The ICARDA International School of Aleppo (IISA) is an English-medium IB World School. The IB Diploma Program is aimed at 16-19 year-old students (grades 11 and 12) and it has served the needs of our diverse international student population in IISA in for more than 20 years. At IISA, the IB Diploma Program is an academically challenging, university-preparatory comprehensive curriculum for highly motivated students. Declared IB Diploma candidates sit for externally moderated examinations in May. Drawing from many educational traditions in the western world, the IB Diploma Program is a rigorous, internationally recognized qualification. According to the IB organization, 2,076 universities in 73 countries mention IB Diploma considerations on their admission websites. The Syrian Ministry of Education officially recognized IISA's IB Diploma as equivalent to the Syrian Baccalaureate in February 2006.
For details about the IB Program, including Certificates, check the IB website http://www.ibo.org

IISA IB Coordinator: Mr. Peter Krader

The IB Diploma Program Hexagon:

A declared IB Diploma candidate:

• Chooses six subjects, one from each group. (See next page for IB courses offered at IISA).
• Takes 3 subjects at Higher Level (250 hours over two years) and 3 at Standard Level (150 hours over two years)
• Takes the course Theory of Knowledge. TOK is an interdisciplinary course focusing on critical thinking and knowledge issues. Students are challenged to examine the source and validity of various forms of knowledge and ways of knowing with the aim of fostering more independent and discerning thinkers.
• Satisfactorily completes a 4,000-word Extended Essay (EE) on an approved subject of his/her choice and successfully defends the essay viva vocein front of a committee of teachers. The EE affords the student the opportunity to study a topic or issue in some depth and allows the student to demonstrate independent research and academic writing skills that will be needed at university level.
• Satisfactorily completes and documents 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). The student must seek previous approval from the CAS Coordinator and must divide the hours equally over the three categories: Creativity, Action, and Service. It is preferable for students to carry out their CAS hours requirements outside of school.

IISA IB Subjects Offerings for 2009-2010