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IB Diploma Programme
(Grades XI - XII)

Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures

At Hill Spring International School, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is designed to equip students with essential skills and a strong academic foundation. Through its rigorous curriculum and exposure to real-world experiences beyond the classroom, the IBDP prepares learners for future challenges and opportunities, while its emphasis on student agency empowers them to become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners.

ADVANTAGES OF IBDP

Global Recognition

Internationally recognised for its precise, consistent standards, enabling students to access diverse universities globally.

Academic Rigour

Concept-driven curriculum that develops critical thinking, research skills, and interdisciplinary understanding.

International Mindedness

Fosters appreciation of diverse perspectives and responsible engagement with the global community.

Student Agency

Develops student agency and leadership by fostering initiative, collaboration, and responsible decision-making.
Learning Opportunities of the IBDP

Core of the Diploma Programme

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

    • Explores interdisciplinary concepts across various subjects.
    • Focuses on critical thinking about knowledge production and dissemination.

  • Extended Essay

    • A 4,000-word piece of independent research in an area of special interest.
    • Allows specialisation, and helps develop research and academic writing skills essential for university.

  • Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)

    • Requires 150 hours of community involvement over two years.
    • Provides real-life experience through diverse activities.

Assessment Process:

  • Varied formative and summative assessments conducted over two academic years.
  • Final exams and coursework evaluated by international examiners.
  • Examiners are rigorously trained and monitored by the IB.
  • Consistent standards ensure fair evaluation across countries.

Grading System:

  • Subjects graded on a 1-7 scale, plus bonus points.
  • Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay add up to 3 bonus points.
  • Minimum of 24 points required to earn the diploma.
  • Certificates awarded for each subject if diploma criteria aren’t met.

University & Career Guidance

Our dedicated Career Counselling Team supports students at every stage, from subject selection and profile building to essay writing and interview preparation.

  • Dedicated guidance: Regular counselling sessions and university workshops.
  • Real-world insights: Alumni interactions to share experiences and pathways.
  • Outcome focus: Support with applications, personal statements, and interview preparation.

Graduates from Hill Spring have received offers from top universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, India and across Europe, pursuing diverse fields such as Business, Medicine, Engineering, Law, and the Arts.

Student Support and Wellbeing

At HSIS, we understand that the IBDP journey can be both exciting and challenging. Our structured support system ensures that every student feels confident, prepared, and cared for – from the transition into the programme through to their final examinations.

  • Transition support: A dedicated transition programme for students coming from any Grade X curriculum (ICSE, CBSE, SSC, or equivalent) that introduces subject options, academic expectations, and effective study habits.
  • Ongoing wellbeing: Mentoring, counselling, regular check-ins, support classes and peer support sessions.
  • Skills & resilience: Time management workshops and revision strategies to help students balance workload and stay motivated.
KNOW

Subjects Offered at HSIS

Studies in Language and Literature

  • English Language and Literature HL / SL
  • English Literature HL / SL

Language Acquisition

  • French B SL
  • Hindi B HL / SL
  • Spanish ab initio SL

Individuals and Societies

  • Business Management HL / SL
  • Economics HL / SL
  • Global Politics HL / SL
  • Psychology HL / SL

Sciences

  • Biology HL / SL
  • Chemistry HL / SL
  • Computer Science HL / SL
  • Environmental Systems & Societies HL / SL
  • Physics HL / SL

Mathematics

  • Mathematics: Analysis and approaches SL / HL
  • Mathematics: Applications and interpretation SL / HL

The Arts

  • Theatre HL / SL
  • Visual Arts HL / SL

Parent Partnership

Regular parent-teacher interactions, academic updates, and career planning sessions ensure that families remain informed and engaged in their child’s learning journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions and find answers about Programmes & Admission.

  • Who can take the IBDP?

    Any motivated student who is prepared to engage in a challenging and inquiry-based programme can take the IBDP.

  • What subjects do students study?

    Students choose six subjects—three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level—across Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts, along with core components.

  • What are the core components?

    The core includes the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), all of which develop research skills, reflection, and community engagement.

  • How is the IBDP assessed?

    Assessment includes both internal assessments (marked by teachers) and external components and examinations, ensuring a balanced evaluation of skills and knowledge. To prepare students, formative and summative assessments are conducted internally every semester.

  • What skills do students gain from the IBDP?

    A diverse range of learning experiences helps develop skills such as critical thinking, communication, research, and collaboration, and fosters intercultural understanding and strong academic discipline, all of which are essential for success in higher education and beyond.

  • Can students balance the IBDP with extracurricular activities?

    Yes. Through CAS, students actively participate in sports, arts, leadership roles, and service experiences, helping them maintain balance and personal growth. The IB believes in the holistic development of learners.

  • Is the IBDP recognised by universities worldwide?

    Yes—universities across the globe value the IBDP for its high standards, consistency, and emphasis on independent learning and global understanding. Indian universities—including central, state, private, engineering, and liberal arts institutions—accept the IB Diploma for admissions, and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has granted it equivalence to the Grade XII (ISC/CBSE) qualification.

  • How does the IBDP support university admissions?

    IBDP graduates stand out for their research skills, well-rounded profiles, and ability to manage complex academic tasks, all of which are highly regarded by university admissions teams.

  • Does the school help with university applications?

    Comprehensive university and career counselling is provided throughout the IBDP, including help with subject selection, applications, personal statements, and interview skills.

  • Is the IBDP difficult?

    The programme is rigorous, but Hill Spring International School provides strong academic support, cultivating in students the resilience, study skills, and time-management abilities needed to thrive.

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