International Baccalaureate
(IB) Program
Preparing Leaders for a Global Future
The IB Diploma Programme at GSIS is a challenging two-year journey for students aged 16–19. Offered since 2001, it combines academic depth, global perspectives, and personal growth – all within our fully residential setting.
Small class sizes, dedicated IB-trained faculty, and a vibrant campus life ensure every student is supported to excel in their studies and beyond.
“Our DP students learn to think independently, communicate confidently, and act responsibly. They graduate not only with knowledge, but with the wisdom to make a positive impact in the world.”
Mr. Suresh Thangarajan
IBDP & IB Curriculum Coordinator
International Baccalaureate®
(IB) Diploma Programme (DP)
Elevate Your Potential with IBDP at GSIS
At GSIS, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is more than a program; it’s a transformative pathway to excellence for students aged 16 to 19. This comprehensive journey equips students to excel in multiple dimensions: physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically, fostering well-rounded development and preparing them for global challenges.
Unleash the
Potential of IBDP
Academic Structure
Students choose six subjects — three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) — one from each IB subject group:
GROUP 1 - Studies in Language & Literature
English A: Language & Literature (HL/SL)
Group 2 – Language Acquisition
French ab initio (SL)
Spanish ab initio (SL)
German ab initio (SL)
**GROUP 2
French B (SL)
Spanish B (SL)
Hindi B (HL/SL)
Group 3 – Individuals & Societies
Business Management (HL/SL)
Economics (HL/SL)
Psychology (HL/SL)
**GROUP 3
Global Politics (HL/SL)
Digital Society (HL/SL)
Environmental Systems & Societies (HL/SL)*
Group 4 – Sciences
Physics (HL/SL)
Chemistry (HL/SL)
Biology (HL/SL)
**GROUP 4
Computer Science (HL/SL)
Design Technology (HL/SL)
Environmental Systems & Societies (HL/SL)*
Group 5 – Mathematics
Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (HL/SL)
Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations (HL/SL)
Group 6 – The Arts
Visual Arts (HL/SL)
*Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) can be taken as a Group 3 or Group 4 subject.
Subject Selection Note: Certain combinations are not permitted — for example, Digital Society + Computer Science, or Biology + ESS. Our IB Coordinator and counselors guide students in making balanced choices.
The IB Core
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – explore how knowledge is built and understood
- Extended Essay (EE) – a 4,000-word independent research project
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – projects and experiences beyond the classroom
Life on Campus
As a fully residential school, GSIS offers IBDP students a safe, vibrant, and balanced environment.
Seniors enjoy more independence within a supportive structure, with access to sports, arts, clubs, and leadership roles in houses, councils, and service projects.
Co-Curricular Life: Purpose in Action
DP students engage in a wide spectrum of activities — from competitive sports and service initiatives to debate, music, theatre, design, and innovation. Every learner is challenged to lead, collaborate, create, and reflect.
With world-class facilities and expert mentors, passions evolve into commitments — and potential transforms into achievement.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Learning Beyond the Classroom
CAS is at the heart of the DP experience at GSIS. Students engage in creative expression, physical activity, and meaningful service that shape both character and competence.
Every project challenges them to think deeply, act responsibly, and contribute positively to their community.
Through CAS, our learners discover balance, build resilience, and live the IB mission of creating a better, more peaceful world.
Pastoral Care
At GSIS, student wellbeing is at the heart of residential life. From caring houseparents in every boarding dorm, to round-the-clock medical care in our two on-campus hospitals, to wholesome nutrition from our own farms, and counsellors who provide guidance and emotional support — every child is looked after with dedication.
Pathways Beyond GSIS
Our dedicated Career Guidance & Counseling team works closely with IBDP students on subject selection, university applications, and standardized test preparation.
Graduates secure places at top universities in India and across the globe.
Bridge Course for
Grade 11 – IBDP
A Guided Launch into the IB Diploma Programme.
The IB Diploma Programme demands critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, global awareness, and independent research — all of which may feel new for students coming from different curricula. Our Bridge Course for IBDP helps students make a seamless transition into the IB learning style.
This programme covers the essential skills and mindsets needed for success in the DP, offering structured support in:
- Understanding the IB philosophy, subject groups, and assessment criteria
- Developing research, reflection, and inquiry-based learning techniques
- Building academic writing, presentation, and communication skills
- Introduction to the core elements: TOK, CAS, and the Extended Essay
- Strengthening subject foundations based on chosen HL/SL combinations
- Familiarising with digital tools, academic integrity, and citation norms
Students transitioning from ICSE, CBSE, IGCSE, or other national/international boards benefit greatly from this preparatory experience, as it bridges learning gaps and sets expectations early.
Outcome:
By the end of the course, students feel academically prepared, socially settled, and fully ready to begin Grade 11 IBDP with a strong sense of direction and confidence.