appreciation of the value and art of learning. To achieve a broad and balanced programme the student must choose one subject from each of the six groups: Language A, Language acquisition, Individuals and societies, Sciences, Mathematics and Electives.
You should take a minimum of 3 subjects at Higher Level (HL), and 3 subjects at Standard Level (SL). A maximum of 4 subjects can be selected at HL. The main difference is that HL subjects cover more content, are taught for more hours (HL: 240 hours/SL: 150 hours over 2 years) and have more demanding grading criteria.
In addition to the six subjects, all students take Theory of Knowledge as an additional subject and work to meet the requirements of the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme, and write an Extended Essay (EE).
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.
