The DP requires students to study six subjects, one from each of the groups below:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature - These courses focus on literature and language analysis in a student's most proficient language. At SCAS, this course will be taught in English.

Group 2: Language Acquisition - These courses develop students' communication skills in an additional language, with options for beginners through to advanced speakers.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies - This group includes humanities and social sciences subjects such as Business Management and Psychology.

Group 4: Sciences - Students can choose from a range of Sciences, including Chemistry and Biology.

Group 5: Mathematics - Different courses are available to accommodate various levels of mathematical ability and interest.

Group 6: The Arts - This group includes subjects like Visual Arts and Theatre. Alternatively, students may choose a second subject from groups 1-5 instead of an arts subject. Group 6 subjects are not compulsory, but are highly recommended.

Students take three or four subjects at Higher Level (HL) and the remainder at Standard Level (SL) to ensure both breadth and depth in their education. Our specific subject offerings will be finalised based on student interest, teacher expertise, and resource availability as we move toward authorisation.

IB Diploma results are fully recognised by Australian universities, allowing IB students admission to university in the same way as HSC students.

HSC students: HSC results are taken by the University Admissions Centre (UAC) and converted into an ATAR.

IB students: IB results are taken by UAC and converted into an IB Admissions Score (IBAS) by analysing a student's performance within each subject grade. This allows finer differentiation between students with the same overall grade. Finally, this is converted to a "combined rank," which is directly comparable to the ATAR.

The Higher School Certificate and the IB Diploma Programme are both rigorous senior secondary credentials, and they differ in structure, assessment style, and educational philosophy.

A key difference is the DP Core. The Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) are key components which are designed to develop research skills, critical thinking, and personal growth beyond the classroom.

The DP is a two year course, meaning students will sit examinations based on two years on content. In contrast, the majority of HSC examinations assess only one year of content.

The DP requires students to study six subjects alongside the DP Core, drawn from fixed categories (language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts). Notably, studying a language other than English is compulsory in the DP, while it is an option in the HSC.

The DP is underpinned by a holistic philosophy to develop learners who are not only academically capable, but also principled, open-minded, and engaged global citizens. There is an explicit emphasis on developing intercultural understanding, consistent with a course that is truly global in nature.

IB = International Baccalaureate

DP = Diploma Programme

TOK = Theory of Knowledge

EE = Extended Essay

CAS = Creativity, Activity, Service

LP = Learner Profile (the ten attributes most valued by IB World Schools)

Schools who wish to become an IB World School and deliver one of its programmes must submit an application to the International Baccalaureate. Once accepted, they enter what is called the Candidate Phase. We are currently a candidate school, and must undertake a process of authorisation to be accepted as an authorised school.

Once SCAS is authorised, we will become an IB World School, and gain the ability to teach the Diploma Programme. IB World Schools are part of a worldwide community of like-minded schools that share the IB's mission and commitment to challenging, global minded education.

2025: Candidacy phase - Teacher professional development, curriculum planning, policy development

2026: Authorisation process - Application, verification visit, final authorisation

2027: First cohort begins the IB Diploma Programme in Year 11

2028-2029: First graduating IB Diploma cohort

Throughout this timeline, we will be hosting regular information sessions for students and parents. Check our school calendar for upcoming events.