GEMS IB Curriculum

Lifelong learning and personal growth

Our IB schools encourage children to become students for life as well as responsible, open-minded citizens of the world. The grand aim of the IB is to nurture a lifelong love of learning in students, alongside an appreciation of diverse cultures and global points of view.

The IB’s four programmes – Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-12, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16, Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19, and Career-related Programme (CP) for ages 16-19 – are modelled on elements of educational systems from around the world. The end result is a unique and inspiring curriculum.

Key features 

• Established since 1969
• Emphasises an international outlook
• Recognised by universities worldwide
• Considered the broadest international curriculum with an excellent balance of subjects
• Introduces an independent research model of learning at Diploma level
• School-driven formative assessment

Why is it so popular?

The IB is considered by some to be more rigorous, with greater grading consistency. Students are encouraged to think critically and to challenge what they’re told. Because it’s independent of governments and national systems, the IB is able to draw from the best international frameworks and curricula.

Students are encouraged to think beyond local boundaries and consider international factors – something that’s increasingly valued in today’s globalised world. Learning outside the traditional classroom environment is also encouraged, and the programme promotes intercultural understanding and respect, developing active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

The post-16 IB Diploma Programme is considered by many to be a passport to the finest universities in the world. It is a qualification that challenges and inspires students to become caring, meticulous and highly organised thinkers.

One of the most attractive reasons students opt for the DP is the breadth of study the qualification offers. Like A-levels, the DP takes two years to complete. Yet, while A-level students typically choose three or four subjects, the DP students are required to take six, with core components across all disciplines. Students take their strongest three subjects on to higher level and study the remaining three at standard level.

In addition to studying their six subjects, students complete an independently-researched extended essay – a ‘theory of knowledge’ project grounded in philosophy and 150 hours of CAS (creativity, action, service) in arts, sports and voluntary work.

IB students also benefit from greater flexibility. The range of subjects taken by IB students includes English, mathematics, a science, a language and a humanities subject. In this way, the DP provides students with the choice and flexibility to accommodate varying interests, needs and abilities, making it easier to change direction later, if required.