IB (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) — British School Haileybury Astana

International research shows, among other things, that IBDP pupils are better able than their peers to cope with demanding workloads, manage their time and meet the expectations placed on them.

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquisitive, knowledgeable, and compassionate young people who contribute to building a more peaceful and interconnected world through intercultural understanding and mutual respect.

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is one of the world’s most respected international academic programmes for students aged 16-18. It prepares students to become confident, independent, and globally minded young adults, ready to thrive at leading universities and beyond.

At the heart of the programme is the development of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and academic independence. The IBDP encourages students to engage thoughtfully with an increasingly complex world while developing the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to navigate future challenges and opportunities with confidence and integrity.

The programme combines academic rigour with breadth of learning, fostering meaningful connections across disciplines, cultures, and global perspectives.

What is the Diploma Programme Curriculum?

The IBDP is a two-year academic programme in which students study six subjects selected from a range of subject groups. Students are required to study:

three subjects at Higher Level (HL)

three subjects at Standard Level (SL)

This balanced curriculum enables students to develop both depth and breadth of knowledge while pursuing their individual academic strengths and interests. Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, with a maximum of 42 points available across the six subjects.

The IB Core

Alongside the six academic subjects, all students complete the IB Core - a distinctive and highly valued element of the programme that encourages students to apply their learning beyond the classroom and develop as well-rounded individuals.The IB Core consists of three components:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

A course that encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, question assumptions, and explore how knowledge is constructed across different disciplines.

Extended Essay (EE)

An independent research project of up to 4,000 words that develops advanced academic writing, research, and critical thinking skills.

CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)

A programme designed to support personal growth through creative experiences, physical activity, and meaningful community engagement.

The IB Core contributes up to 3 additional points, bringing the maximum possible IB Diploma score to 45 points.

The combination of academic excellence and personal development is one of the reasons why IB graduates are so highly regarded by universities around the world.

The IB learner profile

At the centre of an IB education is the development of the whole student. The IB learner profile reflects the programme’s commitment to nurturing young people who are: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators,principled, open-minded, caring, courageous, balanced, reflective

These attributes highlight the importance of not only academic achievement, but also emotional intelligence, personal growth, and social responsibility. IB students learn to respect themselves, others, and the world around them while developing the confidence, resilience, and empathy needed to succeed in an ever-changing global society.

What are the benefits of the IB Diploma Programme?

A two-year programme with a focus on raising global minded students

IB DP students do not need to pursue a foundation programme

Qualified native English-speaking teachers

Access and support to applying for the world’s top universities

Individual career guidance

Accredited IB school

100% pass rate

Our graduates have been accepted to Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions, and the US at Ivy League universities

Results and Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change subjects midway through the programme?

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.

How many points must a student earn in order to receive an IB Diploma?

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.

What is the average IB score?

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

What benefits do IB DP students have in comparison to pupils, who do not take the course?

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.

What is the difference between IB and A-levels?

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:

Do students need to go on a Foundation programme after the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?

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.

Why take IB examinations here in Haileybury Astana, and not other colleges abroad?

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

Does Haileybury Astana provide scholarships for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?

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.

News

12.05.2026

Happy Kazakhstan’s People Unity Day

At Haileybury Astana, we truly value an environment built on respect and cultural diversity. In the lead-up to the holiday, our school came together to celebrate a vibrant Unity Day Our pupils prepared a concert featuring music and dances from around the world, followed by a cultural fair where they shared traditions, customs and national cuisine from different countries