International Baccalaureate at DIS

Ambitious pathways. Individual success. Global opportunities.

Sixth Form at Deira International School provides an academically ambitious, inclusive and internationally minded education for students aged 16 to 19.

We recognise that every student has different strengths, interests and aspirations. Our flexible curriculum therefore offers four pathways:

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)

An individual IB Courses pathway

The Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma

Each pathway combines high-quality teaching with personalised academic guidance, university and careers counselling, leadership opportunities and pastoral support. This enables every student to select a programme that challenges them appropriately and prepares them for success at university, in employment and throughout life.

Exceptional academic outcomes

DIS has established itself as one of the UAE’s leading IB schools. Our students consistently achieve results above international averages and progress to highly regarded universities and future pathways around the world.

These achievements reflect the ambition and determination of our students, the expertise of our teachers and the strength of the partnership between school and home.

More than results

Academic achievement is an important part of Sixth Form life at DIS, but it is not our only measure of success. We are committed to recognising the individual strengths of every student and helping each young person discover where they can excel.

Students are encouraged to pursue their interests, contribute to the life of the school and take on meaningful leadership and service opportunities.

Through academic study, enrichment, university preparation and engagement with the wider community, students develop the confidence, independence and sense of purpose needed to make a positive difference in the world.

An IB education at DIS

An IB education develops knowledgeable, thoughtful and compassionate young people who can approach complex questions with curiosity, confidence and an international perspective.

Teaching and learning at DIS encourage students to construct meaning, challenge assumptions and make connections across subjects, cultures and real-world contexts. Students become increasingly independent while learning how to collaborate effectively with others.

The IBDP develops strong academic skills, time management and independent learning habits.

Throughout their Sixth Form experience, students develop five essential approaches to learning:

Thinking skills	Social skills	Self-management skills
Communication skills	Research skills

Our approaches to teaching are:

Based on inquiry	Focused on conceptual understanding	Developed through local and global contexts
Centred on effective teamwork and collaboration	Responsive to the strengths and needs of individual learners	Informed by formative and summative assessment

Together, these approaches develop the academic, social and personal capabilities students need to thrive at university and beyond.

Our Sixth Form pathways

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous and internationally recognised two-year qualification. It is particularly well suited to students who enjoy academic challenge, value breadth of study and want to keep a wide range of university options open.

Students study six subjects across the IB curriculum, normally taking three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. In some circumstances, students may choose four Higher Level subjects.

The six subject areas are:

Studies in Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals and Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
The Arts and Electives

Instead of an Arts subject, students may select an additional subject from Languages, Individuals and Societies or Sciences.

Alongside their six subjects, all Diploma Programme students complete the three elements of the IB Diploma core:

Theory of Knowledge, which develops critical thinking and encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge
The Extended Essay, an independent research project culminating in a 4,000-word academic essay
Creativity, Activity and Service, through which students pursue experiences beyond the classroom and contribute to their communities

Each subject is awarded a maximum of seven points. Students can gain up to three additional points through Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, producing a maximum possible Diploma score of 45 points. Creativity, Activity and Service does not contribute points but must be completed successfully.

The breadth, depth and independence of the programme provide excellent preparation for demanding university courses and future careers.

View the IBDP Booklet →
Explore the IB Diploma Programme in more detail, including subjects, programme structure and guidance for students.

IB Career-related Programme (IBCP)

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme offers a flexible and challenging pathway for students who want to combine academic study with practical, career-focused learning. At DIS, students combine selected IB Diploma Programme subjects with a career-related Pearson BTEC Level 3 qualification in either:

Business
Travel and Tourism
Sport
Creative Media

Students also benefit from meaningful workplace learning and access to DIS’s distinctive Al-Futtaim internship programme. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge in professional contexts, explore potential careers and develop a deeper understanding of the modern workplace.

