The IB Diploma Program (DP) is for students aged 16-19
Join one of the top IB Schools in Lebanon
-
Eastwood International School in Mansourieh, Beirut is an IB Continuum World School. Your child can follow the International Baccalaureate from the Primary Years Programme in our Early Years, through the Middle Years Programme in Grades 6 to 10, and into the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12, all at one school.
In 2016, Eastwood International School (part of Eastwood Schools) was among 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.
Why families choose Eastwood for the IB Diploma
We have taught the IBDP since 2016, before the Lebanese Ministry of Education recognized the IB as a qualifying high school diploma.
Final exams arrive sealed and go back to the IB for marking, so grades are set against an international standard, not by the school.
IB Diploma graduates can enter universities in Lebanon and abroad at the sophomore level, a full year ahead.
SAT preparation is built into Math and English, and we run the SAT at school.
Students also take part in CAS and can join the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
Students from our own IB Middle Years Programme and from our American program can join the Diploma after Grade 10.
Our programs
-
IB-PYP Early Years (English/French)
A Montessori-based program for a solid foundation, our IB-PYP Early Years program, offered fully in English or French, includes yoga, mindfulness, music+movement, performing arts, language immersions, science, STEM-based activities and much more…
-
IB-PYP Primary Years (English/French)
The IB-PYP (offered in English or French) encourages self-directed learning, based on student interests, in collaboration with the teacher. We recognize that each child comes with a unique set of hopes, dreams, passions, backgrounds, talents, needs, knowledge, and experiences.
-
IB-PYP French Section (Section Française)
EIS propose le Programme Primaire (PP) en français en raison de l’importance qu’occupe la langue française dans l’histoire, la culture et les affaires contemporaines du Liban.
-
IB-MYP Program (English)
Our IB-MYP curriculum is concept-based, which is an approach to curriculum design that moves away from subject-specific content and instead emphasizes on key concepts which are “big ideas” that can transfer across multiple subjects.
-
IB-DP Program (English)
The IB Diploma Program (IB-DP) is a world-recognized high school diploma option for those seeking the ‘best of the best’ when it comes to academic opportunities. The IB-DP is a rigorous high school program held to international standards - not those set by our school or by Lebanese ministries.
-
American High School
EIS offers an American High School Diploma for students with international passports. Our American school curriculum starts as early as the middle school years, leading into high school graduation. Students eligible to enroll in an American school in Lebanon possess the legal exemption from advanced studies in Arabic by the Leb. government.
-
Lebanese Program
The Lebanese Program is one of the three programs offered by EIS. Lebanese students at EIS are first introduced to the LB Program through Social Studies and Math instruction in grade 8; then the full LB Program is implemented grades 9 through 12.
-
Design + Tech
The aim of the Design and Technology program at EIS is to help students develop the four Cs of the 21st century: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Mastering these competences would provide students with a robust foundation to conquer an ever-changing world.
-
Mindfulness Program
To ensure we provide children with the time and the skills to manage themselves and their environments and find balance, EIS has made mindfulness courses a part of its program for all students, starting in Nursery through to Grade 12.
-
Duke of Edinburgh’s Intl Award
At Eastwood International School in Lebanon, students are provided the unique opportunity to participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards program.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a systematized program for completing personal development milestones, in a documented way, with oversight. It teaches youth to pick an achievable goal, work towards it, stick to it, and see it through until the end. That act in itself says a lot; it requires a strong mindset to not give up, and to do what you say you’re going to do - even to yourself.
-
After-School Programs
Our after-school activity program is rich with unique activities, including Leadership, Mindfulness, Robotics, Photography, Theater…and even a Study Clinic in which our learners can pair up with teachers and their friends for extra academic support. Christmas Painting Events, Wellness Day, Cookie Decorations, Clay Night, and so much more are also part of the parent-child activities.
Not to mention international celebrations, such as International Day of Tolerance, Culture Day, EIS Tours the World, and so much more. This is all in efforts to reinforce the sense of community in our school. -
Friends of Eastwood School Foundation
We are a community of friends that is adamant on making a striking, positive difference and impact in the lives of those who are directly and indirectly in contact with children, of various age groups, backgrounds, and statuses.
We are friends of and experts in the field of education. We have a track record in instigating positive change where it is needed most and under different, challenging circumstances.An exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 87-3263117
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 of 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
ARE AS FOLLOWS:
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.
LEARN MORE
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 responsibly.
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.