International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a international high school diploma that prepares students for English speaking colleges and universities. The IB programme fosters the overarching skills of independent learning and critical thinking, which are both essential to a person’s growth into a mature and intellectually well-rounded person.
About 130,000 students from schools around the world graduate with an IBDP degree every year. Participants usually start in 11th grade and complete the programme with the IB final examinations in 12th grade in May (see Swiss Matura).
In preparation for the diploma, Lyceum Alpinum offers the Pre-IGCSE and IGCSE Programme from 7th to 10th grade.
A visionary concept
The International Baccalaureate Programme aims to cultivate critically-minded, curious, eager-to-learn and socially-conscious people. Developing students’ intercultural skills and mutual respect, ensures they have the key ingredients needed to engage in a world striving for more peaceful coexistence. To this end, the IB network works closely with schools, governments and international institutions to develop challenging programmes for international character development.
Pre-IGCSE Programme
Grades 7 and 8 lay a solid foundation for the core subjects: Mathematics, English, German, Natural Sciences and Humanities, as well as Design Technology, Art, Music, PSHE, and Pysical Education. Students also extend these foundations with electives, such as French, Spanish or Chinese.
Thanks to our small classes we are able to ensure that each pupil is able to blossom to their full academic potential and is individually challenged.
Testimonial from first-hand experience
This is what our student Lukas says about the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz.
IGCSE Programme
The 9th and 10th grade curriculum is based on the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a two-year programme developed by Cambridge University and recognized worldwide as one of the most respected qualifications in this age group. The students put together their individual programme from a variety of subjects and, at the end of the 10th grade, take an external IGCSE exam in their respective subjects.
The programme is the ideal preparation for entry into one of the two IB programmes. In addition to a wide range of subjects, analytical and creative thinking are encouraged and conceptual understanding is further deepened. The average size of the class is 15 – 18 students.
Testimonial from first-hand experience
This is what our student Sasha says about the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz.
IB Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised diploma developed in Switzerland in 1968. 4,100 schools around the world offer this programme. On passing the exams, graduates can look forward to a first-class academic future, since the diploma is highly regarded by many universities, business schools and technical colleges. Whether or not the student has completed the Pre-IB Diploma, the two-year programme is open to anyone who meets the Lyceum Alpinum admission requirements. Since the programme is taught in English, participants are required to have proficiency in the language. Students go through an application procedure for the programme, including an admissions test and personal interview. Their grades and achievements at their previous school are included in the evaluation. The programme consists of six subjects and other core elements:
- Theory of Knowledge
- Extended Essay
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Main Features of the International Baccalaureate
- Internationality
- Large Selection of Subjects
- Many Combination Possibilities
- Individual Support
- Ethical and Business Orientation
- Prestigious Degree
- Holistic and Visionary Programme
Choice of subjects
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme consists of 6 subject groups. Students can freely choose from subjects from Groups 1 – 5 but must select at least one of the following from each respective group: one language from Group 1; a second language from Group 2; and one subject each from Groups 3 – 5. For Group 6, Visual Arts, Theatre or another subject from Groups 1 – 4 must be chosen. Three of these selected subjects must be “Higher Level” courses, while the rest are “Standard Level.”
A maximum of seven points can be achieved per subject, i.e. a total of 42 points. An additional three points are awarded for meeting the requirements of the three mandatory components Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS.
Thus, the maximum number of points for the IB Diploma is 45 points; the minimum is 24.
Subject choices:
- Group 1/Studies in Language and Literature: English A Literature; English A Language and Literature; German A Literature; Russian A Literature; or Literature as “School-Supported Self-Taught course” in other languages at Standard Level.
- Group 2/Language Acquisition: English B, French B, German B, Spanish B; French, German, Spanish ab initio (Standard Level only)
- Group 3/Individuals and Societies: Business Management, Economics, Environmental Systems & Societies, History
- Group 4/Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Environmental Systems & Societies, Physics
- Group 5/Mathematics: Mathematics Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics Applications and Interpretations
- Group 6/The Arts: Film, Music, Visual Arts
Internationally recognised diploma
The best universities in the world welcome IB graduates because they have proficiency in independent and critical thinking. Students who receive this diploma can apply knowledge, examine and approach global issues from an international perspective, and fully carry out in-depth research.
