Diploma Programme
SIS offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 and 12 at our Samezu Campus in Shinagawa, Tokyo, preparing students for university and life beyond school.
Empowering Students for Life Beyond School
SIS has offered the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 and 12 at our Samezu Campus since the 2024–25 academic year. Designed for students aged 16 to 19, the DP represents the culmination of IB studies, challenging students with a comprehensive curriculum that develops their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being. Through final exams, students demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary for post-secondary success. As an IB World School, SIS is dedicated to providing a high-quality, internationally focused education that prepares students to thrive in all aspects of life.
For more details about the Diploma Programme, visit the official IB website.
Preparing Students for Success in a Global Society
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) aims to develop students with a comprehensive breadth and depth of knowledge, ensuring they thrive physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. The DP core—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—broadens their educational experience and challenges them to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. These components promote critical thinking, independent research, and personal growth, preparing students for higher education and success in a global, interconnected world.
Structure in DP Curriculum
At its core, TOK, EE, and CAS connect the various subject group disciplines, all linked through the approaches to teaching and learning.
Starting in the 2026-27 school year, SIS will offer the following courses in the DP:
GROUP 01
Studies in Language and Literature
- English A: Language and Literature (HL/SL)
- Japanese A: Language and Literature (HL/SL)
GROUP 02
Language Acquisition
- Japanese B (HL/SL)
- Japanese ab initio (SL)
GROUP 03
Individuals and Societies
- Business Management (HL/SL)
- Environmental Systems and Societies (HL/SL)
GROUP 04
Sciences
- Chemistry (HL/SL)
- Biology (HL/SL)
- Physics (HL/SL)
- Computer Science (HL/SL)
- Environmental Systems
and Societies (HL/SL)
GROUP 05
Mathematics
- Applications and Interpretation (SL)
- Analysis and Approaches (HL)
Empowering Lifelong Learning
The DP courses offer students a thorough understanding of their chosen subjects, backed by the ATL skills framework, which strengthens critical thinking, social interaction, research, self-management, and communication. Additionally, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining and contextualizing what they already know.
Learning through Experience
Through the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program, students are encouraged to grow both personally and socially, developing a well-rounded character. By integrating creativity, physical activity, and community service, students cultivate a diverse set of skills and experiences, preparing them to be proactive and compassionate members of society.
Creativity
This component encourages students to explore and extend their ideas, fostering innovation and artistic expression through activities such as painting, writing, composing music, or drama. The aim is to challenge students to think creatively and enhance their skills in producing original or interpretive works.
Activity
The activity component emphasizes physical exertion to promote a healthy lifestyle and overall well-being. Students engage in activities such as sports, dance, hiking, or yoga, focusing on fitness and the benefits of regular exercise for both physical and mental health.
Services
Service focuses on collaborative, reciprocal engagement with the community to address genuine needs. Students participate in activities such as volunteering at shelters, organizing clean-ups, or supporting local schools, aiming to positively impact others. This component fosters empathy, responsibility, and a commitment to making a difference in the community.
Promoting Language Development
Diploma Programme students have the opportunity to explore language and literature through a variety of courses tailored to their interests and proficiency levels. With both in-house options and additional courses via the Pamoja online platform, we aim to help students develop their linguistic skills, deepen their cultural understanding, and foster a lifelong appreciation for language and literature.
Under Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Students can choose between English A and Japanese A. These courses delve into the intricate nuances of literary analysis, encouraging students to explore and critically examine a wide range of literary texts in their chosen language.
Under Group 2: Language Acquisition
For those interested in language acquisition, SIS offers Japanese B and Japanese ab initio. These courses are designed to develop students’ proficiency in the Japanese language, whether they are beginners or have some prior knowledge of the language.
Pamoja, an Online DP Platform
Students can access additional language and literature courses through Pamoja, broadening their options and allowing them to explore languages beyond those offered at SIS.
College Counseling Support
Our college counseling program begins as early as Grade 9, providing personalized guidance to help students explore their interests and plan for higher education. Through one-on-one sessions, university visits, career days, and college fairs, we offer comprehensive support in researching universities, building strong application profiles, and navigating the application process. With a dedicated team, we equip students with the tools and confidence they need to pursue their goals in Japan or abroad. Contact us at collegecounselor@sistokyo.jp for more information.
Culmination of Learning
The Extended Essay (EE) is an externally assessed research project where students select a topic and present it as a formal academic paper, promoting advanced research, writing, and intellectual discovery. In addition to the EE, the Internal Assessment (IA) is a key component of many IB courses, including sciences, languages, and humanities. The IA requires students to conduct experiments, investigations, or projects under teacher guidance, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. While the EE is externally assessed, the IA is evaluated by teachers and externally moderated. Together, these assessments encourage independent inquiry, critical thinking, and hands-on learning, fostering a deeper understanding and intellectual growth.
Assessments
Comprehensive Assessment in the IBDP
The IBDP assessment system evaluates a wide range of skills and knowledge through both external and internal assessments. External exams are held in May of DP-2 (12th grade) and are rigorously designed to cover the full scope of the curriculum. In addition to these exams, internal assessments are conducted by teachers within the school and are externally moderated to ensure consistency and fairness across all IB schools globally. These assessments may include oral presentations, laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and written assignments, depending on the subject.
Formative and Summative Assessments
Throughout the program, students undergo both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments are ongoing and aim to provide feedback for students to enhance their learning during the process. These include quizzes, class discussions, and draft submissions. Summative assessments occur at the end of instructional periods and include end-of-unit tests or final projects, which evaluate students’ understanding of the material covered.
Assessment of the DP Core
The DP core—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—also includes both internal and external assessments. TOK includes an internally assessed presentation and an externally assessed essay. The EE, an independent research project chosen by the student, is externally assessed. CAS focuses on students’ engagement in various activities and is internally monitored and assessed. This multifaceted assessment structure ensures continuous student growth and understanding, supporting them throughout their IBDP journey.
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