Grade 11 - 12
In grades 11 and 12, AIA implements the Diploma Programme (DP). The IB DP is designed for the last two years of school. It prepares students for university and allows them to fulfill the requirements of various national systems. For more information on these programs, please visit the IBO website: www.ibo.org
The program, as described in the documents of the IBO, consists of two major elements: The academic subjects and the special features, which consists of the extended essay, the theory of knowledge course (TOK) and the creativity, activity and service (CAS) program.
The Academic part consists of six major groups with several courses belonging to each group.
Group 1 - Studies in Language and Literature: This group consists of 3 courses; Literature, Language and Literature, and Literature and Performance including the study of selections from world literature. The IBO offers over 100 languages in this field. The AIA offers Arabic and English within this group.
Group 2 - Language Acquisition: Language B, ab initio: This group is for a second modern language at different levels. AIA offers also Arabic and English within this group.
Group 3 - Individuals and Societies: This group includes many courses such as history, geography, economics, philosophy, psychology, social and cultural anthropology, business and management. AIA offers History and Business and Management and will gradually offer more subjects in the future.
Group 4 - Experimental Sciences: AIA offers biology, chemistry and physics in this group.
Group 5 - Mathematics: AIA offers both courses, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation and Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches.
Group 6 - The Arts: AIA offers visual arts in this group.
Most subjects are offered at two levels; standard level and high level. Students are required to choose one subject from each of the first five groups and a subject from group six or a second subject from any of the first five groups. To obtain the diploma, students must study at least 3 and maximum 4 of the 6 subjects at high level.
Extended Essay
Each Diploma candidate must undertake original research and write an extended essay of about 4000 words as a result of research done by him/her in one of the academic subjects offered in the program under supervision of a teacher. This project offers the student the opportunity to develop research and writing skills required at university.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is one of the special features of the IB program. It is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate. The aim of this course is to engage students in reflection on, and in the questioning of, the basis of knowledge. It covers topics such as nature of knowing; sources of knowledge; the role of language, perception and emotion in gaining knowledge; and areas of knowledge.
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)
Creativity, activity, service is known by its acronym CAS and is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of academics. Participation in creative activities, sports and community service projects, encourage young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
