IB School in Abu Dhabi | BIS Abu Dhabi

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PROGRAMME

Our IB Programme opens doors to the world’s leading universities. As the premier qualification for students aged 16-18, the Full IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offers a broad range of subjects and exceptional learning experiences, while the IB Courses Pathway provides tailored options to meet students' individual needs. The programme shapes ambitious, socially responsible young people and prepares them for future success.

OUR IBDP CURRICULUM

Our Year 12 and 13 students study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP). The programme is completely unique because it’s not based on a particular national education system. Instead, it offers a breadth and balance that gives our students unrivalled choice, delivers once-in-a-lifetime learning experiences, and enables them to follow their talents and ambitions.

The IBDP is a truly international qualification. Followed by thousands of students worldwide, it nurtures our students’ understanding of - and respect for - different cultures, ideas and beliefs.

The Senior School Programme 2025-26

the ibdp explained

Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students study six subjects: one from each of the six subject groups, or one subject from groups 1 to 5 with an additional choice from groups 1 to 4 instead of the Arts (Group 6).

The IB Subject groups are:

Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals and Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
The Arts

Students take at least three (and no more than four) subjects at Higher Level (HL), with the remaining subjects studied at Standard Level (SL), allowing them to specialise while maintaining a broad, balanced education.

In addition to their six subjects, all students complete the IBDP Core, which is central to achieving the full Diploma and supports independent thinking, research skills and personal growth. The Core consists of:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): a course that explores critical thinking, giving students an understanding of how we learn.
The Extended Essay: a 4,000-word independent research project focusing on a specific subject.
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS): a range of activities that develop our students’ creative skills and wellbeing, and support our local community.

IB Courses Programme

The IB Courses Programme, also known as IB Certificates, offers the opportunity to cater to the unique needs of our students, offering greater flexibility in the number and level of subjects compared to the full IB Diploma Programme. In the IB Courses Programme, students have the option to study more subjects at Standard Level (SL) if needed. While completing TOK, EE, or CAS is not required, participation in one or more of these components is still encouraged.

This flexible approach still provides pathways to a range of university degree programmes, including those with a foundation year. Some of our students who have pursued IB Courses have gone on to study English Language and Linguistics at the University of the West of England in Bristol, UK; Audio Engineering at SAE Institute in Dubai, UAE; and Hospitality at Les Roches in Marbella, Spain.

primary

Senior School

A TYPICAL DAY AT BIS ABU DHABI

Our IBDP students enjoy an incredible breadth of learning experiences, CAS opportunities, and academic inspiration every day.

IB School in Abu Dhabi | BIS Abu Dhabi - Visual Time Line Tabs - A typical day

Global learners

Our IBDP students begin the day with tutor time, grounding them for the challenges ahead. The IB curriculum fosters international-mindedness, and morning CAS and wellbeing activities provide a balanced, purposeful start that reflects the programme’s holistic approach.

global learners

Do your own thing

No two students’ days are the same. Why? Because our personalised approach to teaching means that every child follows their passions, forging their own path to success. For some that means building robots in our STEAM lab; for others, learning Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony in one of our music suites.

do your own thing

Planning for the future

At this vital stage, we make sure your child has the time and space to make big decisions, including which university course to study. We support every student and their parents on their journey to higher education.

planning for the future

Taking the lead

t’s time to take the lead and make a difference – either through our exclusive collaboration with UNICEF, on our Young Leaders programme, or mentoring and reading with our early years learners.

taking the lead

Creativity, Activity and Service

Extraordinary Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) opportunities are part of every IBDP student’s day. Learning the piano or guitar, playing badminton or basketball, or working towards The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, the world is your child’s oyster.

creativity, activity and service