TOK
Theory of Knowledge
Students reflect on how knowledge is made and how we know what we claim to know.
IB Diploma at CIRS
IB Diploma Programme, Grades XI and XII.
Study six subject groups alongside the Diploma core. Ask the school which subjects and levels are available for your entry year.
Diploma at CIRS
Breadth, depth and work that is your own.
At CIRS, the IB Diploma Programme is an option for Grades XI and XII. It combines six subjects with a required core of research, reflection and activity.
Students choose from six subject groups, studying three or four subjects at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL). The two levels differ in scope, while both contribute to the Diploma score.
Alongside those subjects, every Diploma student completes Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. Together they invite students to test ideas, pursue a question independently and take part in experiences beyond their courses.
The IB sets the programme framework. The subjects and levels available at CIRS for a particular intake need to be confirmed with the school.
Subject groups
Six groups keep the course broad.
The IB groups describe the shape of the Diploma, not a list of subjects currently offered by CIRS. An Arts subject may be replaced by an additional language, individuals and societies, or sciences subject.
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Group 1
Studies in language and literature
Read, interpret and write about language and texts.
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Group 2
Language acquisition
Develop understanding and communication in an additional language.
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Group 3
Individuals and societies
Investigate people, institutions and the world they shape.
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Group 4
Sciences
Examine the natural world through evidence and inquiry.
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Group 5
Mathematics
Study mathematical ideas, reasoning and applications.
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Group 6
The arts
Study an arts subject, or an additional permitted subject in languages, individuals and societies or sciences.
Ask for the current CIRS subject list.
Before planning a combination, ask the IB Coordinator which subjects CIRS offers for your entry year, which are available at HL or SL, and whether there are prerequisites or timetable limits.
The DP core
Three requirements connect the subjects.
The Diploma core is studied alongside the six subjects throughout the programme.
EE
Extended Essay
Students pursue an independent research question and develop an extended piece of academic writing.
CAS
Creativity, Activity, Service
Students take part in experiences across all three strands. CAS is required for the Diploma but does not add points to the score.
Assessment
How the Diploma is assessed.
The six subjects and two scored core components contribute to a possible total of 45 points. The IB also sets minimum conditions for the award.
- 7
- Points per subjectEach of the six subjects is graded from 1 to 7, contributing up to 42 points together.
- +3
- Possible core pointsTheory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay can contribute up to three further points.
- 45
- Maximum totalCAS is required for the award of the Diploma but does not contribute points.
Coursework and examinations
Most courses include written examinations at the end of the Diploma. Depending on the subject, other work may be assessed externally or marked by teachers and moderated by the IB.
Award conditions
A candidate needs at least 24 points and must meet the IB’s other minimum requirements, including completion of the Diploma core. The current conditions are set by the IB.
Read the IB assessment guideLife at CIRS
The programme has a campus around it.
Students take the Diploma within the wider life of a residential school. Read about the campus, houses, sport, arts and service in THE CIRS EXPERIENCE.
Ask Admissions who can explain current boarding arrangements and academic support for a Grade XI applicant.
Explore The CIRS experienceAfter the Diploma
Plan subject choices with the next step in mind.
Subject combinations can affect university entry requirements. Ask the IB Coordinator which combinations CIRS offers and how the school supports applications for your intended entry year.
Current counselling services, timelines and graduate destinations still need confirmation from the school.
Ask about university guidancePublished results
See the school’s reported IB results.
The Results page presents CIRS’s school-reported Diploma examination figures. For a dated source report or information about graduate destinations, ask the school directly.
Read IB resultsPlan your next step
Considering the Diploma for Grade XI?
Ask the school to confirm subjects and levels, entry requirements, assessment arrangements and dates for your intended year.
Ask about the Diploma Read admissions guidance
Back to Curriculum