International Baccalaureate & IB Diploma

British International School Classic is the first International Baccalaureate World School in South Bulgaria. As an IB World School, we share a common philosophy- a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high-quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision. We aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. We are an authorised IB School since 2019 and we offer the IB Diploma Programme to our students in 11th and 12th grade. This is a huge opportunity for them to gain places in some of the most famous and prestigious universities in the world.

What is the IB Diploma?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is for students aged 16-19years(11th-12th grade).In British International School Classic School we offer a completely new and different way of studying.We offer high-quality education for a better world.The IB Diploma is valid through the best and most qualified universities in the whole world.

Why IB?

By choosing our IB Diploma Programme,you are receiving the opportunity freely to select the subjects you want to study,the intensity of the subjects and of course-the teachers that will go through your educational experience next to you. The best advantage of the IB education is that it is opening a lot of opportunities in the future for each student.For example, if you decide to study in Bulgaria or abroad, you are not going to take all the added examinations for admission.

Why British International School Classic?

British International School Classic is the first IB school in South Bulgaria. We offer high-qualified and high-experienced teachers.We are introducing the IB standards to our students from their first day at school.Our main goal is to prepare our IB students for successful university education in Bulgaria and abroad.

Parents, these 15 terms are some of the most important in the IB Diploma Programme

TOK, IA, CAS, HL, SL?
Parents, these 15 terms are some of the most important in the IB Diploma Programme

New to the IB Diploma Programme (DP)?

We know that understanding this IB programme is important for parents and guardians who want to support their child throughout their studies. These fifteen terms will help you stay ahead of the curve.These 15 terms will help you easily to understand the programme.

The full IB diploma

The IB diploma is a globally-recognized qualification awarded to students who fulfill all required components of the two-year IB Diploma Programme (DP). To receive the full IB diploma, students must :

1) take three higher level (HL) and three standard level (SL) courses and exams,

2) complete the DP core requirements,

3) be awarded a minimum total score of 24 out of 45 possible points.

The DP core

In addition to completing courses in six subject areas, full IB diploma candidates are required to complete the three core components: creativity, activity, service (CAS), the extended essay (EE), and theory of knowledge (TOK).

Creativity, activity, service (CAS)

For CAS, a student completes activities that allow their learning to extend beyond the classroom. Many students choose to fulfill CAS requirements through community service or athletics, but additional possibilities exist so long as the project includes one of the three categories: creativity, activity or service. Throughout CAS, students reflect on their experiences and explain how their activities help them achieve specific learning outcomes.

Extended essay 

The extended essay is a written research project of no more than 4000 words. Students choose their own topics and the completed essay is sent to IB moderators around the world for grading. For additional support, students typically select one of the teachers in British International School Classic to be by their side and guide them in the process of choosing a topic while researching and writing.

Theory of knowledge (TOK)

TOK is a course in which students discuss and examine the concept of knowledge– its worth, veracity, and forms. The core examines also students’ critical thinking and their real conception for the real world. TOK requires DP students to submit an essay for external assessment.

DP courses

All IB Diploma Programme (DP) students participate in DP courses. The strength of the DP is the way in which learning is interconnected across individual subjects. Combined with the core requirements, DP courses are one part the DP’s holistic approach to teaching. However, schools may allow students to selectively complete IB courses and/or sit for individual exams rather than opt to complete the full IB diploma. In any given course, students will complete a subject’s coursework regardless of their status as a course student or a full diploma candidate.

External assessment

These assessments are graded by trained IB examiners. External assessments include the written IB exams taken by the student at the end of a DP course, normally in their second year of the Diploma Programme. In some courses, including film, the external assessment is a textual analysis. In visual arts, studio work is assessed. For an inside view on IB assessments, read this article.

Higher level (HL)

HL courses are taught over two years and include a rigorous study of the course material. These courses allow students to explore areas of interest within the subject in greater depth when compared to SL.

Standard level (SL)

SL courses ensure students are exposed to a range of disciplines that they might otherwise opt out of. These courses are designed to be taught over two-years, with some exceptions. SL exams are slightly shorter compared with HL exams.

* HL and some SL exams, given to second-year students, may provide students with university credit or advanced standing with an individual grade of 6 or 7, and in some occasions with a 5 (see individual university websites to find out).

