SECONDARY SCHOOL IN DUBAI

MYP

MYP subjects offered at Swiss International Scientific School:

• Language and Literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and Societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Arts
• Physical and Health Education
• Design
• Moral Education

More comprehensive information on each subject can be found at on the International Baccalaureate official page .

In the MYP, subject group objectives correspond to assessment criteria. Four criteria (A,B,C & D) are each marked out of 8. The criteria are subject-specific and detailed later in this Handbook. The levels generally represent performance as follows:

The total marks from 32 can then be converted to an indicator of a grade for that subject:

Teachers award an Effort Grade to help students, parent and colleagues understand better students’ prospects in that particular subject.

 For more information on Taught Subjects and Assessment in the MYP, download our Secondary School Handbook

DP

DP subjects offered at Swiss International Scientific School:

• Group 1 (Language & Literature): English A, French A, German A
• Group 2 (Language Acquisition): French B, German B, Arabic B
• Group 3 (Individuals & Societies) : History (in French), History (in English), Business Management, Global Politics
• Group 4 ( Experimental Sciences): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems & Societies
• Group 5 (Mathematics): Mathematics
• Group 6 (Arts) or another subject from Groups 3 or 4: Visual Arts, Music

More comprehensive information on each subject can be found on the International Baccalaureate official page.

Assessment

• DP subjects in Groups 1-6 graded on a scale from 7 (highest to 1 (lowest)

(Passing grades: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3; Failing grades: 2, 1)

• TOK and EE graded on a scale from A (highest) to E (lowest)

(Passing grades: A, B, C, D; Failing grade: E)

Conditions for the award of the IB Diploma

• Minimum of 24 points in six DP subjects
• Minimum of 12 points in three Higher Level (HL) subjects
• Minimum of 9 points in three Standard Level (SL) subjects
• Minimum of grade D in Theory of Knowledge
• Minimum of grade D in Extended Essay

Maximum point scores attainable:

From six subjects: 42 points

From TOK & EE (combined): additional 3 bonus points

Possible overall maximum point score: 45 points

Conditions for the award of the bilingual IB Diploma:

• Minimum of a grade 3 in two Group 1 languages
• Minimum of a grade 3 in a Group 1 language AND minimum of a grade 3

in a Group 3 or 4 subject, studied in a different language.

 For more information on Taught Subjects and Assessment in the DP, download our Secondary School Handbook

The Beyond Borders and Boundaries programme is an opportunity for SISD staff and students to extend themselves outside of the classroom through skills development activities, team building and community and service engagement tasks. Participants develop themselves as global citizens by gaining unique cultural, personal, interpersonal and environmental experiences not accessible in a standard classroom set up. All Middle School staff and students will participate.As part of this programme, our students have participated in trips to Sri Lanka, Nepal, Turkey and Cambodia.

• IB Admission to International Universities: The IB Diploma is accepted in 75 countries in over 2000 universities. The IBO has a search directory on its website although they advise students to check directly with each university for the recognition policy.
• IB Admission to Swiss Universities: Most Swiss universities require 32 of 42 points (without extra points) and have additional HL subject requirements. ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne require 38 of 42 points (without extra points) and have stringent HL and SL subject requirements. Please check with the respective university for their recognition policy or go to the IBO website for further information.
• Swiss Baccalaureate admission to International Universities: There are two types of Swiss Baccalaureates, the ‘Federal’ as well as ‘Cantonal’. The Federal Swiss Baccalaureate diploma allows students to study at international universities. Please check with the respective university for specific admission requirements.
• Swiss Baccalaureate Admission to Swiss Universities: Holders of a Swiss Baccalaureate do not have to take part in an admission process (except for medical studies) if they wish to study at a Swiss university.
• IB International Recognition: Universities and colleges benefit from recruiting and admitting students from IB programmes in a range of ways, with IB programmes developing the knowledge, skills and disposition students need to be successful throughout their university careers. Every university in the UK now accepts the IB Diploma. IBDP students regularly enter toptier institutions. In the US and Canada, the IBDP and Course Certificates (Higher Level) are increasingly recognised, with many universities conferring credit or advanced placement of up to one year for them. As a result of their time in the IB, students develop: time management skills and a strong sense of self-motivation, a keen interest in civic engagement, notable academic ability, strong research and writing skills, critical thinking abilities and an international outlook. Research suggests, for example, that IB students are more likely than their peers to complete their undergraduate degrees and pursue graduate work; and that they are more likely to be engaged in various aspects of university life. According to the research, IB students are strong on: student leadership activities, working with university faculty on research projects, finding opportunities to study in other countries, tutoring other students , taking part in voluntary and community service and completing internships.