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IB Diploma at Hiram Bingham

Our school has been offering preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme since 1998. This programme of studies conforms to our Mission statement in that it promotes “the potential and talent of each individual student, complementing intellectual rigour and personal and social development within a friendly and supportive environment.


All our students are offered the possibility of reaching the Diploma, as we are convinced that with positive motivation, support and incentive, they are all capable of facing this challenge successfully. To enable our students to succeed we offer a wide range of subjects; this includes four Science subjects, five Humanities as well as two different Art subjects and a third language.


We believe that this programme is not exclusive to just a select few students since experience throughout these years has proved that a positive attitude is as important as academic aptitude.

We believe in our students, we empathise with their challenge and share their success.

Students learn more than a collection of facts. The Diploma Programme prepares students for university and encourages them to:


  • ask challenging questions

  • learn how to learn

  • develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture

  • develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures

  • Schools teach the programme in English, French and/or Spanish.

The following courses are offered as part of the International Baccalaureate programme at Hiram Bingham.


Group 1 –Spanish / English:
First Language (Other languages available as self-taught languages).

Group 2 – English / Spanish:
Second Language (or French).

Group 3– Individual and Society:
History, Psychology, Geography,Information Technology in a Global Society, Anthropology, Business and Management.

Group 4 – Experimental Sciences:
Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Environment Systems and Societies.

Group 5 –Mathematics:
Mathematics SL, Mathematical Studies.

Group 6 –The Arts:
Theatre Arts, Visual Art, a second Science, a second subject from Individuals and Society, or a third language option.

THE THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK)

This course is unique to the International Baccalaureate and is a requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside of the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological bases and to develop the ability to analyse evidence that is expressed as a rational argument.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop the ability to analyze evidence that is expressed in rational argument. It is a key element in encouraging them to appreciate other cultural perspectives.

CREATIVITY, ACTION AND SERVICE (CAS)

The aim of the IBO is to educate the whole person and to form responsible and compassionate citizens. Participation in the school’s CAS programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic area.

EXTENDED ESSAY

The extended essay has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest, and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.