The IB Diploma Program (DP) is for students aged 16-19
Join one of the top IB Schools in Lebanon
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In 2016, Eastwood International School (part of Eastwood Schools) was one of the first group of schools to bring the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) to the Lebanese population.
In doing so, the school pioneered strategies to upgrade education standards at our Beirut school and, by association, in the country as a whole.
Before the Lebanese Ministry of Education approved the International Baccalaureate (IB) as a qualifying high school diploma, Eastwood had already been offering the program for eligible, internationally-minded students. Pupils around the world who graduate with an IB Diploma often attend top universities. The program has also been confirmed as one which produces better-performing students, based on International Schools’ Assessment.
While our private school in Lebanon has had a long history of producing alumni who attend renowned universities, we believe that adding the IB program to our curricula mix would provide even more opportunities for student achievement and would further set us apart as a top Lebanese school.The IB program begins in Grade 11, upon successful completion of Grade 10. We don’t restrict any of our students from entering the IB program (provided that they meet the Ministry of Education’s requirements) or from taking IB courses (where applicable).
However, we do want you to know that the IBDP is a rigorous high school program held to international standards - not those set by our school or by Lebanese ministries. In fact, IBDP exams are flown in completely sealed and sent back to the IB Organization offices for correcting.
Students who opt for this type of diploma at our Beirut international school should be ready to meet its exacting demands.
One of our school counselors would be happy to discuss the option with you and help you decide if you should enroll in the program.
ATTENTION!
Please also note there is a fee for the IBDP examination, which parents should be prepared for. The base cost for the program is not different than other private high school programs in Beirut.
Graduation
Requirements
Like all IB schools around the world, the graduation requirements for the IBDP are no different in Lebanon. The awarding of the diploma expects the following:
1. Completion of one subject from each of 6 course groupings (noted below)
2. Completion of three subjects at Higher level (HL) and three at Standard level (SL)
3. Submission the Extended Essay of 4000 words in one of the IBDP subjects during
the second year of the program
4. Following the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course
5. Engage in the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) component
Students who opt for this type of diploma at our Beirut international school should be ready to meet its exacting demands.
ATTENTION!
Note: Courses offered at our IB school will be based on a sufficient number of students registered to carry out the classes.
Taking IB courses without
the full diploma
Students who don’t want to take the entire IB Diploma Programme can opt for IB courses in five (of a possible 6) subjects.
Of these, English and Math are compulsory. It is preferred that two High Level (HL) subjects are taken for university acceptance.
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You should be aware that the terms, “Grade 11” and “Grade 12” are referred to as “IBDP 1” and “IBDP 2” respectively in this program. These are ‘credit equivalents’ for most universities and many governments. However, IBDP 1 and 2 are often reflective of outstanding academic achievement in the world of higher education since they are considerably more challenging than typical high school programs.
Program Schedule
What is the schedule like for a typical student at our IB school in Beirut?
Students in the IBDP program are in class 30 hours a week.
These hours include:
GENERAL RULES AND CONDITIONS
You may enjoy IBDP life at Eastwood International School. We’ve decided to let our students demonstrate their own independence and ability to behave responsibility.
ATTENTION!
Students are allowed to leave school grounds when they do not have classes (simulating privileges they’ll have in university).
They also have a break room that is dedicated to students in the IB Program should they wish to remain on campus for studying or socializing.
One of our school counselors would be happy to discuss the option with you and help you decide if you should enroll in the program.
FAQs
Will I be able to attend universities in Lebanon after completing the IBDP? Is it recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education for high school graduation?
Yes, students graduating the IBDP2 class will be able to enter any university in Lebanon and abroad at the sophomore level. The IB programme is recognized by the Lebanese Government.
Will I still be able to take the SAT, SAT II, TOEFL
or other internationally recognized exams?
Students in the IB program are taught what they need to be able to pass the SAT in their Math and English courses. They are also required to sit this exam for graduation, which we administer at our school.
If you need the extra help, Eastwood offers an after-school SAT course, which is entirely optional.
Other exams you may be interested in taking, such as SAT ll or TOEFL, would need to be pursued on your own, outside of school time.
Are Advanced Placement (AP) courses still offered
at Eastwood International School?
No, we do not offer AP courses at Eastwood International School. However, you should know that IBDP students also start university at the sophomore level rather than the freshman level. So in a sense, it advances you an entire year of university, instead of giving individual course credits.
Will taking the IBDP count for any university course credits, like the AP courses?
Instead of counting towards credits, the IB Program counts for an entire year of university. Your freshman year will be considered complete, and you will begin at the sophomore level.
What happens if I fail the IBDP?
For IBDP 1, there are no exams at the end of the year to determine a passing score. However, students who make it through IBDP 1 can still be prevented from entering IBDP 2 if the school feels they are not strong enough to do well in it. In that case, they may enter the American High School Diploma or the Lebanese Baccalaureate.
For IBDP 2 students, failing 1 or more official IB exam means you have one more chance to sit for a makeup. If you also fail the makeup, the school has the discretion to make either of the following decisions, depending on your case:
• Request that you repeat the IBDP 2 year
• Give credits to graduate with an American High School Diploma. This will allow you to enter university at the freshman level (instead of the sophomore level, had you passed the IBDP 2 exams). This scenario would only be permissible if the school feels that you have done well enough
If you are about to take the IBDP 2 exams and the school feels you might fail, you will also be given the choice to take the American High School Diploma finals.
Don’t forget that the IB high school diploma is not granted on the merits of exams alone; there are other components needed to graduate, which are important to mention in this context.
Contact us for more info.
What about Physical Education -
is that part of the IBDP at Eastwood?
While the Sports Sciences course is an elective offered by other IB schools, we do not offer it at ours.
It is not required for graduation. Much like in university, students interested in a physical component to their educational resume can join extra-curricular programs at their own prerogative.
At Eastwood International School,
we offer the following options:
• Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, which includes physical activity with camping and hiking
• The after-school football team
Can I switch to IBDP after Grade 11?
Will I have to take Grade 11 again?
The IB diploma is designed to be a two-year program. The second year builds upon the first years’ foundations. If you do decide to go into the IB Program after Grade 11, you’ll still need to start at IBDP 1. However, you won’t lose a lot since you’ll be ahead by a year in university anyway.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
At Eastwood International School, our IB Program students do not wear a uniform.
We have been at the forefront of education for over 50years.
Eastwood Schools also opened its first Special Rights Program nationally and an outstanding English as a Foreign Language Program. International academic and non-academic standards were soon implemented with the help of leading consultants from across the globe. Eastwood Schools’ journey continues until this day with a successful track rate over the last 50 years and with certifications from globally recognized institutions, such as AdvancED (Cognia), and effective implementation of various international programs, such as the International Baccalaureate.