Diploma Programme (DP)

The IB Diploma Programme (DP): Pathways to the World's Leading Universities

The final two years of secondary education, Years 12 and 13, represent the pinnacle of a student’s journey at NIST International School. As one of the best international schools in Bangkok, located in the heart of Sukhumvit, we provide a transformative educational experience that bridges the gap between school and university.

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is recognised globally for its academic rigour and holistic approach. However, at NIST, we go even further. We understand that every student has unique aspirations. Therefore, we offer a flexible IB curriculum framework designed to maximise individual potential, ensuring every graduate is prepared not only for higher education, but also for a purposeful life as a global citizen.

Years 12 & 13 Programme Guide

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The Core: The Heart of the Diploma

For students pursuing the full International Baccalaureate Diploma, "The Core" is mandatory. This includes three distinct components that broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills.

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK)

TOK is a course about critical thinking and inquiry into the process of knowing. It encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, how we know what we claim to know, and how different perspectives shape understanding of the world.

THE EXTENDED ESSAY (EE)

This independent, self-directed piece of research culminates in a 4,000-word essay. It provides practical preparation for undergraduate research while developing the analytical, research, and academic writing skills valued by leading universities worldwide.

CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE (CAS)

The CAS requirement allows students to engage in the arts, physical exertion, and voluntary service as important elements of their educational journey. This aligns with NIST’s belief in the value of extracurricular activities to foster balance and personal growth.

Academic Rigour: The 6 Subject Groups

The DP Programme curriculum is organised into six subject groups. Full Diploma students must select one subject from each group (with some flexibility in Group 6), taking three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

Focusing on literary analysis and developing high-level communication skills in a student’s "best language". We offer a wide range of Literature and Language & Literature courses, including English, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, as well as School-Supported Self-Taught (SSST) options for other mother tongues.

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Promoting multilingualism and intercultural understanding. Students can learn a new language or continue studying a foreign language. Options include English B, Mandarin B, Spanish B, and French B, catering to various proficiency levels from Ab Initio (beginners) to Higher Level. Language learning also supports global citizenship and intercultural communication skills.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

These humanities subjects encourage critical analysis of human experiences and behaviours. Our robust offerings include Business Management, Economics, Geography, Global Politics, History, Psychology, and Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS).

Group 4: Sciences

Students develop scientific knowledge and the ability to analyse complex global issues. Subjects offered include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sports, Exercise & Health Science (SEHS), Design Technology, Computer Science, and Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS).

Group 5: Mathematics

We cater to different mathematical strengths and career aspirations with two distinct tracks:

Analysis and Approaches (AA): Focuses on abstract mathematical thinking, ideal for engineering or pure math majors.
Applications and Interpretation (AI): Focuses on statistics, modelling, and practical application, suitable for social sciences and business.

Group 6: The Arts (or Elective)

Fostering creativity and artistic expression. Students can choose Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, or Film. Alternatively, students may opt to take an additional subject from Groups 1–4 (e.g., a second Science or Humanities subject) in place of an Arts course to suit their university requirements.

The NIST DP Programme: Personalised Pathways for Global Success

World-Class University Counselling

Navigating the landscape of higher education requires expert guidance. As a leading Bangkok International School, our University Counselling team provides personalised support to ensure students find the "best fit" for their future.

Expert Guidance

From Year 11 onwards, our University Preparation Programme engages students in a structured process. Counsellors work intimately with families to select the right pathway and subjects. This strategic planning is crucial for admissions to competitive universities in the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Diverse and dynamic Career Days and University Fairs, organised at NIST, complement the information and advice being offered to students.

Global Recognition

The NIST Diploma and IB results are universally respected. Our graduates regularly secure placements at Russell Group universities, Ivy League institutions, and leading universities across Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Holistic Support & Student Wellbeing

The academic demands of Years 12 and 13 are significant. Therefore, we prioritise a supportive environment where wellbeing is paramount.

Advisory & Mentorship

We shift the dynamic to an adult-to-adult relationship. Our Advisory programme and collaborative approach ensure that students have a dedicated mentor to guide them through academic pressures and personal development.

Wellbeing Support

Our Student Support Services provide a safety net for social-emotional health. We believe that a balanced student is a successful student, and we actively teach strategies for stress management and resilience.

Assessment for Global Readiness

Assessment in the DP is rigorous and criterion-related, designed to measure student understanding against international standards rather than against one another.

The 45-Point Scale

In the Full IB Diploma, each of the six subjects is graded on a scale of 1–7. The Core contributes up to 3 additional points, for a maximum total of 45 points. This score is like a global currency, understood and valued by admissions officers worldwide.

Internal & External Assessment

Student performance is measured through a balance of:

External Assessments: Written examinations taken at the end of Year 13 (May session).
Internal Assessments (IA): Research projects, oral commentaries, and portfolios completed over the two years and graded by NIST teachers (moderated by the IB).