The IBDP is a 2-year course whereby Students study 6 subjects chosen from 6 different option groups. 3 of these subjects must be studied at Higher Level and the remaining 3 at Standard Level. The 6 groups are as follows

• Group 1 - Studies in Language & Literature
• Group 2 - Language Acquisition
• Group 3 - Individuals & Societies
• Group 4 - Experimental Sciences
• Group 5 - Mathematics
• Group 6 - The Arts or option subject

Alongside the 6 subjects, all students complete the IB Core. The Core consists of 3 strands.

• Extended Essay is a personal research project whereby students design a research question based on a subject of interest and write a 4000 word essay answering their question and describing the research undertaken
• Theory of Knowledge invites students to question the basis and limits of knowledge from their own perspective
• Creativity, Action & Service. Students must undertake and reflect on a variety of activities. These may include learning to play an instrument, improving sporting skills or being a reading mentor. The school has an extensive range of service activities in the local community in which pupils are actively encouraged to take part.

Each of the 6 subjects has a maximum of 7 points available and the IB Core contributes a maximum of 3 points. A maximum of 45 points can be awarded in total. 

Students are granted permission to change their subject choices within the first half term of Year 12. After this, too much content has been covered and therefore it would be too much work for both students and teachers to catch up on. 

The pass mark for the IBDP is 24 points in total and all subjects must achieve at least a pass rate. It must be made clear that in order to successfully pass the IBDP, all students must complete all 3 strands of the IB Core too.

The average IB score is 37.5. the highest IB score is 43.

The IBDP course is an internationally known and highly regarded high school qualification. Due to the holistic nature of the course, all IBDP graduates leave school as truly globally minded citizens who have the essential skills for higher education and the world of work. The IB’s aim is “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” This is achieved through both academic rigour and the completion of the IB Core whereby students are exposed to the positive impact of service and caring for the community and wider world.

A-Level courses are discrete whereas the IB Diploma is holistic in nature. A level students study individual subjects that bear no relation to each other. The IB Diploma is broad, well rounded and seeks to develop the whole child. For example, throughout the IBDP, students develop skills in the following areas

• Communication
• Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Caring
• Reflection
• Inquiry
• Risk-Taking

The short answer is no. There are however some exceptions, like those students who wish to go on to study within the Visual Arts/Graphic Design field. Some courses at university level require students regardless of their high school qualification to complete a foundation course.

Here at Haileybury Astana IBDP students are fortunate enough to have the following.

• Small class sizes
• Qualified and experienced teachers
• Excellent resources
• Quality pastoral provision
• Personalised career guidance
• Access to a strong network within the Haileybury family

Yes! Each year, we run a scheme to find the brightest young minds in Kazakhstan to come and study the IBDP for free. Please get in touch with our admissions team for further information.