IB exam results

IB exams, regardless of whether they are HL or SL, are graded between 1-7, with 1 being the lowest and 7 being the highest level. Many schools and universities describe IB exam levels as IB exam scores, however, each of the seven grade levels offer a detailed description of student performance and understanding.

Internal assessment (IA)

An IA is an individual assessment evaluated by the subject teacher with a list of criteria and is usually focused on some subject-related work. Alongside the criteria, samples of the student’s work (oral performances, portfolios, lab reports, and essays) are also submitted to the IB.

Descriptors

These are course-specific expectations or criteria for performance evaluation used by the teacher. They exist in every subject to aid in the grading of IAs.

Moderation

This is the process of evaluation for internal assessments (IA’s) used by an appointed IB assessor. Moderation ensures that the IB’s reliable global standards are maintained at all IB World Schools.

Learner profile

The IB learner profile is a list of traits that the IB wishes to nurture in its students. These traits are centred around international-mindedness, inquiry, and reflection. For a complete list of learner profile traits click here.

Predicted grades

These are submitted scores that teachers believe each student will achieve on their DP exam in a given subject.

• IB Subjects

How do I choose my subjects?

In British International School Classic we offer six groups of subjects.You must choose one subject from each group.In addition to these six subjects you also study three core areas helping your academic growing. •Theory of Knowledge-introduction to the critical evaluation of all knowledge.The core examines your critical thinking and engages your real-world comparison. •Extended Essay- a research project that you must undertake.This is a 4000 word essay based on a personal theme,similar to university dissertation. - [x] •Creativity,Activity and Service-a programme of arts, sports and community service, building reflective and open-minded individuals.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of each student achievements is accomplished by variety of ways during the two-year Diploma Programme.Subjects are assessed by both internal and external coursework(written or practical work during the year).You also take examinations in the end of Year 2 in May or November.In British International School Classic we possess the best team of expert teachers who are always by your side for questions and further help in the education process.

IB Subjects Offered at British International School, Plovdiv

Group 1: Language A – Bulgarian literature HL, English language and literature HL
Group 2: Language B, ab initio –German SL, Spanish SL, English SL
Group 3: Individuals and Societies – History HL, Business Management HL,
Group 4: Sciences – Computer Science SL/HL
Group 5: Mathematics – Mathematical interpretations and applications SL
Group 6: Electives – Visual Arts SL/HL , Theatre

In the DP, students receive grades ranging from 7 to 1, with 7 being the highest. Students receive a grade for each DP course attempted. A student’s final Diploma result score is a combination of the scores for each subject. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance including successful completion of the three essential elements of the DP core. The theory of knowledge (TOK) and extended essay (EE) components are awarded with individual grades and, collectively, can contribute up to 3 additional points towards the overall Diploma score. Creativity, Action, Service – the remaining element in the DP core – does not contribute to the points total but authenticated participation is a requirement for the award of the diploma.

Organisation and Supervision of the Diploma Programme

Every student is supervised by the IB Coordinator, the CAS coordinator, the subject teachers and their Extended Essay supervisor. The whole IB teams guides the work of the students, aiming at:

• - supervising the progress of each student

• - reminding students of coming exams and deadlines

• - informing the IB Coordinator for breaches of IB regulations or serious problems

• - developing good relations with the students based on mutual acceptance and respect

Requirements for the IB students

At registration, the IB students accept and sign the IBO General Regulations. The successful participation in the Diploma Programme requires effective management of time and strict adherence to the internal school deadlines. It is the IB students’ duty to inform their teachers of any problems or need for additional help. The school year starts at the beginning of September with the IB retreat – a two-day meeting between IB teachers and students, where students receive a very detailed information of the different IB subjects, the internal calendar, which contains all assignments and exams and the internal deadlines.

Group 1

IB Language A1

Bulgarian literature HL and English Language and Literature HL

The courses offer a broad range of texts, and students grow to appreciate a language’s complexity, wealth and subtleties in a variety of contexts. Students take their studies in a language in which they are academically competent. Through each course, students are able to develop:

• a personal appreciation of language and literature

• critical-thinking skills in their interaction with a range of texts from different periods, styles, text-types and literacy forms

• an understanding of the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts

• strong powers of expression, both written and oral

• an appreciation of cultural differences in perspective

• an understanding of how language challenges and sustains ways of thinking.

