VISS Diploma Programmes

VISS Diploma Programmes

VISS Senior School provides a welcoming and challenging environment that nurtures knowledgeable, confident, and reflective learners. Committed to excellence, our dual pathway Diploma Programme prepares respectful and responsible global citizens ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world. VISS offers a wide range of subjects and extra-curricular opportunities for Senior School students so they can tailor their education to suit their aspirations, interests, abilities and university prerequisites.

VISS students have the choice between two world-class pathways for their studies in Grade 11 and 12

Both Diplomas are two-year programs that have the VISS learner at the center and prepare our students for post-school opportunities through:

  • Academically rigorous, pre-university courses
  • Social and Emotional learning, including engagement and wellbeing support from dedicated staff
  • Opportunities for experiential learning through the Creativity Activity Service (CAS) and Curriculum Enrichment Program (CEP)
  • Critical thinking and research skill development through the DP Core
  • Promotion of student voice and agency through Student Leadership roles
  • Recognition of both Diploma Programmes from universities, in the UAE and internationally.

Students’ results and contribution to the school community during Grade 10 are considered when students apply for one of the pathways available in our dual Diploma Programme for Grade 11 and 12. They receive guidance and support from the senior school team to make informed subject choices to prepare for either the International Baccalaureate or the Global Citizen Diploma Programmes.

For the most up-to-date information on subject offerings and progression requirements into the dual-pathway DP at VISS, please contact our Administration team who will put you in contact with the Head of Diploma Programmes.

 

Careers and Pathways

At VISS we place a strong emphasis on preparing students for life after school. Our dedicated Careers Programme offers targeted support for post-school pathways, beginning with a comprehensive Work Experience programme in Grade 10. Students benefit from structured academic tracking, individualised careers advice, and tailored support for university applications. We also guide students through the scholarship application process, helping them to access opportunities that align with their potential. The success of our holistic approach is evident in VISS Alumni securing places at prestigious universities around the world in fields as diverse as Medicine, Engineering, Law, Media and Communications, Fine Arts, Architecture and many more. A VISS education ensures that every individual is empowered to take the next step in their life journey with confidence and clarity.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

VISS is proud to be an authorised IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a rigorous and balanced two-year programme for students in Grades 11 and 12. The IBDP not only prepares students for success at university but also develops them as caring, reflective, and globally minded young people with a commitment to lifelong learning.

Programme Structure:

IBDP subjects are organised into six academic groups. Students select one subject from each of Groups 1–5, and may choose their sixth subject from Group 6 (The Arts) or from Groups 3 or 4. Each student studies three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).

In addition, all students complete the IB Core, which includes:

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A unique course that challenges students to think critically about knowledge itself—how we know what we claim to know—through interdisciplinary questions and real-world applications.
  • Extended Essay (EE): An independent 4,000-word research paper on a topic of the student’s choice. It develops advanced research and academic writing skills highly valued at university.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A practical component encouraging students to take initiative, engage with their community, and explore their passions beyond the classroom.

Subjects Offered at VISS

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

  • English A: Language and Literature (HL/SL)

Group 2: Language Acquisition

  • French Ab Initio (SL)
  • French B (HL/SL)
  • Arabic B (HL/SL)

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

  • Global Politics (HL/SL)
  • Business Management (HL/SL)

Group 4: Sciences

  • Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
  • Biology (HL/SL)
  • Chemistry (HL/SL)
  • Physics (HL/SL)
  • Design Technology (HL/SL)

Group 5: Mathematics

  • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) (HL/SL)
  • Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) (HL/SL)

Group 6: The Arts

Visual Arts (HL/SL)

The IB Learner Profile

The IB Diploma Programme is built around the IB Learner Profile, which describes the qualities we aim to foster in all students:

  • Inquirers
  • Knowledgeable
  • Thinkers
  • Communicators
  • Principled
  • Open-minded
  • Caring
  • Risk-takers
  • Balanced
  • Reflective

These attributes help shape students into well-rounded young people prepared to make a positive difference in the world.

To learn more about the IB Learner Profile, click here.

How is the diploma outcome calculated?

The diploma points are calculated by adding together the grades achieved from each of the six subjects and the core. Candidates receive a grade of 1-7 for each subject and up to three points for the core elements (EE and TOK). Standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) subjects are equally valued in determining the candidate’s final points. To achieve a diploma, students must earn at least 24 points and have met the conditions listed below.

The highest score that a candidate can achieve is 45 points. The maximum points of 45 is obtained from 6 (subjects) times 7 (top grade) plus 3 points from the core.

Core points matrix

For TOK and the EE, candidates receive a grade from A to E. The third element of the core, CAS, does not receive a grade. Completion is assessed by the school.

Candidates can earn between zero and three points towards the overall diploma points. The number of points is calculated using the table below.

Diploma Requirements

To be awarded the full IB Diploma, students must successfully complete six subjects, meet the requirements of the IB Core, and satisfy the IB Diploma Award Conditions as outlined by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).

Conditions for achieving the diploma

A candidate can only receive an IB Diploma if the following conditions are met.

  • CAS requirements are met.
  • The candidate has achieved at least 24 total points.
  • A grade has been awarded in all subjects, TOK and the EE.
  • A grade of at least a 2 has been awarded in all subjects.
  • There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL).
  • There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).
  • The candidate has at least 12 points on HL subjects. (For candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count).
  • Candidates have at least 9 points on SL subjects. (Candidates who register for two SL subjects must be awarded at least 5 points at SL).

Summary

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) at VISS is a two-year pre-university course for Grades 11 and 12 that combines academic challenge with personal growth. Students study six subjects across languages, sciences, humanities, mathematics, and the arts, while also completing the IB Core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Our IBDP students become critical thinkers, strong communicators, and globally minded young adults who live the values of the IB Learner Profile: they are inquirers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, reflective, balanced, and willing to take risks.

Graduates leave VISS with the confidence, resilience, and skills to thrive at top universities worldwide and to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

 

Global Citizen Diploma Programme (GCDP)

The VISS Global Citizen Diploma is an American style General High School Diploma qualification accredited by Cognia. Cognia has awarded VISS with the 2024 School of Distinction Award. The Schools of Distinction program recognises 60 schools and systems across the world that truly stand out in their service to learners, as demonstrated in meeting the Cognia Performance Standards.

The GCDP qualification is a two-year programme of study. At the heart of this program is the aim to provide accessible yet academically rigorous courses of study for VISS senior students. GC students must take the Core subjects English, Mathematics & Additional Language (Arabic or French) but have flexibility in their elective subjects which enables them to tailor the programme to suit their interests. Students wanting to study a specific discipline of Science or Humanities subjects or wishing to pursue their interest in Arts, Design and Technology will certainly find this pathway in the senior school attractive.

Students must fulfil the following conditions to achieve a VISS Global Citizen Diploma:

  • A minimum 21 credits from study in Grades 10, 11 and 12.
  • 3 credits at the end of Grade 11 must come from English, Mathematics & Science.
  • 3 credits at the end of Grade 12 must come from English Mathematics & Science
  • If applicable, students must pass the Ministry of Education Arabic Language Exam.
  • If Applicable, students must pass the Ministry of Education Islamic Studies Exam.
  • Pass Approaches to Knowledge (ATK), a critical thinking course
  • Satisfactory completion of Curriculum Enrichment Programme (CEP).