The IB Diploma
The IB Diploma programme at Marymount International School is a rigorous academic curriculum for students in Grades 11 and 12.
Designed to build upon the foundations laid by the MYP, the programme prepares young women for university and the challenges of life beyond the classroom. Marymount girls are encouraged to think critically and embrace a truly international mindset, skills that they hone on a daily basis through a variety of rigorous activities.
Diploma candidates at Marymount are fully prepared for their May exams through a combination of internal assessments, class presentations, collaborative projects and extensive independent research. They are required master a course from each of six subject groups, with three courses taken at the standard level and three at the higher level. The program also includes a 4,000-word Extended Essay, a course in the Theory of Knowledge, and a mandatory Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) programme, in which students document their volunteer activities.
The results speak for themselves – Marymount’s IB Diploma programme is highly respected by the world’s leading universities and our graduates consistently perform exceptionally well. In fact, our school’s results for 2023 were an average of 36 points; well above the international pass average of 29 points.
At Marymount, our commitment to the IB Diploma is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of education. Our students leave the programme well-prepared for the challenges of university and beyond, confident in their abilities and ready to make a positive impact on the world.
We are an IB School in London, Kingston. With the advantages of being a boarding school, we are also able to provide this Programme to both national and international students.
The Extended Essay is a capstone component of the IB Diploma program that offers Grade 12 students the chance to showcase their research and writing skills. With an allowance of 4,000 words at their disposal, students have the opportunity to deep dive into a topic of their choosing from one of their six IB subjects. They work closely with their supervisor throughout the process, honing their research skills, refining their arguments, and perfecting their writing.
At Marymount International School, we take pride in our commitment to multilingual education, in alignment with the IB’s mission. That’s why we’re unique in offering students the opportunity to write their Extended Essay in one of seven languages, including their native language. This gives our students the freedom to express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable in and to showcase their linguistic abilities.
For students, the Extended Essay represents a chance to stretch their research skills, explore a subject in-depth, and demonstrate their ability to think critically and independently. For universities and future employers, the Extended Essay is a testament to a student’s ability to conduct rigorous research, think critically, and communicate their ideas effectively.
In short, the Extended Essay is a vital component of the IB Diploma program, offering students the chance to show what they’re capable of and to demonstrate the skills that will serve them well in university and beyond.
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is a unique and intellectually stimulating experience that encourages students to explore the nature of knowledge itself. This interdisciplinary course transcends the boundaries of specific subject areas, asking students to reflect on the different types of knowledge and the various ways in which we acquire it.
At Marymount, we understand the importance of encouraging students to be aware of cultural differences and the impact of the information economy on knowledge. That’s why we’ve designed our TOK course to stimulate critical thinking and promote a deeper appreciation of the complex issues surrounding knowledge. With a diverse student population, Marymount girls benefit from the richness of active class discussions, drawing on the perspectives and experiences of their peers from around the world.
For students, the TOK course is an opportunity to broaden their horizons, reflect on their own learning experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the nature of knowledge. They engage in thought-provoking discussions and explore the complex interplay between different subjects, cultures, and perspectives. By the end of the course, students have a better understanding of the world around them, and a greater appreciation for the diversity of thought and experience that makes our world so rich and fascinating.
In short, the Theory of Knowledge course is an essential component of the IB Diploma programme, offering students the chance to explore the nature of knowledge, engage in critical thinking, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
The Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) program at Marymount School is truly transformational for our students. As they progress through Grades 11 and 12, each girl has the opportunity to develop her leadership, artistic, physical, and community skills through a series of challenging and meaningful experiences.
At its core, the CAS program is designed to enhance the personal and social development of our students, encouraging them to explore their passions, push their boundaries, and become well-rounded individuals. Through the compilation of a portfolio that demonstrates their creative thinking, physical activity, and voluntary service work, our girls are given the opportunity to reflect on their growth and see the tangible impact of their efforts.
The CAS program aligns perfectly with the RSHM Mission of educating the whole person, providing each of our students with the tools they need to become confident, empathetic, and engaged members of their communities. Whether they are participating in a leadership workshop, taking up a new sport, or volunteering in their local community, our students are given the chance to challenge themselves, to develop their skills, and to share their gifts with others.
The results of the CAS program speak for themselves. Our students leave Marymount as confident, well-rounded individuals, with a sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Whether they are pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or pursuing their passions, our graduates are prepared for success, with the leadership, artistic, physical, and community skills they need to thrive.
In short, the CAS program is an essential part of the Marymount experience, offering our students the opportunity to develop their personal and social skills, to challenge themselves, and to make a positive impact in the world.
