IB PROGRAMME
Since 2020, Saint-Charles International School has proudly offered the globally recognised International Baccalaureate curriculum, giving students the opportunity to follow the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Our IB programmes are taught in English, enabling students to develop a confident and sophisticated command of the language, while the academic rigour of the curriculum prepares them for success at top universities around the world.
As an IB World School, we are committed to providing a high-quality, challenging international education that both enriches our students and adds lasting value to their learning journey.
The IB programme is founded on a set of values that closely align with those of Saint-Charles: empathy, curiosity, openness to the world, research, and communication. These values are embraced by our teaching teams and instilled in our students.
Learn more about the International Baccalaureate
Middle Years programme
The MYP provides the ideal preparation for the IB Diploma. Beginning in Grade 8 and taught entirely in English from Grade 9, it encourages students to apply their academic learning to real-world contexts while developing a broad set of disciplinary skills. In this way, they learn not only to understand theoretical knowledge but also put it into practice.
Throughout their educational journey, students develop the skills they need to continue their studies and to become successful lifelong learners.
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"OUR STUDENTS STUDY SUBJECTS ACROSS ALL AREAS OF LEARNING, GIVING THEM A SOLID FOUNDATION AND CONFIDENCE TO MAKE INFORMED CHOICES WHEN THEY REACH THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME."
THE MYP CURRICULUM
Students learn to make connections between different subjects, with units designed to foster Interdisciplinary learning. Teachers meet regularly to plan their courses collaboratively, ensuring a dynamic approach across all subjects and contexts.
| MYP SUBJECT GROUPS |
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Alongside their academic studies, our students take part in Service as Action, giving back to the community and developing a deeper sense of responsibility beyond the classroom.
- Ages: 14-16 years old
- Classes per week: 32 hours
- Support is available for students who require English as a Second Language (ESL) assistance.
IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
Studied over the two years prior to university, the IB Diploma programme draws on more than 50 years of educational expertise, giving students a rich and internationally recognised foundation for their future.
At the heart of the IB Diploma Programme is the CORE, the element that sets it apart from many national curricula. Students go beyond subject knowledge to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of humanity, society, language, and the scientific forces shaping our world. The CORE has three components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity–Activity–Service (CAS).
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ELEMENTS OF THE IB CORE
| Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) |
| Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) invites students to take part in purposeful and personally challenging activities across these three areas. Taking place outside the classroom, CAS encourages students to grow as individuals while reinforcing that education at Saint-Charles is about more than exam results. |
| Extended Essay |
| Extended Essay requires students to undertake independent research under the guidance of a supervisor. Students produce a 4000 word self-directed paper on a topic of their choice, developing valuable research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing. |
| Theory of Knowledge |
| Theory of Knowledge explores the relationship between disciplines and encourages students to reflect critically on knowledge and experience, both within and beyond the classroom. It challenges them to question what we claim to ‘know’ and to develop a deeper understanding of how knowledge is acquired. |
Alongside the CORE, the IBDP curriculum consists of six subject groups. Students select one subject from each group and study three at higher level and three at standard level over a two-year period.
"THE SKILLS DEVELOPED THROUGH THE CORE EQUIP OUR STUDENTS WITH THE INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND RESILIENCE THAT SET THEM APART – PREPARING THEM FOR SUCCESS AT UNIVERSITY AND IN LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM."
IBDP SUBJECT GROUPS
| Group 1 | Studies in Language and Literature – Usually taken in the student’s mother tongue. Strong language skills are required and additional support is available for students who need it. |
| Group 2 | Language Acquisition – typically a foreign language offered from beginner through to advanced. Additional support lessons available where needed. |
| Group 3 | Individuals and Societies (humanities and social sciences) |
| Group 4 | Sciences |
| Group 5 | Mathematics (two maths courses to choose from) |
| Group 6 | The Arts, or an additional subject from groups 2 – 4. This option allows students to tailor their studies to suit their interests and future career goals. |
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND IB READINESS
To succeed in the IB Diploma Programme, students need strong English skills. English is the language of instruction for all subjects, with the exception of Language Acquisition.
Students work with the Diploma Programme Coordinator and Saint-Charles’ university guidance counsellor to carefully select their subjects, aligning them with future study and career aspirations.
- Grades: 11 and 12
- Ages: 16-18 years old
- Classes per week: 32-34 hours
