RICS students participating in the IB Diploma Programme have two levels of participation available to them:

1. IB Diploma Candidate (all six subject groups, TOK, EE, 150 hrs CAS)

2. IB Certificate Candidate (individual IB exams)

Many students take a freshman schedule that is on track to pursue the diploma programme. Some students adjust their schedule as necessary in order to manage the rigor of the courses and obtain a schedule that is consistent with their ability and commitment.

IB Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics.

The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 2 to 4.

At least three and not more than four subjects are taken at higher level (recommended 240 teaching hours), the others at standard level (150 teaching hours). Students can study these subjects, and be examined, in English, French or Spanish.

Students will develop an understanding of the IB learner profile. The ten attributes of the learner profile inspire and motivate the work of teachers, students and schools, providing a statement of the aims and values of the IB and a definition of what is meant by “international mindedness”. IB learners strive to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective.

This is a challenging programme that demands the best from both motivated students and teachers. Schools can access an extensive package of IB professional development for teachers and administrators and commit to ongoing professional development. Schools are required to participate in an ongoing process of review and development, using standards and practices that apply to all IB World Schools.

IB teachers are challenged to constantly reflect upon and improve their practice. All teachers in IB World Schools have access to the online curriculum centre, which provides programme documentation, examples of student work, and also acts as the hub of an international online community. Teachers can talk to other teachers in IB World Schools around the world, give and receive advice, and post their own example resources for other teachers to share.

What is CAS ?

Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) is a required component of the International Baccalaureate program for all Diploma students. The current requirement for Diploma students is a minimum of 150 hours of CAS activities divided equally among three categories: creativity, action, and service. This is equivalent to 3 or 4 hours per week.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - TOK is an interdisciplinary course designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. Taken during the Junior and Senior year, TOK stimulates critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course is unique to the IBO, which recommends at least 100 hours of teaching time spanning the program's two years.

Faculty