All IBCP students complete four core components:

Personal and Professional Skills, developing the attitudes and capabilities required for further education and employment
Community Engagement, applying knowledge and skills to meet an authentic community need
Language and Cultural Studies, strengthening communication and intercultural understanding
The Reflective Project, an extended piece of work exploring an ethical issue connected to the student’s career-related study

The IBCP develops critical thinking, communication, collaboration and professional skills. It is internationally recognised and can lead to university, further education, professional training, apprenticeships or direct entry into employment.

View the IBCP Booklet →
Discover more about the IB Career-related Programme, including pathways, career-related study and opportunities available at DIS.

Individual IB Courses pathway

The IB Courses pathway provides a personalised alternative for students whose needs and aspirations are not best met by the full IB Diploma or Career-related Programme.

Students select an appropriate combination of IB subjects at Higher or Standard Level without completing the full Diploma core. Their programme is developed carefully in consultation with the student, family and Sixth Form team.

This flexible route allows students to focus on their strengths while working towards clearly identified university, further education or career goals.

Speak to our Sixth Form team about individual pathways

BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma

The Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma is a two-year, career-focused qualification for students who thrive through practical, applied and project-based learning.

Equivalent in size to three International A Levels, the Extended Diploma enables students to specialise in a vocational field and develop substantial knowledge and experience within that sector. Students complete a combination of mandatory and optional units through real-world briefs, independent assignments, presentations, collaborative projects and practical activities.

The programme develops the skills valued by universities and employers, including:

Independent research
Creative and critical thinking
Communication and presentation
Teamwork and collaboration
Project and time management
Problem-solving and decision-making
Professional responsibility

At DIS, classroom learning is strengthened by careers education, industry engagement and meaningful workplace experiences. Our links with the Al-Futtaim Group provide students with distinctive opportunities to understand professional environments and apply their learning beyond the classroom.

The Extended Diploma is recognised by many universities and higher education institutions around the world. It can support progression to relevant university courses, higher-level professional qualifications, apprenticeships or employment. As university requirements vary by institution, country and degree programme, students receive personalised guidance to ensure that the pathway supports their future ambitions.

IB subjects at DIS

DIS offers an extensive range of IB subjects. Students receive individual guidance to ensure that their choices reflect their academic strengths, interests and future university or career requirements.

Subject availability and Higher or Standard Level options are reviewed annually and may depend on student demand and viable class sizes.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Group 4: Sciences

Group 5: Mathematics

Group 6: The Arts

Entry requirements and pathway guidance

Entry recommendations help ensure that each student is placed on a pathway in which they can succeed.

All applications are considered individually, and meeting the published academic profile does not automatically guarantee entry to a particular programme or subject.

Programme Entry Requirements

Entry recommendations help ensure that each student is placed on a pathway in which they can succeed. All applications are considered individually, and meeting the published academic profile does not automatically guarantee entry to a particular programme or subject.

IB Diploma Programme

Students applying for the IBDP would normally be expected to achieve:

An average GCSE grade of 6 or above
Grade 8 or above for Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Grade 9 for Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Any additional requirements published for individual subjects

Students considering a Higher Level science should have a strong record of attainment in the relevant GCSE or equivalent qualification. Where a student has achieved below grade 7, a Higher Level science would not normally be recommended because of the potential effect on overall Diploma success.

IB Career-related Programme

Students applying for the IBCP would normally be expected to achieve:

At least five GCSEs at grades 3–9, or A*–E
At least two GCSEs at grades 4–9, or A*–C
Any additional requirements for their selected IB subjects and career-related study

Applicants from other curricula

Applications from students following other educational programmes—including the IB Middle Years Programme, Indian curricula and American curricula—are considered individually.

The admissions team will review previous school reports, externally awarded qualifications, internal assessments and available standardised data, including CAT4, to determine the most appropriate pathway.

Students and families receive personalised guidance before final subject and pathway choices are confirmed.

View university offers and destinations → Enquire about Sixth Form →

International Baccalaureate (IB) | Deira International School | Al-Futtaim, UAE