IB Diploma Programme Overview

Academic Excellence, Global Perspective, Real-World Readiness

IB Diploma Programme at Cologne International School

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) at Cologne International School 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.

What Is the DP?

The DP is a two-year, internationally recognized programme that challenges students across six subject areas while developing their critical thinking, research, and leadership skills. It’s respected by universities worldwide for producing independent learners and motivated individuals.

Why DP at CIS

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.

Personal Support, Global Mindset

At CIS, students are known and supported. We combine small class sizes, an international environment, and a bilingual setting to offer both challenge and care. In our international community, students build knowledge, skills, and confidence for their next steps.

Results That Open Doors

Our 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?

To learn more about the PYP at CIS or explore how it fits into our full IB Continuum, contact us or visit the IB PYP website.

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
08:15 - 09:45	Targeted Learning	Spanish / French / EAL	Math	The Arts	Humanities
09:45 - 10:15	Snack & Break
10:15 - 11:15	Humanities	The Arts	English	English	Personal Growth
11:15 - 12:15	Math	English	Science	Science	German / GAL
12:15 - 13:15		Science
13:15 - 13:45	Lunch & Break
13:45 - 14:15	Spanish / French / EAL	Homeroom	German / GAL	Sport	Math
14:15 - 15:15	German / GAL	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs
15:15 - 16:45	Clubs	Cubs	Clubs	Clubs	Clubs

Time	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
07:00 - 08:00	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision	Early Supervision
08:00 - 09:30	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry	Unit of Inquiry
09:30 - 10:00	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess	Snack & Recess
10:00 - 10:30	Instrumental	Kung Fu	Instrumental	Tai Chi	Instrumental
10:30 - 12:00	Unit	Unit	Unit	Unit	Tai Chi + Unit
12:00 - 13:30	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess	Lunch & Recess
13:30 - 14:30	Unit Math, German, English, Social Studies	Swimming	Library	Music	Unit
14:30 - 15:30	Spanish	Clubs	Art	Unit	Clubs
15:30 - 16:30	Spanish		Spanish	Spanish
16:30 - 18:00	Late Clubs	Late Clubs	Late Clubs	Late Clubs