DIPLOMA YEARS PROGRAMME (DP)
DP 1-2
FROM 16 TO 18 YEARS OLD
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is a two-year course globally recognised programme, and an excellent stepping stone to university. Students develop skills in research, communication, self-management, and high order thinking.
How does the IB diploma work?
At the beginning of the two years, students will have to choose between 6 areas of studies:
- 3 at a standard Level (SL): 150 teaching hours over two years
- 3 at a Higher Level (HL): 240 teaching hours over two years
During their two-year course, each student must carry out an internally assessed research project in each of their subjects. In DP2 (the final year of the programme) the official examinations take place in May. Additionally they have to complete the 3 core elements of the IB diploma: the Extended Essay (EE), Creativity/Activity/Service (CAS), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
6 Areas of Studies
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals & Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
Students will have to choose:
- 1 subject in each area of study
- 3 subjects at a Higher Level (HL)
- 3 subjects at a Standard Level (SL)
- Arts can be replaced by a subject from another area of study
The IB's Core Elements
EE: Extended Essay
With the support of a supervisor, students take on a research project in one of their 6 areas of studies. They have to come up with a research question, follow through with in-depth academic research and write a 4000 word essay. While this is a challenging task, it is an excellent preparation for university research papers. Successful student choose a topic in which they are interested, and manage their time effectively.
CAS: Creativity, Activity and Service
The CAS programme is the perfect opportunity for students to discover or develop special interests. A CAS coordinator oversees their portfolio and reflections over an 18 months period.
TOK: Theory of knowledge
This course aims at questioning the nature of knowledge in order to develop critical thinking skills. Can we know the truth? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge? How do values affect the production of knowledge?
Areas of studies offered at EIM
Studies in Language & Literature:
- French Language & Literature HL/SL
- English Language & Literature HL/SL
- School Supported Self-Taught Language & Literature SL
Language Acquisition
Individuals & Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
- Analysis & Approaches SL/HL
Arts
- Theatre SL/HL
Students may take French and English Language & Literature courses if they are fluent in both languages. On the other hand, students who are neither fluent in English nor French may study their mother tongue as Literature Self-Taught subject. They will be followed by a coordinator at school but will need the support of an external tutor.
The IB in practice at EIM
What is the IB DP curriculum?
For more information about the IBDP curriculum framework, visit the IB Middle Years Programme in the IBO webpages
Our IB DP results
Class of 2023
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100% pass rate
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Average: 34 points
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Top score: 41 points
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43% of graduates obtained a score of 35 points or higher
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30% of students graduated with the bilingual or the advanced bilingual diploma
Class of 2022
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100% pass rate
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Average: 37 points (best average amongst the IB schools in Brussels)
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Top score: 45 points (historically achieved by less than 1% of the international IBDP graduates)
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30% of graduates obtained a score of 40 points or higher
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70% of EIM students graduated with the bilingual diploma or advanced bilingual diploma
Class of 2021
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100% pass rate
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Average: 34 points
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Top score: 41 points
Hear it from our students...
Advanced Bilingual IB Diploma
We offer the Advanced Bilingual IB Diploma, which is a differentiating criterion when applying to universities.
Our requirements for the Advanced Bilingual IB DP:
- French Language & Literature
- English Language & Literature
- History in French
Additionally, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is offered in French, and the Extended Essay (EE) can be written in French.