IB Diploma Programme
Offered for learners aged 16 to 18 years old
St. Nicholas School Alphaville was first accredited by the IB to provide the Diploma Programme in the May of 2024, and its first cohort of Diploma Programme students is set to graduate in May of 2026. Following in the footsteps of the very successful Diploma Programme at St Nicholas Pinheiros, St Nicholas Alphaville offers a rich and varied curriculum, with various pathways open to students to forge their own unique learning adventure.
Our Diploma Programme options are simultaneously rigorous and inclusive.
Students entering Grade 11 at St Nicholas Alphaville have gone through a thoughtful process of evaluation, both internal and external through the use of results for mock SATs and Morrisby Profile tests for example before the following options are recommended to them based on their individual attributes and aspirations:
- Full Diploma Programme (bilingual Diploma option available)
- Diploma Course Certificates:
Students complete CAS and Extended Essay, and sit the internal and external assessments in a selection of subjects.
- Alternative Pathway:
Students complete a bespoke Secondary diploma that is adapted to their profile based on a range of factors and considerations.
The Diploma Programme aims to prepare students for their future academic journeys, enabling them to enter globally recognised universities both in Brazil and abroad. This programme, designed with an eye looking to the future, cultivates students’ ability to question, fuels their desire for knowledge, equips them to excel in their careers, strengthens their identity and connection to their culture, and develops their skills to communicate and to empathise with people of different backgrounds.
The programme focuses on developing students who possess both a broad and a deep understanding of knowledge – students who thrive not only intellectually, but also physically, emotionally, and ethically.
The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum covers six groups of subjects, along with a Core programme that encourages learners to reflect on the nature of knowledge, conduct independent research and participate in projects often linked to community service.
The CORE
is made up of three essential components:
.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK):
Students are asked to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we can reliably and accurately evaluate what, how and why knowledge manifests in the world, preparing both a TOK Exhibition (in Year 1) and TOK Essay (Year 2) for final assessment.
.
Extended Essay (EE):
This component involves independent, self-directed research in one of the six subjects studied by the learner in the DP, supervised by a member of faculty which culminates in a 4,000-word paper, giving learners the chance to build the core skills required at university level.
.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS):
Students participate in a variety of experiences, including at least one project, that require meaningful and purposeful activities, challenge the student personally, and require careful planning, review of progress, and reflection on outcomes and learning.
As part of the IB Diploma Programme, students must choose three Higher-Level subjects (HL) and three Standard-Level subjects (SL) to undertake. Although these subjects differ in scope, they are assessed based on commonly agreed criteria. Students taking subjects at HL are expected to demonstrate a broader, more in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject than those taking a course at SL.
At St. Nicholas School Alphaville, we offer a variety of 25 subjects, 10 High-level and 15 Sandard-level courses across six subject groups. Additionally, students must complete the mandatory core components: CAS, TOK and EE. We believe strongly in helping students personalise their Diploma Programme experience, taking into account their interests, skills and university goals to customise each programme for each individual’s needs. As the programme continues to develop, we aim to broaden the range of subjects in order to continue responding to the needs of our community and an ever-changing world of education.
Language and Literature
- English Language and Literature
- Portuguese Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
- English B
- Portuguese AB initio
Mathematics
- Analysis and Approaches
- Applications and Interpretation
Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Design Technology
- Environmental Systems and Societies
Individuals and Societies
- Business Management
- Brazilian Social Studies
- History
Arts
- Visual Arts
* Students have the option of choosing to study an additional science subject, individuals and societies, or languages, rather than an arts subject.
Universities home and abroad
Our learners are prepared to achieve success beyond the school gates, and the education we provide through our Diploma Programme options equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in their home country as well as abroad. With the help of a bilingual university counsellor, students receive comprehensive and personalised guidance for universities both in Brazil and beyond, and have the opportunity to learn about a range of universities and options through our St Nicholas university fairs, campus visits, summer programme introductions, and webinars for both parents and students.
Students from St Nicholas Pinheiros have gained admission to some of the best institutions in the world, such as:
Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Penn State University, Purdue University, University of California San Diego, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, University of Texas at Austin, University of Washington, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, University of Amsterdam, King’s College London, University of Birmingham, University of Leeds, University of Manchester, University of Southampton and University of Warwick.
Read more in University and Career Guidance.
