International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Overview

Academic Excellence, Global Perspective, Real-World Readiness

IB Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year academic program for students in Grades 11 and 12. It follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum and includes six subject groups along with core requirements. Students take courses at either Higher Level or Standard Level and must complete the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) components. The program is designed to meet university entrance requirements and provide a comprehensive education. Assessment is based on exams and coursework evaluated against IB standards. The DP aims to develop students’ academic skills and prepare them for further studies.

We are proud to be Cologne’s first IB Continuum School. That means our students benefit from a perfect educational journey across all three IB programmes—PYP, MYP, and DP— which offers consistent values, teaching approaches, and a clear path toward future success.

Why IB Diploma Programme?

  • University-Ready Curriculum
    The DP is designed with higher education in mind. Students dive deep into subjects they care about while gaining transferable skills that set them apart in university applications — and beyond.
  • Guidance Every Step of the Way
    With one-on-one mentorship, university counseling, and tailored academic support, our students are never alone. They’re guided by experienced teachers and advisors who care about their future.
  • Balance Between Depth and Breadth
    Students study six subjects — three at a higher level and three at standard level — along with the DP Core:
  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
  • Extended Essay (EE)
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
  • Recognition Around the World
    Universities across Europe, North America, and beyond value the DP for its academic depth and emphasis on independent learning. It’s not just a school leaving certificate — it’s a global passport to higher education.

The Diploma Programme Core

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
    Encourages students to reflect on how knowledge is built and understood across disciplines.
  • Extended Essay (EE)
    A 4,000-word research paper on a topic the student chooses — building university-level research and writing skills.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
    Involves students in artistic, athletic, and community-oriented experiences that promote balance and engagement beyond the classroom.

Results That Open Doors

IB DP graduates pursue studies in Germany and abroad, from business to science, medicine to the arts. The DP prepares them not only to get in, but to succeed once they’re there.

Want to Know More?

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To learn more about the IB DP,  visit the IB PYP website.

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Amazon Jungle

Throughout February, 2024, 25 of our CIS students embarked on a long journey to the Amazon Jungle in Iquitos, Peru. Students worked hard the previous months to raise funds to be able to create their community service project with the local communities of El Chino in the Tahuayo Region of the Amazon basin. Once there, our 25 students, along with our three teachers and the guides at the lodge they stayed in, participated in a whole day community service project where students built two complete Primary School classrooms. Our students built 20 desks and 20 chairs from scratch with the help of the local community and finished the day by putting the new furniture inside the classrooms. Thanks to this initiative, the students were able to fill up two classrooms that are now providing full day education to the children of the community. At CIS, one of our pillars of excellent education is understanding the privilege that comes with being an IB student and an international school student, and the importance of being global citizens. With this, comes the responsibility of being stewards of the communities that inhabit this world and the importance of giving back and being change makers!
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
08:15 - 09:45Targeted LearningSpanish / French / EALMathThe ArtsHumanities
09:45 - 10:15Snack & Break
10:15 - 11:15HumanitiesThe ArtsEnglishEnglishPersonal Growth
11:15 - 12:15MathEnglishScienceScienceGerman / GAL
12:15 - 13:15Science
13:15 - 13:45Lunch & Break
13:45 - 14:15Spanish / French / EALHomeroomGerman / GALSportMath
14:15 - 15:15German / GALClubsClubsClubsClubs
15:15 - 16:45ClubsCubsClubsClubsClubs
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IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)
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IB DiplomaYears Programme (DP)
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