IB® Diploma Programme
We are proud to announce that The British School of Brasilia (BSB) is an IB® World School, offering the globally renowned International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP) to students in their final two years of Secondary education. As a British international school with students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, our programme may be said to provide a challenging and well-rounded experience. The IBDP at BSB not only prepares students for academic success at university but also develops the skills and personal
qualities necessary to thrive in our modern world.
The IBDP is a highly respected qualification, recognised by universities worldwide, that develops critical thinking, independent research, and personal development. At BSB, we recognise the unique context of our school, wherein students come from different educational systems and cultural experiences. We ensure that our delivery of the IBDP reflects this diversity, offering support and flexibility to students as they adapt to its academic rigour and holistic approach.
The Structure of the IB Diploma Programme at BSB
The IBDP is a comprehensive programme that ensures students receive a balanced education by selecting six subjects from a range of disciplines, ensuring exposure to multiple areas of knowledge. Students select one subject from each of the following six groups:
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
In this group, students at BSB typically study English as their primary language, however local Brazilian students at BSB have the option of studying this course in Portuguese. They develop critical reading and analytical skills by engaging with a wide range of literary and non-literary texts. Our approach helps students appreciate the power of language and its role in shaping culture, identity, and communication. Assessment in Group 1 includes both external exams and Internal Assessments (IAs), which often involve detailed textual analysis and essays.
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Students choose to study a second language. For expatriate students, this is usually Portuguese. For local students, they can study English. Through this course, students develop essential communication skills and cultural awareness. Language proficiency is assessed through oral exams, written tasks, and IAs that evaluate both comprehension and expression.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
This group covers subjects such as History, Geography, and Business Studies. At BSB, we encourage students to explore global issues through a critical lens, making connections between their studies and the multicultural environment in which they learn. Students engage with key concepts that help them better understand societal development, human behaviour, and historical change. Assessment includes written exams and IAs, which might involve research projects, case studies, or data analysis, depending on the subject.
Group 4: Sciences
Science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics offer students the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of scientific concepts and methods. At BSB, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and conduct practical investigations that reflect the international context of our school. IAs in the sciences typically involve designing and conducting experiments, then presenting and analysing the results in a detailed lab report. External exams test students' theoretical understanding, while the IA assesses their practical and investigative skills.
Group 5: Mathematics
Mathematics at BSB is offered in several levels, catering to students with different strengths and interests in the subject. Whether students choose 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation', they develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are essential for a wide range of careers. Assessment involves external written exams as well as an IA, which requires students to conduct an independent investigation into a mathematical topic of interest.
Group 6: The Arts
Students who choose Group 6 can engage in creative subjects such as Visual Arts or Music, or they may opt for an additional subject from another group. At BSB, we recognise the value of creativity and self-expression, and our students have access to a wide range of resources to help them explore and develop their artistic talents. Assessment in the arts includes practical work, written reflection, and an IA that allows students to demonstrate both their creative process and their understanding of artistic theory.
In addition to these six subject groups, the IBDP at BSB includes three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These elements provide a holistic approach to learning, focusing not only on academic achievement but also on personal growth and global understanding.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is at the heart of the IB® Diploma Programme and encourages students to explore how we know what we claim to know. TOK challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, examining different ways of knowing—such as reason, emotion, perception, and language—and how they apply to various disciplines.
At BSB, we emphasise the multicultural and interdisciplinary aspects of TOK, encouraging our students to draw on their diverse experiences and backgrounds. The course invites students to question assumptions, challenge established knowledge frameworks, and reflect on how knowledge is constructed and communicated in different cultural contexts.
Assessment in TOK includes both an oral presentation, where students analyse a real-world issue through a TOK lens, and a written essay, which explores a prescribed topic in greater depth. Both assessments encourage critical thinking and allow students to demonstrate their ability to analyse and evaluate complex ideas.
Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent research project that allows students to investigate a topic of their choice within one of their IB® subjects. This 4,000-word essay is an opportunity for students to develop research, writing, and critical thinking skills, while exploring a subject area in greater depth.
At BSB, we provide extensive support to help students choose a topic that reflects their interests and aspirations, while also aligning with the international context of our school. Students work with a supervisor who guides them through the research process, helping them to develop a research question, locate and evaluate sources, and structure their argument.
The EE is assessed on students' ability to conduct independent research, their engagement with the chosen topic, and the quality of their writing and argumentation. This experience not only prepares students for university-level research but also fosters time management and
self-discipline.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a core component of the IBDP that encourages students to engage in experiences beyond the classroom. At BSB, we believe in the importance of developing well-rounded individuals, and the CAS programme helps students to explore their interests, contribute to their community, and maintain a healthy balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
Creativity: Students at BSB engage in activities that foster creative thinking and expression, whether through the arts, design, or innovative projects.
Activity: BSB encourages students to participate in sports and outdoor activities, promoting physical wellbeing and resilience.
Service: Students contribute to the local and global community through service projects that develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility.
CAS is not formally assessed, but students must document their experiences and reflect on how they have met specific learning outcomes. The aim is to encourage personal growth, leadership, and collaboration, ensuring that students leave BSB as confident, balanced individuals.
Internal Assessments (IAs)
Internal Assessments (IAs) are an integral part of the IB DP, providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in practical or real-world contexts. IAs are completed during the course and account for a significant portion of students' final grades. They are designed to allow students to explore their interests within each subject, whether through research projects, scientific experiments, or creative portfolios.
Each IA is marked by teachers at BSB and externally moderated by the IB to ensure fairness and consistency. This approach allows students to demonstrate a broader range of skills beyond what is measured in final exams.
The IB Learner Profile and the Type of Individual We Aim to Develop
At the British School of Brasilia (BSB), the IB® Diploma Programme is designed to shape students into well-rounded global citizens, ready to thrive in the continuously changing modern world. Through the IB® Learner Profile, we aim to cultivate young people who are not only academically accomplished but also principled, open-minded, and reflective individuals. Our students are encouraged to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and compassionate leaders, capable of navigating diverse cultural contexts with confidence and empathy. By combining the rigour of the IBDP with BSB's unique international and British educational ethos, we prepare your son or daughter to face the challenges of the future, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
At the British School of Brasilia, the IB Diploma Programme is perhaps more than a certificate; it could be described as a journey through which students become individuals who may be equipped to respond to the inevitable challenges they encounter in their lifetime. In a world that is constantly evolving, students are likely to face complex global issues. Through rigorous academic study, independent research, and meaningful extracurricular involvement, the IBDP at BSB offers students the intellectual and personal tools that may enable them to navigate these challenges with confidence. Our approach prioritises the development of critical thinking, adaptability, and a genuine understanding of global perspectives—skills arguably necessary in a rapidly changing world. By nurturing a spirit of inquiry and resilience, we prepare our students not only for success in higher education but also for the demands of a global professional landscape. At BSB, we take pride in guiding students towards becoming thoughtful, informed, and principled individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society, no matter what the future may hold.