Here - International School Manila

ESL Students and the IB Diploma
Students who have mainstreamed out of ESL also have the opportunity of pursuing the
challenging IB Diploma. Most ESL students will take English B as their Group 2 subject and
count this towards their ISM English graduation requirement. ISM students in this situation
have three options for their Group 1 selection: Korean A-Literature, Japanese A-Literature,
or Language A-Literature (Self Taught in their native first language).
The IB Diploma Subjects
Students who decide not to take the full IB Diploma may still take individual IB classes.
Students who take an IB class are obliged to take the final examination unless they drop
that class. Students receive an official IB Diploma Certificate for each IB subject they
successfully complete. IB Diploma Certificates, especially those at the Higher Level, may be
used to gain advanced standing or credit in many colleges and universities.
A student who wants to receive an award for more IB Diploma subjects does not have to
adhere to the subject selection criteria essential when choosing courses for the full
Diploma. There are no restrictions on the number of Higher and Standard Level subjects,
nor which groups the subjects come from.
What IB subjects does ISM offer?
We are fortunate at ISM to have the richest IB Diploma Programme in the Philippines and
one of the most comprehensive in Asia. There are few schools that can offer such a wide
range of subjects in all of the six groups at both Higher and Standard Level. Such a wealth
of choice allows students to select courses that meet their needs and interests, as well as
maintaining breadth in their study. You may use the guide below to help with course
selection for the IB Diploma Subjects.
You should refer to the subsequent course selection guidelines in order to assist in decisions
over appropriate levels (Higher or Standard) based upon your Grade 9 and 10 courses. It is
always recommended that you discuss any decisions with your teachers for guidance as
well.
For those planning to study outside the United States, successful completion of the IB
Diploma may well be a necessity. Students who complete the IB Diploma and wish to pursue
higher education in the United States may be granted advanced standing in US colleges and
universities; in a number of colleges and universities, “sophomore” standing may be
obtained. It is worth noting that nearly 75% of students worldwide who obtain an IB Diploma
study at universities in the US. However, please note that it is the college or university, not
the IB that grants advanced placement.
14