International Baccalaureate Diploma

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at BISS is a rigorous, globally recognised qualification that prepares students for success at top universities and beyond. Through academic challenge, personal growth, and international-mindedness, students develop into well-rounded, independent thinkers.

A World-Class Education for Life Beyond School

At the British International School of Stockholm (BISS), the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum for students in Years 12 and 13.

This challenging qualification is designed for students who demonstrate dedication and academic motivation, aiming to develop their intellectual, personal, and emotional skills. Most of our students pursue the full IB Diploma, while others opt for individual IB courses, allowing for a flexible and suitably challenging academic experience.

IB Diploma Structure

To achieve the full IB Diploma, students must complete courses from each of the six subject groups, along with the three core components:

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Ekeby Campus - Virtual Tour

Ekeby Campus

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

  • English A
  • School Supported Self-Taught Language A (SSST A)

Group 2: Language Acquisition

  1. French B
  2. Spanish B
  3. Swedish B
  4. Swedish Ab Initio
  5. English B

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

  1. Economics
  2. History
  3. Geography

Group 4: Sciences

  1. Physics
  2. Biology
  3. Design and Technology
  4. Sports, Exercise, and Health Science

Group 5: Mathematics

  1. Analysis and Approaches
  2. Application and Interpretation

Group 6: The Arts and Electives

  1. Theatre
  2. Visual Arts
  3. Business Management
  4. Chemistry

Students must take three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Classes in Years 12 and 13 are generally smaller, providing a focused and supportive learning environment.

Core Components of the International Baccalaureate Diploma

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): This interdisciplinary course encourages students to think critically about knowledge across all subjects. It includes an exhibition at the end of Year 12 and a 1600-word essay written in Year 13. TOK fosters critical and creative thinking, connecting the various areas of study.

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS): CAS is a key component of the IBDP, encouraging students to engage in activities beyond academic success. It comprises three strands:

  • Creativity: Activities requiring creative thinking such as arts and music.
  • Activity: Physical activities like learning a new sport or training.
  • Service: Volunteer work to benefit the community.

Students maintain a portfolio of their CAS activities and reflections, which is submitted at the end of the IBDP. A group project is also part of the CAS requirements.

Extended Essay (EE): This component involves writing a 4000-word essay on a topic of the student’s choice within a subject they enjoy. It develops independent research and analysis skills, providing valuable experience in academic writing and referencing. The EE, along with Internal Assessments, prepares students for university-level assignments.

The IBDP is underpinned by the IB Learner Profile, which emphasizes attributes that align with our school values of respect, curiosity, and resilience. These attributes help students become globally-minded individuals, ready to understand and engage with the world.

University Destinations

Our IB graduates have gone on to study at prestigious universities worldwide. Approximately 40% of our graduates pursue higher education in the UK at institutions such as St Mary’s, London, St Andrews, Bath, Leeds, Leicester, Sussex, and Hertfordshire. In Sweden, students have enrolled in universities like Stockholm, Lund, Linköping, KTH, and Växjö. Our graduates also study in the Netherlands at Erasmus School of Economics, Leiden, and Maastricht, with others starting their studies in Milan, Valencia, Toronto, Newfoundland, Brazil, and Beijing.

More than half of our students pursue STEM-related fields, including various types of engineering, computer science, physics, biochemistry, medicine, mathematics, and architecture. Additionally, students with a passion for the humanities study subjects such as economics, international relations, history, business, and development studies. We also have graduates embarking on careers in film studies, drama, design, and English.

At BISS, we are proud of our students’ achievements and their ability to thrive in diverse and challenging academic environments.

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Explore our school’s curriculum

Foundation

Foundation

Ages 3 – 5

Nursery and Reception
Fostering a love of learning from an early age through active, play-based learning opportunities.

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Primary School

Primary

Ages 5 – 11

Years 1-6
Nurturing informed, globally competent and future-ready learners.

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Secondary School

Secondary

Ages 11 – 16

Years 7-11
A flexible, challenging and inspiring curriculum culminating in IGCSE’s, our launchpad to IB Diploma.

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