The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. The IB Diploma is for students between the ages of 16 and 19 and is an internationally renowned pre-university programme. Uplands, as a key international school in Penang, has one of the best IB Diploma Programmes in South East Asia.
At Pre-University (Years 12-13) level, Uplands proudly offers its students the opportunity the embark on the International Baccalaureatte Diploma Programme (IBDP). The gold standard in Pre-University education, the IB Diploma is for students that recognise that the world is changing very quickly in lots of different ways and that they want to be ready for it. The IBO motto “Education for a better world” encompasses the internationally-minded nature of the IBDP. It gives students the skills and knowledge to be future influencers.
The Diploma Programme (DP) is a curriculum that emphasizes both breadth and depth of knowledge. The DP is made up of six subject groups and a core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and a research paper of up to 4,000 words, the extended essay (EE). The IBDP involves choosing a subject from one of each of these 6 groups, three to study in detail at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). All IBDP subjects have a balance of coursework that is externally assessed by examination and internally assessed work that is externally moderated.
In essence, the IBDP is not a narrow, career focussed preparation, it is deliberately broad and focuses on using higher-order thinking skills such as evaluating, analysing and synthesising. This programme is considered the best preparation for University study by many of the best University around the world. Ultimately the programme is about so much more than just the grades received at the end of it.
“IB is well known to us for excellent preparation. Success in an IB programme correlates well with success at Harvard. We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Programme on the transcript.” Marilyn McGrath Lewis Director of Admissions at Harvard University
IB Diploma holders gain admission to universities throughout the world. Annually, our students achieve external examination results that are consistently above the global average, with all of our graduates successfully matriculating to prestigious universities worldwide.
Language A: Literature
English SL/HL
School-supported Self-taught Language SL
Language A: Language & Literature
Chinese SL/HL
English SL/HL
Language B
English HL
French SL/HL
German SL/HL
Mandarin SL/HL
Spanish SL/HL
Language ab initio
Spanish or French SL
Economics SL/HL
Geography SL/HL
History SL/HL
Psychology SL/HL
Biology SL/HL
Chemistry SL/HL
Computer Science SL/HL
Design Technology SL/HL
Physics SL/HL
Analysis and Approaches SL/HL
Application and Interpretation SL/HL
Film SL/HL
Music SL/HL
Theatre SL/HL
Visual Arts SL/HL
In addition to the six subjects taken, the student must also complete the following components:
An interdisciplinary course linking the six subject groups intended to stimulate critical and creative thinking on knowledge gained. TOK challenges students to be analytical, objective, and appreciate other cultural perspectives.
Creativity, Activity, and Service are at the heart of the IB Diploma Programme. It is the IB Learner Profile in action.
The emphasis in CAS is on learning through reflecting on experiences. CAS aims to develop the whole person. It complements academic accomplishments with practical and real-life experiences that are a medium for personal and social development.
The purpose is for students to be involved in experiences that will make a significant difference to their lives and to the lives of others, as well as challenge them to extend existing skills or learn new ones.
This course enables each student to explore a topic of special interest from any of the subject groups. The Extended Essay introduces students to the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities with the submission of a 4000-word essay. The required length enables students to deepen their studies and produce original work under close academic supervision.
While the programme is demanding, IB is not an elitist course but open to the average and aboveaverage students throughout their studies, effective learners in IB need to be motivated, knowledgeable, strategic in their learning, ethical, compassionate, reflective, and socially interactive.
The IB learner profile is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. The learner profile provides a long‐term vision of education. It is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose.
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in‐depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well‐being for themselves and others.
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
The International School of Penang (Uplands)
Jalan Sungai Satu,
11100 Batu Feringgi, Penang,
Malaysia
E: [email protected]
T: +60 4 881 9777
F: +60 4 881 9778
