IB Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme at HWIS provides students with a rigorous academic experience that develops subject knowledge, independent thinking, research skills, reflection, communication, and international-mindedness in preparation for university and beyond.
A broad and balanced academic experience
The Diploma Programme combines focused subject study with a core designed to encourage critical thinking, independent inquiry, and meaningful engagement beyond individual academic disciplines.
Six Subject Groups
Students build a broad academic program across languages, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
Higher and Standard Levels
Students combine subjects studied in greater depth with subjects studied at Standard Level to create an appropriately challenging program.
The DP Core
Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service connect academic learning with inquiry, reflection, and experience.
Six Subject Groups
HWIS offers a selection of IB Diploma Programme subjects across the six academic groups.
Studies in Language and Literature
- English language and literature
Language Acquisition
- Spanish ab initio
- Japanese ab initio
Individuals and Societies
- Business Management
- Economics
- Psychology
Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Design Technology
Mathematics
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
The Arts
- Visual Arts
Students work with the IB Diploma Programme team to develop an appropriate subject combination based on their academic strengths, interests, university plans, and programme requirements.
Connecting knowledge, inquiry, and experience
Alongside their six subjects, Diploma Programme students complete three core components that encourage independent thinking, reflection, research, and engagement beyond the classroom.
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge encourages students to examine how knowledge is produced, interpreted, justified, and communicated. Students consider different ways of knowing and explore questions about evidence, perspectives, certainty, and the limits of knowledge.
Extended Essay
The Extended Essay provides students with an opportunity to undertake independent research into a focused question connected to an approved area of study and communicate their findings through a structured academic paper.
Creativity, Activity, Service
CAS encourages students to participate in meaningful experiences involving creativity, physical activity, and service while reflecting on personal growth, collaboration, initiative, and responsibility.
Building an individual IB pathway
Students develop their Diploma Programme subject combination with guidance from the school, taking into account programme requirements, academic strengths, future study plans, and university aspirations.
Students study subjects across the Diploma Programme subject groups.
Selected subjects are studied in greater depth to support academic specialization.
Standard Level subjects maintain breadth within the student’s overall academic program.
Students complete Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service.
Skills for university and beyond
Through subject learning and the DP Core, students strengthen the academic and personal skills needed for increasingly independent study.
Critical Thinking
Analyze information, evaluate evidence, question assumptions, and consider different perspectives.
Research
Develop focused questions, gather evidence, manage sources, and communicate findings effectively.
Communication
Express complex ideas clearly through written, spoken, visual, and disciplinary forms of communication.
Self-Management
Balance academic responsibilities, long-term projects, deadlines, reflection, and personal goals.
Challenge yourself. Think independently. Learn with purpose.
The IB Diploma Programme encourages students to go beyond memorizing information. Students are challenged to connect ideas, investigate questions, communicate reasoned arguments, reflect on their learning, and take increasing responsibility for their education.
Preparation for university
Diploma Programme students combine their academic studies with university counseling and preparation as they explore future fields of study and university destinations.
Academic Planning
Students consider how subject choices connect with future university programs and areas of interest.
University Counseling
Students receive guidance as they research universities, requirements, applications, and possible destinations.
Independent Learning
Research, writing, reflection, organization, and time management prepare students for greater independence after high school.
Continue exploring HWIS
Explore the IB Diploma Programme at HWIS.
Contact our admissions team or visit the campus to learn more about IB subject choices, university preparation, and the Grade 11–12 experience.