Diploma Programme (DP)
Developing the confidence, character, and skills to lead.
The IB Diploma Programme at aLphabet is designed for ambitious, curious, and driven learners who want more than just good grades. It challenges students to think beyond textbooks, connect ideas across subjects, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
Recognized by top universities worldwide, the DP is not only a rigorous academic pathway but also a transformative experience that builds independence, resilience, and a global perspective. Students graduate not only with strong academic foundations but also with the confidence, character, and skills to lead in a rapidly changing world.
At its core, the DP empowers young people to ask bold questions, seek meaningful answers, and develop the creativity and compassion needed to make a difference.
The programme combines six subject groups with the DP Core — a unique framework that challenges students to think critically, research deeply, act responsibly, and grow as individuals. The Core is where students truly discover their voice, their values, and their capacity to shape the world.
Subject Groups & Overviews
DP students choose courses from six subject groups, ensuring both breadth and depth of knowledge. Click a group to explore disciplines, then click a subject for its full curriculum overview.
Language A
Group 1 Focus
English A: Language & Literature (SL / HL)
Analysing how language and texts shape meaning, identity, culture, and power.
Korean A: Literature (Self-Taught, SL)
Study literature at a high academic level in mother tongue.
Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL)
Each DP subject is studied at either Standard Level or Higher Level, allowing students to tailor their education to their strengths and aspirations.
SL courses provide a strong foundation in a subject and focus on key concepts, skills, and applications. They are ideal for subjects that students wish to study seriously but do not plan to pursue at university level.
HL courses involve greater depth, complexity, and academic challenge. Students explore topics more deeply, engage in higher-order thinking, and often complete additional assessments. HL subjects are typically chosen based on future university and career aspirations.
Subject Combination
For the full IB Diploma, students usually select a balanced combination:
3 Higher Level Subjects
3 Standard Level Subjects
This balance allows students to specialise while maintaining a broad and well-rounded education.
How Students Choose Their Subjects
Subject selection is a guided process to ensure students choose a pathway that is both ambitious and sustainable.
Personal Passion
Considering interests, strengths, and individual learning preferences.
Future Goals
Aligning with university entrance requirements and career aspirations.
Academic Balance
Managing workload effectively while maintaining a well-rounded profile.
Expert Guidance
Supported by subject teachers, counselors, and the IBDP coordinator.
The DP Core
The DP Core is made up of three interconnected components where students truly discover their voice, values, and capacity to shape the world.
1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Students explore one of life’s biggest questions: How do we know what we know? By reflecting on perspectives, assumptions, and ideas across disciplines, they develop critical thinking, open-mindedness, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with multiple viewpoints. TOK unifies learning and helps students become curious, reflective thinkers who can navigate a complex world.
2. The Extended Essay (EE)
A 4,000-word independent research project where students investigate a topic of personal interest. This experience builds confidence, intellectual discipline, and university-level research and writing skills. More than just an essay, it’s a chance for students to pursue their passions in depth and create meaningful, evidence-based arguments.
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3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Learning moves beyond the classroom as students engage in creative, physical, and service-oriented projects that make a real impact. Whether it’s artistic expression, athletic challenges, or social impact work/community service at local, national, or global levels, CAS nurtures resilience, leadership, empathy, and a sense of purpose. Students don’t just learn about the world — they actively contribute to it.
Together, the TOK, EE and CAS components ensure that students leave with the skills, mindset and character to succeed anywhere their future takes them.
Assessments in the DP
Consistent measurement and reinforcement of learning throughout the journey.
A Balanced Evaluation
50%
Examinations
Held at key points across the year, including midterms, semester exams, cumulative assessments, and year-end reports, with mock exams in Grade 12 to prepare IBDP students for final assessments.
50%
Continuous
Includes Mastery Checks, formative tasks, and summative assessments, ensuring that learning is consistently measured, reinforced, and applied throughout the year.
At the end of each quarter in Grade 11, every student’s progress is carefully reviewed across academics, skills, and well-being. This ensures they remain on track for success in the IB Diploma Programme. The review process includes:
This ensures students stay on track for academic success while prioritizing their social-emotional well-being.
IB Diploma Programme Pathways
Choose the pathway that aligns with your academic goals and university aspirations. Each option combines rigorous IB coursework with our MSA diploma, offering flexibility while maintaining academic excellence.
The traditional IB Diploma with balanced subject selection across all six groups. Select 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level subjects, one from each group (1-5), plus a sixth subject. Complete CAS, TOK, and Extended Essay requirements.
Designed for science-focused students pursuing STEM careers. Take Biology, Physics, and Chemistry alongside core subjects.
Prerequisites
MYP Sciences 6+ or IGCSE A (>90%), MYP Math 5+ or IGCSE B+ (>85%)
Study individual IB courses without completing the full diploma. Choose a minimum of 4 subjects at Standard or Higher Level. Ideal for students wanting IB rigor with more flexibility in their academic program.
Earn your aLphabet internationaL schooL diploma by selecting a minimum of 4 subjects from our curriculum. Final exams and grades administered by aLphabet. Perfect for students seeking an alternative to the full IB programme.
Important Prerequisites and Requirements
To qualify for the 3-science pathway, you must meet these academic standards by predicted grades in May/June 2026:
Predicted grades matter
Prerequisites must be satisfied by predicted grades for May/June 2026 course selection. Official MYP grades will determine final eligibility.
Ongoing requirements
Students must continue meeting standards throughout the programme as outlined in the IBDP Student Handbook.
MSA flexibility
The aLphabet internationaL schooL diploma component allows additional subject selection from Groups 3 or 4 instead of Group 6.
Core components
Regular and Non-Regular IBDP students must complete CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), Theory of Knowledge, and Extended Essay.
Note: If prerequisites aren't met after official grades are released, subject changes will be required. Review the IBDP Student Handbook for complete examination and continuation requirements.
DP in Action
Ready to Step into Your Future?
The DP unifies learning and helps students become reflective thinkers who can navigate a complex world. Discover where our graduates go.