IB: International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offers a comprehensive evaluation of student achievement through a combination of external examinations and internally assessed coursework. External examinations, marked by experienced IB examiners worldwide, ensure consistency and reliability across different schools and countries. Internal assessments, worth 20% of each subject grade, are evaluated by teachers and moderated by the IB Organisation, allowing students to demonstrate practical skills, investigative abilities, and subject-specific competencies. This combination of assessment methods develops ongoing study skills and examination technique, thoroughly preparing students for university-level evaluation.

Each subject is graded from 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of achievement. The Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay components can contribute up to three additional points, bringing the maximum possible score to 45 points. To receive the IB Diploma, students must achieve a minimum of 24 points, though competitive universities often expect scores well above this threshold.

All of our IB subjects and courses are taught by highly qualified and experienced professionals, using world-class resources and materials. As one of the best IB programmes in the Algarve, our faculty brings international perspectives, native-speaking English teachers, and deep subject expertise to their teaching. Many serve as official IB examiners and moderators, offering students invaluable insights into assessment expectations and marking standards, which guide them effectively towards top grades. 

The school’s commitment to professional development ensures that our teachers stay current with evolving teaching approaches and curriculum updates. Regular training sessions, international conferences, and collaborative planning uphold the high standards of instruction that distinguish our school.

Finally, our IB teachers, tutors, and the DP coordinator are always available to support each student in achieving their ambitious goals and excelling in the programme.

The International Baccalaureate Learner Profile defines ten attributes that characterise successful lifelong learners: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. Developed throughout the programme, these qualities extend beyond academic achievement, fostering personal character and a strong work ethic that enable students to thrive at university and beyond.

IB students develop their inquiry and critical thinking skills through research, laboratory work, and independent study, encouraging curiosity and systematic problem-solving. The programme’s international perspective nurtures open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity, preparing students to succeed in diverse university and professional environments. Strong communication skills are emphasised through presentations, writing, and collaboration, helping students express complex ideas clearly and confidently.

Compared to the traditional Ensino Secundário curriculum, our IB Diploma Programme in the Algarve offers:

• Global recognition and direct access to international universities, with no need for additional examinations.
• Breadth and depth across six subjects, providing more university course routes.
• Unique core components (TOK, EE, CAS) that develop well-rounded students far beyond academics.
• Multilingual proficiency and intercultural understanding, although the international philosophy of our school ensures students in the Portuguese pathway also benefit from this.
• Balanced assessment combining coursework and externally marked exams following global standards.

Portuguese universities recognise IB Diploma scores through the DGES conversion system, which translates IB grades directly to the national 0–20 scale. This automatic recognition eliminates the need for additional national examinations and provides clear pathways to Portuguese higher education.

Universities around the world value IB qualifications and accept them directly, with many offering advanced standing or course credit to high-achieving IB graduates. For admission to UK universities, IB grades convert easily to UCAS tariff points. This global recognition gives students exceptional flexibility in choosing their higher education paths.