Along with the American diploma and the Brazilian diploma, the International School of Curitiba offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in the last two years of high school (grades 11 and 12). This optional diploma is an excellent stepping stone to leading universities around the world because of the high standard of study and rigorous assessment controlled by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).  In addition to the academic areas of study, the IB program is enriched further with three special areas required for all IB students: CAS, TOK and Extended Essay.

ISC is very proud to be able to offer its students three different diplomas. Because of the diversity of our students, not only in interests, but cultures as well, ISC attempts to integrate the coursework of all three diplomas in its curriculum. The courses offered are carefully selected to meet the requirements and interests of as many students as possible. The prospective IB candidate is expected to have English proficiency, be highly motivated and self disciplined. The following is a list of IB courses offered at ISC:

• 1st Language
  • English A1 HL,
  • Portuguese A1 HL
• 2nd Language 
  • English A2 HL / SL
  • Portuguese A2 HL / SL
  • Portuguese B HL
• Humanities
  • History of the Americas HL
  • Information Technology in a Global Society HL / SL
  • Brazilian History and Geography SL
• Sciences (
  • Physics HL / SL 
  • Biology HL / SL
• Mathematics
  • Math SL
• Arts
  • Visual Arts SL

Creativity, Action and Service or otherwise known as CAS provides a refreshing counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some students may feel within a demanding school program. ISC considers community service an essential part of education and has included it in the ISC Beliefs and Values Statements as one of our goals. ISC requires all students to complete 150 CAS hours. CAS involves taking part in theatre productions, sports, and community service, which encourages these young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others. ISC has developed an extensive CAS program. The students are able to participate in a variety of community projects.

Students participate in a critical thinking course called the Theory of Knowledge (TOK). TOK challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, where knowledge comes from and how we obtain it. The key goal for TOK is to develop a coherent approach to learning.

The Extended Essay requires students to undertake original research in their area of interest and produce a paper of approximately 4000 words. From working on this type of paper, students gain the essential skills on how to conduct independent research and writing proficiency that is expected in university and in their future professions.

May is the month for the IB external examinations and more than 30,000 students are assessed by the IBO annually. Examination results are posted in July and can be accessed through the internet. Students are tested using a wide range of conventional external examination techniques: oral and written, long and short responses, data-based questions, essays, multiple choice questions. External examinations are complemented by internal assessment of coursework from classroom teachers. This system ensures that students will have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they know through a variety of written and oral assessments.

Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). In order to receive the IB diploma, successful completion of all six subject areas (with grades greater than 4) plus the extended essay, the TOK and the CAS hours is required. According to the IBO, the diploma will be awarded to a student whose total score reaches or exceeds 24 points.

The diploma is offered by IBO which is an international organization independent from ISC. The Registration fee is currently $123; Subject Fees are currently $84 per course. The Registration Fee includes the TOK and Extended essay courses. This amount must be paid in full by parents to the IBO. Please note that fees are set by the IB year to year and can also fluctuate with the Euro.

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