At International School Altdorf, students from ages 16 to 19 follow the internationally recognized standards and practices governed by the International Baccalaureate Organization® (IBO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1966, the International Baccalaureate (IB) assures authorized World Schools meet the international benchmarks for quality education. IB’s reputation for quality comes from the organization’s ability to train educators to develop students’ natural curiosity and individual talents.

The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being and future success of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities, but also from employers around the world.

This programme is a life learning experience for any student. It allows them to challenge themselves not only academically but also personally. By taking part in the IB Diploma Programme, young learners discover new passions, develop skills that serve them throughout their lives, become self-aware and independent while experiencing the lifestyle of a new country.

The IB Diploma Programme offered by International School Altdorf encompasses this by aiming to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Our teaching and learning methods are one of our major assets to student success: by empowering and overpowering the students to achieve their academic goals and acquire many international languages permitting them to be effectively operational in a global and professional environment.

The International Baccalaureate is an essential stepping stone for students who want to study further in the top universities of the world. The programme will prepare each pupil to an academic lifestyle by developing important skills related to workflow and independence.

To earn an International Baccalaureate diploma, students must take courses from six subject groups. One each from groups 1-5, and either one from group 6 or a substitute from one of the other groups. Core components (described later) complement the subjects chosen.

Each student must take at least 3 subjects at Higher Level HL, and the remaining at Standard Level SL. Standard Level subjects take up 150 teaching hours, while Higher Level comprises 240 teaching hours.

We recognize that each student has different interests, which is why we offer a variety of options inside the classroom. This variety is also a key part of the programme, as assessments and teaching methods are tailored to allow young learners to take advantage of their individual skills.

To earn an International Baccalaureate diploma, students must take courses from six subject groups. One each from groups 1-5, and either one from group 6 or a substitute from one of the other groups. Core components (described later) complement the subjects chosen.

Each student must take at least 3 subjects at Higher Level HL, and the remaining at Standard Level SL. Standard Level subjects take up 150 teaching hours, while Higher Level comprises 240 teaching hours.

We recognize that each student has different interests, which is why we offer a variety of options inside the classroom. This variety is also a key part of the programme, as assessments and teaching methods are tailored to allow young learners to take advantage of their individual skills.

*Students can choose these subjects as an online course taught by IB-certified partners.

The elective courses are subject to change according to the current year.

Students take their final International Baccalaureate exams at the end of Year 2. The maximum score is 45 points – seven points for each of the six subjects, plus three additional points for the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) components. With a total score of 24 points, a student will receive an IB Diploma and with 38 points or more, they drastically increase their chances of acceptance to a top-ranked university.

Theory of Knowledge asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know. TOK is part of the IBDP core and is mandatory for all students.

The Extended Essay is a required component of the IBDP. It is an independent piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper.

Creativity, Activity, Service involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. It is not formally assessed. However, students reflect on their experiences as part of the IBDP and provide evidence of achieving the seven learning outcomes associated with a CAS project.