Diploma Program
Building a complete perspective
At VIS, students in Grades 11 and 12 follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP). This curriculum includes six subject groups and the DP core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay.
The DP is a rigorous, academically challenging, and balanced program for students aged 16 to 19, designed to prepare them for success at university and beyond. The program's goal is to encourage students to be knowledgeable, inquiring, caring, and compassionate. It also aims to develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes needed to respect and evaluate a variety of viewpoints.
Students can tailor their studies to their own personal interests, talents, and career ambitions by choosing from over 20 taught classes. The small class sizes that result from this provide teachers with the time to meet the unique needs of every student.
Additionally, students can opt to study literature in their home language. VIS has been repeatedly recognized for its school-supported self-taught literature course, where students work with tutors and specialist literacy teachers to strengthen their home language.
Just as in the MYP, teachers at VIS work hard to create authentic learning experiences to maximize student engagement.
A few samples of authentic learning experiences:
-
In the DP Global Politics class, students investigate case studies from Laos, the region, and around the world to explore concepts like rights and justice, peace and conflict, and development. HL students can also apply a case study of their choice in their assessment.
-
DP Film students complete 'The Three Things Project,' inspired by PBS's 'Brief But Spectacular.' In this project, students create character studies of community members that are 2-4 minutes long, sharing insights into the qualities that make lives meaningful, expressed in their own words.
IB DP Overview
Elizabeth England
DP Coordinator,
Vice Principal
An education at VIS is about more than just academics. We're a global community united by curiosity and compassion, where every student is seen and celebrated. Strong, positive relationships are built within our school and with our neighbors in Vientiane, creating an environment where every learner thrives.
What is the IB DP?
