The International School of Estonia offers a highly successful programme of academic instruction leading to a high school diploma and the possibility of the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Students enter the Academy in pre- IB courses in grade 10 and are prepared for the rigorous requirements of the IB programme. At the end of grade 10, students may apply for the two-year IB programme offered in grades 11 and 12.
Students may pursue three options in grades 11 and 12:
- 1) ISE Diploma Only: A fully accredited high school diploma certified by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Students have access to worldwide universities.
- 2) ISE Diploma with partial IB courses and the option of pursuing IB certificates in selected subjects. Students can complete a high school diploma while focusing on specific courses of interest that may lead to an IB Certificate.
- 3) ISE Diploma with registration for the full IB Diploma. Students can successfully complete the ISE Diploma simultaneously while preparing for internal and external requirements.
The IB Diploma Programme at ISE
Life in the 21st century, in an interconnected, globalized world, requires critical-thinking skills and a sense of international-mindedness, something that International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme students come to know and understand.
What is the Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.
The curriculum
IB Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5.
In addition the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding.
The extended essay is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.
Theory of knowledge is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).
Creativity, action, service requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately.
Over the course of the two-year programme, students:
- study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups
- complete an extended essay
- follow a theory of knowledge course (TOK)
- participate in creativity, action, service (CAS).
Normally:
- three of the six subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours)
- the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours).
IB Courses offered at the International School of Estonia
For a small school, ISE is proud to offer an exemplary choice of courses. In fact, ISE is the only IB authorized school offering Group 6 courses. Our course selection gives students flexibility to enter top universities while pursuing a well-rounded education.
- Group 1: language A1 Higher and Standard Level English, Estonian and German
- Self-taught Languages: Students whose native language is not offered at the school may take a self-taught IBO approved language course.
- Group 2: second Language Higher and Standard Level English, French, and German
- Group 3: individuals and society Higher and Standard Level History
- Group 4: experimental Sciences Higher and Standard Level Biology and Chemistry
- Group 5: mathematics Higher and Standard Level Mathematics and Mathematical Studies (SL only)
- Group 6: the arts Visual Arts and Music
Assessment
Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the creativity, action, service requirement. The highest total that a Diploma Programme student can be awarded is 45 points.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) assesses student work as direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the Diploma Programme courses.
The Diploma Programme goals provide students with:
- a broad and balanced, yet academically demanding, programme of study
- the development of critical-thinking and reflective skills
- the development of research skills
- the development of independent learning skills
- the development of intercultural understanding
- a globally recognized university entrance qualification.
Diploma Programme assessment procedures measure the extent to which students have mastered advanced academic skills in fulfilling these goals, for example:
- analysing and presenting information
- evaluating and constructing arguments
- solving problems creatively.
Basic skills are also assessed, including:
- retaining knowledge
- understanding key concepts
- applying standard methods.
In addition to academic skills, Diploma Programme assessment encourages an international outlook and intercultural skills where appropriate. Assessment tasks are designed to support and encourage good classroom teaching and learning. Student results are determined by performance against set standards, not by each student’s position in the overall rank order.
Quality Assurance and Professional Development
Any school wishing to offer the Diploma Programme and attain IB World School status must first go through the authorization process. The requirements for authorization are the same for all schools, even though the process is administered slightly differently in each IB region. The process is designed to ensure schools are well prepared to implement the programme successfully.
This is a challenging programme that demands the best from both motivated students and teachers. Schools can access an extensive package of IB professional development for teachers and administrators and commit to ongoing professional development. Schools are required to participate in an ongoing process of review and development, using standards and practices that apply to all IB World Schools.
Visit our page on the IBO website for more information about our programs.
ISE Diploma
The ISE Diploma is fully accredited by the New England Association of Colleges and Schools (USA), the Council of International Schools (London, UK).
Curriculum
The high school curriculum is predominantly college preparatory. Most graduates continue their educational careers at universities in North America and Europe. Graduates receive an ISE high school diploma.
Instruction is in English, with English as a Second Language provided for students requiring English language support. Students must enroll in seven courses each year, which typically include: English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Fine Arts, Wellness, and a Foreign Language. Community service is part of the graduation requirements. The Principal assists high school students with career education and the university admission process.
Requirements for ISE High School Diploma The minimum requirement for students who have been enrolled in ISE since the ninth grade is to accumulate 25 credits as listed below. A TOEFL score of 80+ is required for non native speakers.
ISE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
| SUBJECT | CREDITS |
|---|---|
| English | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 |
| Humanities | 3 |
| Science | 3 |
| Wellness | 2 |
| Fine Arts/Electives | 6 |
| Total | 24 Credits |
Awards and ISE Graduate Statistics
There were 4 students in the Class of 2009.
- 100% matriculated to a 4 year college/university
- 100% earned full IB Diploma
- 100% earned Bilingual certification
International Baccalaureate results since 2005
- 90% received full IB Diploma
- 100% received IB certificates in English and History
Post-High School Placement
- 95% matriculate to 4-year colleges and/or universities
Awards and Distinctions
- Global Entrepreneurship scholarship
- Margaret Sanders Scholarship
- Council of International Schools Student Award
ISE students have been accepted at respected universities around the world. We are proud of their achievements and wish them well in their studies and welcome them back to visit whenever they are in Tallinn.
Colleges attended by ISE graduates over the last seven years:
| London School of Economics (UK) | Polk Community College (USA) |
| London School of Art (UK) | Whitman College (USA) |
| Oxford Brookes University (UK) | University of Connecticut (USA) |
| University College, London (UK) | International University Audentes(Estonia) |
| University of Kingston (UK) | Estonian Business School (Estonia) |
| University of Sterling (UK) | Estonian School of Music (Estonia) |
| University of Oxford (UK) | Tartu University (Estonia) |
| University of Dundee (UK) | Estonian Academy of Art (Estonia) |
| University of Aberdeen (UK) | Hogeschool Rotterdam (Netherlands) |
| King’s College (UK) | Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands) |
| University of Strathclyde (UK) | Instituto Europeo Di Design (Spain) |
| University of Southampton (UK) | University of Brussels (Belgium) |
| University of Moscow (Russia) | University of Warsaw (Poland) |
| Portobello College (Ireland) | Wyszyński University (Poland) |
| University of Groningen (Holland) | Université Jean Moulin Lyon (France) |
| Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne(Switzerland) |
Contact Information:
Matt Smith
IB Diploma Coordinator
matts@ise.edu.ee
+372 666-4380