Swiss universities require that the diploma is passed with at least 32 points, as well as a (Higher Level) major in Sciences or Mathematics. For German universities, graduates must have completed a Science major and show adequate foreign languages credits on their transcripts (e.g. four years of French or Latin).
Theory of Knowledge
In Theory of Knowledge (TOK), students practise critical thinking and learn to question accepted behaviours and knowledge. In purposeful investigations from different modes of knowing and different types of knowledge, TOK is composed almost exclusively of questions. The most important of these is “How do we know that?” For the final exam, students must write an essay about a predetermined question and clarify their perspective.
Extended essay
The Extended Essay is a paper written by students on a topic of their choice. The essay consists of 4000 words and must meet all technical and content requirements that a diploma thesis demands.
The aim is to learn what an academic paper is and how to write one. This includes developing the topic, composing a bibliography, planning the process as well as outlining and writing the text. Furthermore, there is a final oral evaluation with the supervising teacher.
CAS programme
The CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme is a central part of the IBDP. The aim is to involve students in meaningful activities outside school that challenge them on a personal level.
Creativity:
This includes activities such as writing poetry, creating a themed photo series or taking on a role in a play. These and other creative projects train valuable skills and help students discover new and unknown possibilities.
Activity:
This includes physical activities, such as building muscle with strength training or training for the 100-meter sprint to hit a predetermined best time. Learning a new sport or planning healthy weight loss can also be potential activities.
Service:
This includes community service and raising personal awareness toward the environment. Read to the elderly in a retirement home or go shopping for young mothers – whatever social concerns that interest or resonate with you.
Aim of CAS
The purpose of the CAS programme is to encourage reflective thinking and to broaden students’ awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. In the context of taking on challenging responsibilities, students are trained to plan and implement activities in different communities. Of utmost importance is teamwork with others to solve real problems. Perseverance and commitment are part and parcel of the CAS programme. Students learn to deal with globally relevant problems and develop new skills to meet them head-on.
Throughout the two active years in the CAS programme, students must complete several of these activities at four or ten-week intervals (special projects). This includes documenting their progress weekly in a journal. Project management, philanthropy and fundraising are central topics in this programme. During the introduction to CAS, students are supported by our partner, LGT Bank. More information about the requirements can be found under Downloads.
Personal and professional skills
In this subject, students focus on personal development and social skills. The five topics “Personal Development”, “Intercultural Understanding”, “Effective Communication” and “Learning Processes” foster social competence and prepare students to think and communicate in global contexts.
Service learning
In “Service Learning”, students choose a project that meets a need in the local area. This project is defined, prepared and implemented with the support of a teacher and, ultimately, reflected upon. Through their service, the students learn to become involved in the community and to play their part in society.
Language development
Language Development involves learning a new language and culture but does not replace the language chosen for the IB Diploma. The primary goal is not fluency, but to engage with a new culture, for example, by mastering some basic signs of the Chinese language and exploring Chinese culture.
Reflective project
For the “Reflective Project”, the students deal in-depth with an “ethical dilemma” of their choice, which is related to their main subject, i.e. business. They analyse this dilemma either in a 3000-word essay or by combining a shorter essay (1500−2000 words) with another format such as an interview, film or oral presentation.
Additional Offers
Academic tutorial programme
Every IB student in the Diploma Programme is assigned a personal academic tutor from the outset. This tutor will oversee their performance during the last two years and provide individual support. High academic achievement and continuous learning progress are common goals, which can be achieved through regular monitoring and the proper curriculum.
Tutor and student meet every two weeks to plan the next weeks together and reflect on the previous weeks. Through discussions and tutor guidance, each individual receives the personal support needed to define and achieve their own academic goals. Furthermore, our tutors know exactly what is expected in each subject and can practically guide them to meet these expectations. For new students, in particular, this is excellent orientation and support during the introduction phase.
Contact with parents
The tutor is a vital link in the communication among parents, teachers, students and the school administration. Therefore, if there are any issues or concerns regarding the student’s academic performance, the tutor is always available by e-mail. Each tutor has full access to all relevant information and the grades of his or her students. This includes deadlines and other relevant matters. On request, subject-specific teachers or boarding school office staff can also provide specific information on individual students.