Diploma Programme
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2024
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme is an estimated program for students in grades 11-12. The Diploma Programme has been designed to develop the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being of students. Students can make connections across traditional academic disciplines and explore the nature of knowledge through the program’s unique Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, make connections across traditional academic disciplines and the universe. Moreover, DP graduates grow into open-minded and tolerant individuals, who appreciate cultural diversity and respect different opinions.
All IB programs aim to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help create a better and more peaceful world.
IB graduates are distinguished by practice-oriented attributes known as the IB Learner Profile. Each of the IB programs is committed to the development of students according to the IB learner profile. The IB learner profile places the student at the centre of an IB education.
IB learners strive to be: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, and Reflective.
To learn more about the IB Learner Profile, please visit the following link
10 Reasons
Why the IB Diploma Programme (DP) is ideal preparation for university:
1. It increases academic opportunity: Research shows that DP graduates are much more likely to be enrolled at top higher education institutions than entrants holding other qualifications.
2. IB students care about more than just results: Through Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) you learn outside the classroom and develop emotionally and ethically as well as intellectually.
3. It encourages you to become a confident and independent learner: For example, the extended essay requires independent research through an in-depth study.
4. It’s an international qualification: The DP is recognized globally by universities and employers.
5. Graduates are globally minded: Language classes encourage an international mindset, key for increasingly globalized societies.
6. The IB encourages critical thinking: Learn how to analyse and evaluate issues, generate ideas and consider new perspectives.
7. DP students have proven time management skills: Take good study habits and strong time management to further education and the working world.
8. It assesses more than examination techniques: Learn to understand, not just memorize facts or topics and prepare for exams.
9. Subjects are not taught in isolation: Theory of knowledge (TOK) classes encourage you to make connections between subjects.
10. It encourages breadth and depth of learning: You can choose courses from six subject groups and study subjects at different levels.
The Diploma Programme curriculum comprises the three elements of the DP core and six subject groups. The DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills. The flexibility of the DP enables students to pursue subjects of strength, while not dropping those they enjoy. The program leaves students in a strong position to enter university or a career of choice – and achieve more when they get there.
DP Core Subjects
The three elements of the DP core, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) are part of the International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme core, and mandatory for all students.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know. TOK encourages critical thinking about knowledge and aims to help students make sense of their experiences. The course encourages students to share ideas with others and to listen and learn from what others think.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development by learning through experience. It provides opportunities for self-determination and collaboration with others, fostering a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from their work. CAS projects challenge students to show initiative, demonstrate perseverance, and develop skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Extended Essay (EE) is an independent piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper. EE offers an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the six DP subjects. Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in formulating an appropriate research question, engaging in a personal exploration of the topic, communicating ideas, and developing an argument.
Subject Groups
DP curriculum consists of 6 subject groups, each containing different courses, including: Studies in language and literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts.
5 Subject Groups
At Newton Free School DP curriculum consists of 5 subject groups.
Studies in language and literature
- Language A: Literature (Georgian)
- Language A: Literature (English)
Language acquisition
- Language B: English
- German ab initio
Mathematics
- Applications and Interpretations
- Analysis and Approaches
Individuals and societies
- History
- Business Management
- Global Politics
Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
The Diploma Programme has a special status at 1931 universities worldwide. DP students apply to more than 3,300 higher education institutions each year, in close to 90 countries. In 2024, 24 “Newton Free School” graduates received a total of 3,000,000 USD in funding and 82 acceptance letters from leading universities in the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and China.
DP Benefits
IB is recognized in (almost) every country in the world as an excellent preparation for university entry.
According to the study on postsecondary outcomes of DP graduates in the United States, DP students enrol, persist, and graduate at higher rates than the national average.
According to the study comparing student performance in the United Kingdom, IB students studying at higher education institutions have greater odds of achieving positive higher education outcomes than their A-level peers.
According to the study conducted in Asia-Pacific, on average, DP alumni reported higher capacities for a variety of 21st-century skills compared to their non-DP counterparts.
Reveal that:
Creativity, Activity, Service
CAS enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development by learning through experience.
The TOK exhibition
TOK asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.
Extended Essay
EE is an independent piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper. EE offers an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the six DP subjects.
The IB Diploma Programme offers a rigorous and balanced educational curriculum spanning two years, presented in English at Newton Free School. It culminates in final examinations and a qualification highly esteemed by top universities worldwide.
In addition to mastering six subject areas through courses and exams, IB Diploma Programme students engage in Creativity, Action, Service (CAS), conduct individual research through the Extended Essay (EE), and explore the Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
This comprehensive approach not only prepares students for university success but also equips them for a fulfilling life beyond academia.
Students enrolled in the Diploma Programme study six subjects, with three at a High Level and three at a Standard Level. To ensure a comprehensive experience across various disciplines, including languages, social studies, experimental sciences, and mathematics, students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, as outlined in the curriculum model. The sixth subject allows flexibility, permitting a choice from other science disciplines or individuals and societies.
High Level (HL) subjects, which encompass approximately 240 teaching hours, offer an in-depth exploration of these subjects, while Standard Level (SL) subjects involve around 150 teaching hours.
The International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme core consists of three essential elements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), all of which are mandatory for all students at Newton Free School.
The DP curriculum at Newton Free School comprises five subject groups, each including various subjects.
Studies in language and literature
- Language A: Literature (Georgian)
- Language A: Literature (English)
Language acquisition
- Language B: English
- German ab initio
Mathematics
- Applications and Interpretations
- Analysis and Approaches
Individuals and societies
- History
- Business Management
- Global Politics
Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
A fundamental principle guiding IB assessment is the uniformity of standards globally. Throughout the two-year instructional period, a diverse range of assessment methods is employed to recognize both academic content and the approach to achievement, accommodating various learning styles.
Final examinations in each subject take place in May and are assessed by international examiner teams trained and overseen by the IBO. Marks allotted for each subject range from 1 (the lowest) to 7 (the highest). Students can earn up to three extra points based on their combined outcomes in the Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay.
The IB diploma is granted to students who attain a minimum of 24 points (with a minimum of 12 points in HL subjects and 9 points in SL subjects) and demonstrate satisfactory involvement in Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).
The highest possible total for a Diploma Programme student is 45 points. Assessment involves a combination of internal and external evaluations, with the ratio varying across different subjects.
The Diploma Program (DP) is available for 11th-grade students, with exceptions for 12th-grade students who have completed the first year of the DP program.
Students or parents/legal guardians interested in the Diploma Program should contact us by emailing info@newton.edu.ge with the subject line: Diploma Program Waiting List Signup. Please include the following details in the email:
Student’s Information:
1. Name and Last Name
2. Current grade
3. Current School
4. Contact Number
5. Email Address
Parent/Legal Guardian Information:
1. Name and Last Name
2. Contact Number
3. Email Address
Once the admission process begins, interested candidates and families will be informed by email.
The admissions process will include:
1. Filling an Online Application Form
2. Tests in Mathematics and English
3. Academic transcripts of grades 9-10
4. A personal interview