Message from the Coordinator

Welcome to the IB Section of Diocesan Boys’ School. We have offered the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) since 2009, providing students at DBS with an alternative pathway to university. The Diploma Programme is both challenging and rich in opportunity, underpinned by a commitment to developing students who are inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring.

 

One aspect of the Programme that appeals to me most is its focus on intercultural understanding. The IB recognises that the world is changing at an exponentially fast pace. The students we support will face challenges we have yet to conceptualise. An IB education teaches them to listen to others, to have agency, and to collaborate to find solutions. To be an IB learner is not merely to be filled with facts, as Mr Gradgrind from Dickens’ Hard Times might advocate, but to be given opportunities to become internationally minded young people who exemplify the ten attributes of the Learner Profile.

 

We recognise that the IB way of learning differs from many other education systems. To support the transition, we run the Grade 10 Bridging Programme, laying the foundations for students to thrive when they begin the Diploma in Grade 11. The focus on skills-based and conceptual learning can be a paradigm shift, but by the end of the year, our students are well-prepared for the rigours of the IBDP.

 

In Grades 11 and 12, students take six subjects—three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level—alongside the Core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). This makes for a demanding schedule, so time management, resilience, and tenacity are essential. At every step, students are supported by a team of experts: highly skilled teachers, knowledgeable counsellors, academic advisors, and dedicated support staff, all working to ensure their success. Our mission goes beyond achieving outstanding results—we are here to support and nurture our learners throughout the Programme.

 

DBS offers two exceptional pathways: the NSS and the IBDP. They differ in approach but share the same goal—opening doors to future opportunities for our students. If you are considering applying to be an IB student, it is important to research thoroughly to ensure your choice aligns with your needs, preferences, and ambitions.

 

I am honoured to be the caretaker of this successful and thriving community, and I look forward to supporting you throughout the IBDP and beyond the school gates.

 

Katherine Dutton

IB Programme Coordinator

Diocesan Boys’ School