International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs

The American School of Bangkok Green Valley Campus is a Candidate School* for the IBDP. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that ASBGV believes is important for our students.

The IB DP is an assessed program for students aged 16 to 19 and is highly respected by leading universities across the globe. It was established to provide students with a balanced education, facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international understanding. As of 3 September 2019, there were only 3,421 schools offering the DP, in 157 different countries worldwide, and ASBGV is proud to be joining that list!

The IBDP curriculum 

The IB Curriculum structure is represented by a hexagon model with six academic subjects surrounding a core.

 

 The IBDP Framework Hexagon

 

Diploma students study six subjects from six subject groups, concurrently over two years, as well as the core elements of the programme (Theory of Knowledge, the extended essay and creativity, action, service). The six subject groups represent the major domains of learning across all subject disciplines of a curriculum.

At least three, and not more than four of the six subjects selected are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours, and require a greater depth of study across a broader range of content in the subject. SL courses require 150 hours and provide breadth of study across the whole Diploma Programme.

Students are thus able to explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly, a deliberate compromise between the early specialization of some national systems and the breadth found in others. The science-oriented student is challenged to learn a foreign language and the natural linguist becomes familiar with laboratory procedures. Flexibility in choosing higher-level concentrations allows the students to pursue areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university entrance within a balanced overall programme. The subjects are continually reviewed and revised to meet contemporary needs.

 

The core subjects

The core of the model consists of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, the extended essay and creativity, activity, service (CAS).

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a course unique to the IB programme, is an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyse evidence. TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a fundamental part of the Diploma Programme experience. The CAS requirement emphasises the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the academic pursuits of the programme. The IB goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate and active citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books. The CAS requirement encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others: students may, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves and concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people.

Extended Essay (EE) provides each student an opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The essay requirement acquaints diploma students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. The IBO recommends that a student devote a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay, which may be written in any of the subjects offered. The essay permits students to deepen their programme of study, for example by selecting a topic in one of their higher level (HL) courses. Students are appropriately supervised throughout the course of writing their EE by a faculty member in the school who is able to provide academic guidance concerning the subject in which the EE is registered. In addition, the teacher-mentor provides general guidance on time management and the overall structure and presentation of the papers; and ensures that the essay is the student’s own work.

 

SUBJECTS OFFERED AT ASBGV (AVAILABLE AFTER AUTHORIZATION)

Group 1: Students in Language & Literature English, Chinese or Thai
Group 2: Language acquisition English, Chinese or Spanish
Group 3: Individuals and Society Economics or Psychology
Group 4: Sciences Chemistry or Biology
Group 5: Mathematics Mathematics: Approaches & Analysis
Group 6: The Arts Music