Through studies in language and literature, the DP aims to develop a student's lifelong interest in language and literature, and a love for the richness of human expression.

Group 2 Language B

German and Spanish SL

The main emphasis of the modern language courses is on the acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes while, at the same time, promoting an understanding of another culture through the study of its language. Courses are intended for students who have had some previous experience of learning the language.

Group 3 Individuals and Society

Business management HL

Students learn to analyse, discuss and evaluate business activities at local, national and international levels. The course covers a range of organizations from all sectors, as well as the socio-cultural and economic contexts in which those organizations operate.

The course covers the key characteristics of business organization and environment and the business functions of human resource management, finance and accounts, marketing and operations management. Links between the topics are central to the course. Through the exploration of six underpinning concepts (change, culture, ethics, globalization, innovation and strategy), the course allows students to develop a holistic understanding of today’s complex and dynamic business environment. The conceptual learning is firmly anchored in business management theories, tools and techniques and placed in the context of real world examples and case studies.

The course encourages the appreciation of ethical concerns at both a local and global level. It aims to develop relevant and transferable skills, including the ability to: think critically; make ethically sound and well-informed decisions; appreciate the pace, nature and significance of change; think strategically; and undertake long term planning, analysis and evaluation. The course also develops subject-specific skills, such as financial analysis.

The aims of the business management course at HL and SL are to:

1. encourage a holistic view of the world of business

2. empower students to think critically and strategically about individual and organizational behaviour

3. promote the importance of exploring business issues from different cultural perspectives

4. enable the student to appreciate the nature and significance of change in a local, regional and global context

5. promote awareness of the importance of environmental, social and ethical factors in the actions of individuals and organizations

6. develop an understanding of the importance of innovation in a business environment.

History HL

History is an exploratory subject that fosters a sense of inquiry. It is also an interpretive discipline, allowing opportunity for engagement with multiple perspectives and opinions. Studying history develops an understanding of the past, which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and of the world today.

The Diploma Programme (DP) history course is a world history course based on a comparative, multi-perspective approach to history and focused around key historical concepts such as change, causation and significance. It involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social and cultural, encouraging students to think historically and to develop historical skills. In this way, the course involves a challenging and demanding critical exploration of the past.

The DP history course requires students to study and compare examples from different regions of the world, helping to foster international mindedness. Teachers have a great deal of freedom to choose relevant examples to explore with their students, helping to ensure that the course meets their students’ needs and interests regardless of their location or context.

Group 4 Sciences

Computer Science SL

Computer science candidates are not limited by a defined study level so can opt for this course in the same way as their other subjects. Candidates will learn programming skills as a critical element of developing higher-level skills applicable to virtually all fields of study.

Group 5 Mathematics

Mathematics- applications and interpretation SL

DP mathematics courses serve to accommodate the range of needs, interests and abilities of students, and to fulfill the requirements of various university and career aspirations.

The aims of these courses are to enable students to:

• develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles

• develop logical, critical and creative thinking

• employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization.

Students are also encouraged to appreciate the international dimensions of mathematics and the multiplicity of its cultural and historical perspectives.

TOK

It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.

CAS

The three strands of CAS, which are often interwoven with particular activities, are characterized as follows:

• Creativity – arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking.

• Activity – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the DP.

• Service – an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.

In order to demonstrate these concepts, students are required to undertake a CAS project. The project challenges students to:

• show initiative

• demonstrate perseverance

• develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving and decision making.

Extended Essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

• Learner Profile

Inquirers – They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable -They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers – They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators – They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled – They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded – They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring – They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers – They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced – They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective – They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

• Admission

By studying in the IB Diploma Programme, students develop core skills for success at university. Through our programmes, students develop: 

• an understanding of and appreciation for research

• presentation and communication skills

• critical thinking skills

• report writing skills

• a sense of international mindedness and cultural understanding

• time management skills.

If you want to join us, we will need the following information for the enrollment document:

• name

• date of birth

• email

• required level of English

After filling the blank spaces with this basic information, we will need to see your choice for subjects. Do NOT forget that you are going to study six courses at higher or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each group (1-6). In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to build the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge.(the extended essay, theory of knowledge and creative,action,service.)

Students have an opportunity to choose up to two online courses, the fees of which will be announced just before the start of the new school year.

• Enrollment