Diploma Program

The American School of Quito has offered the Diploma Program since 1990. The IB Diploma Program (DP) is an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The program has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. (www.ibo.org) . The American school of Quito teaches the IB Diploma curriculum to all students in eleventh and twelfth grade. Students have the option of taking external final examinations in order to receive an IB diploma. Students also have the option of taking external examinations in individual courses.

What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program?

The IB Diploma Program is recognized by universities around the world as an entrance qualification and prepares students well for their undergraduate studies.

The IB Diploma Program is a rigorous academic course that develops lifelong learners by putting personal development at its core. We believe this programme is the right educational journey for our students because they will:

learn to manage their own learning and develop critical thinking skills
engage with people in an increasingly globalized world
enhance their cultural awareness
gain access to the world’s top universities.

What will students learn?

One of the key features of the IB Diploma Program is its comprehensive nature, meaning that students study a range of disciplines. All students choose six courses from six subject areas.

For Full Diploma Candidates three academic courses are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). In addition, all students study the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity Activity, and Service (CAS) and produce a 4000-word Extended Essay (EE).

Academic Course Curriculum

When choosing the six IB subjects for academic study, students must select a subject from each group; two from group 1- one in English, the other in Spanish. Students may choose a second subject in Group 3 or Group 4 if they prefer not to study a subject in Group 6.

Subject Groups

The following IB courses are offered in the National Section:

The following IB courses are offered in the National Section:

Group 1

English Literature HL/SL

English Language and Literature HL/SL

Español Literatura HL/SL

Español Lengua y Literatura HL/SL

Group 3

Business Management HL/SL

Psychology HL/SL

Global Politics HL/SL

Economics HL/SL

Group 4

Environmental Systems SL

Biology HL/SL

Física SL

Chemistry SL

Group 5

Matemáticas Análisis y SL

Matemáticas Aplicaciones y In SL

Group 6

Art HL/SL

Music HL/SL

The following IB courses are offered in the International Section:

The following IB courses are offered in the International Section:

Group 1

English Literature HL/SL

English Language and Literature HL/SL

Español Literatura HL/SL

Español Lengua y Literatura HL/SL

Group 3

Business Management HL/SL

Psychology HL/SL

Global Politics HL/SL

Economics HL/SL

Group 4

Environmental Systems SL

Biology HL/SL

Physics SL/HL

Chemistry SL/HL

Group 5

Mathematics Analysis & ApproachesSL/HL

Math Studies Applications & Interpretations SL

Group 6

Art HL/SL

Music HL/SL

Creativity, Activity & Service

Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is at the heart of the Diploma Program. It is one of the three essential elements in every student’s Diploma Program core experience. In order to satisfy Ministry of Education requirements, students complete a minimum of 80 hours of group Service activities in 11th grade and then fulfill a minimum of 100 hours of individual activities for Creativity and Activity in 12th grade.

Extended Essay

All students complete the Extended Essay, the graduation project approved by the Ministry of Education. Students investigate a topic of their choice, related to an IB course subject. Students work independently with a supervisor to complete a 4,000-word piece of original research. The IB Diploma Coordinator and Secondary Librarian guide students throughout the process with a regular course in 11th grade.

TOK- Theory of Knowledge

All students participate in a two-year TOK course. At the center of this course is the student as a knower. Instead of focusing on the acquisition of new content material knowledge (like in other IB classes), TOK will provide the experience of stepping back to consider the issues around knowledge. It will attempt to explain how shared and personal knowledge contribute to and interact in the acquisition, creation, and use of knowledge. The two main components of assessment are a student exhibition and a final essay.

Our Diploma Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the IB academic courses?

Before the beginning of 11th grade, students choose their six IB academic courses from the different subject groups outlined below. All courses follow a two-year track of study. During the 11th grade year, students decide whether to take the full Diploma Program, take specific Subject Certificates or not opt for IB certificates at all. Throughout the process students will be guided by the counsel of the Diploma Academic Coordinator along with feedback from their teachers.

Why should I take the Diploma Programme or Subject Certificates?

Why would I need the IB Diploma if I plan to stay here in Ecuador?

Why would I not take the Diploma Programme?

There are several reasons why a student might not take the Diploma Program or achieve Subject Certificates. A student may discover that the Program does not provide any tangible benefits for the university admission process. In addition, students must be able to deal with the daily stress of constant academic rigors of the program. Time management skills and a sound test-taking ability are essential to student succes.

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