The next steps

Welcome to the DP

The DP builds on the MYP programme and is a challenging but exciting pre-university course that prepares students for the challenges and skills they will need at university and work-life. Leading universities around the globe greatly value the DP for its holistic approach.

 

Developing the whole person and life-long learners is at the heart of the programme. It does so through the traditional academic subjects and by fostering the Approaches to Learning Skills (aka 21st Century Skills), developing conceptual understanding, high order thinking skills and metacognition.

 

At ISS, the student is greeted with passioned, very experienced and motivated staff (many are IB examiners and some are IB workshop leaders) and astonishing and flexible learning spaces full of vibrant colours that will spark students’ senses and catalyse motivation.

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Why choose us?

Why choose the DP Programme

According to a study by researchers at Inflexion (formerly The Education Policy Improvement Center), DP students are better able than their peers to cope with demanding workloads, manage their time, and meet the expectations placed on them, and this is mainly due to the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills which are addressed in all DP teaching and learning.

 

Taking the DP develops students who:

  • Have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge;
  • Flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically;
  • Study at least two languages;
  • Excel in traditional academic subjects;
  • Explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique Theory of Knowledge course;
  • Become internationally-minded, understanding and respectful of others’ cultural beliefs and multiple perspectives and who promote responsible action within and beyond their community, while also being actively responsible for their own learning.
The outcomes

The IB Learner Profile

The IB Learner Profile is a cornerstone of the International Baccalaureate (IB) educational philosophy, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals who embody the values of the IB community. This profile outlines ten key attributes that IB learners strive to cultivate:

Inquirers

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Open-minded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories and the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for people’s dignity and rights. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Communicators

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Knowledgeable

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions for the world.

Caring

We show empathy, compassion, and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world.

Reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses to support our learning and personal development.

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives – intellectual, physical, and emotional – to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with other people and the world in which we live.

Risk-takers

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

“We are not just focused on raising grades; we are dedicated to raising happy, well-rounded individuals.”

The Diploma Programme is more than an academic journey—it’s a transformative experience that shapes globally-minded, resilient, and lifelong learners. They are immersed in a culturally diverse ecosystem with more than 50 nationalities, punctuated by a sharing spirit, academic rigour, inclusion and mutual respect.

 

Through a challenging but exciting pre-university course, the IB DP prepares students for the challenges and skills they will need at university and in work life.

 

With such a rich environment and well-rounded preparation, students who have completed the programme often find University a “walk in the park”. They leave ISS not only prepared for university but with the confidence to approach future challenges with forethought and determination.

– David Cyrne Ferreira, Coordinator of Diploma Programme (DP) in Oeiras Valley

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Why choose us?

The Core Elements

The DP core strengthens students’ academic and personal development through critical thinking, self-driven research, and meaningful community engagement.

 

These elements encourage students to apply their knowledge thoughtfully, develop resilience, and build a sense of responsibility, equipping them with essential skills for lifelong learning and success beyond the classroom.

Extended Essay

The extended essay is a compulsory, externally assessed piece of independent research into a topic chosen by the student and presented as a formal piece of academic writing.

 

This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing of up to 4,000 words in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner.

Therory of Knowledge (TOK)

A course about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge.

 

It plays a special role in the DP by providing an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, to make connections between areas of knowledge and to become aware of their own perspectives.

Creativity, Activity, Service

CAS is organized around the three strands of creativity, activity and service defined as follows:

  • Creativity: exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.
  • Activity: physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
  • Service: collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need.
Our Curriculum

Subjects Groups offered at ISS

DP students must choose one course from each one of the six subject groups delivering deep knowledge and understanding in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and arts.

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“Through sharing and understanding, our DP students grow into confident, thoughtful, and open-minded individuals.”

Our mission is to balance academic excellence of the DP students with personal growth, ensuring that students thrive both academically and emotionally.

 

The DP equips students with essential skills for university and life beyond, such as research, communication, and critical thinking. We tailor our program to meet each student’s individual goals in small groups, fostering intellectual independence and building their emotional resilience, so necessary in this final stage of school. With strong collaboration between teachers, students, and parents, we ensure that every student not only achieves their full potential but also enjoys these transformative two years.

 

We believe that through sharing and understanding, our DP students grow into confident, thoughtful, and open-minded individuals.

– Olga Put, Coordinator of Diploma Programme (DP) in Madeira