International Baccalaureate in Madrid
IB School in Madrid
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program at Aquinas American School (AAS) offers a rigorous and globally recognized education, preparing students for prestigious universities and their future careers.
Designed for students aged 16 to 19, the IB fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and intercultural respect. Recognized in more than 140 countries, including Spain, the UK, and the USA, it facilitates access to universities worldwide.
International Baccalaureate subjects
The IB curriculum at Aquinas American School is composed of six subject groups and three core components that promote a well-rounded education.
Students must choose six subjects: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) from Groups 1 to 6. Students may choose two Group 1 languages instead of one Group 2 language. In addition, the Group 6 subject can be substituted by another option available in the Alternative to Group 6 box. To obtain the IB Diploma, students must complete all three core subjects.
These courses are reviewed annually and there must be a minimum number of students for them to be open.
| Core Courses | Theory of Knowledge | Extended Essay | CAS Creativity Activity Service |
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Group 5 | Group 6 |
| Studies in Langauge & Literature | Language Acquisition | Individuals and Societies | Sciences | Mathematics | Arts & Alternative |
| Spanish A: Literature HL | Spanish B HL | History HL | Physics HL | Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches HL | Arts |
| Spanish A: Literature SL | English B HL | History SL | Physics SL | Physics SL | |
| Business Management HL | Chemistry HL | Physics HL | |||
| English A: Literature HL | French B HL | Business Management SL | Chemistry SL | Alternative | |
| Biology HL | History HL | ||||
| English A: Literature SL | French B SL | Environmental Systems & Societes HL | Biology SL | History SL | |
| Environmental Systems & Societes HL | Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations SL | Chemistry HL | |||
| English A: Language & Literature HL | Spanish Ab Initio SL | Environmental Systems & Societes SL | Environmental Systems & Societes SL | Chemistry SL | |
| Computer Science HL | Computer Science HL | ||||
| English A: Language & Literature SL | French Ab Initio SL | Psychology HL | Computer Science SL | Computer Science SL | |
| Psychology SL | French Ab Initio SL |
HL: High Level
SL: Standard Level
Core Components
The IB includes three fundamental pillars:
- Theory of Knowledge (ToK): Course that stimulates critical thinking and reflection on the nature of knowledge.
- Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS): Program that integrates artistic, sports and volunteer activities.
- Extended Essay: A 4,000-word research paper on an area of interest to the student.
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Aquinas American School Academic Results
Our students have obtained outstanding scores in the IB, surpassing the global average and gaining access to highly prestigious universities in Spain and abroad.
Admission Process
Access to the IB Diploma at Aquinas American School follows a selection process that guarantees the best fit between the student and the program.
- Request for information. Contact our admissions department.
- Academic evaluation. English and mathematics file review and placement tests.
- Personal interview. Meeting with the academic team to assess the student’s motivation and profile.
- Confirmation of place. Formalization of enrollment and initial orientation.
For more information, please contact our admissions team.
Aquinas American School has clear academic policies to ensure the highest educational and ethical standards.
IB Frequently Asked Questions
What is IB?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation that seeks to develop young people who are curious, informed and committed to learning. Its mission is to develop internationally minded individuals capable of contributing to a more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The IB offers a world-class education that prepares students for university and life beyond. IB students excel in critical thinking and research skills, enabling them to excel in their university studies and gain access to some of the best universities in the world.
What is the IB Diploma Programme curriculum like?
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is composed of six subject groups and a compulsory core comprising three key components:
– Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Reflection on the nature of knowledge and how we acquire it.
– Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS): Participation in artistic, sporting and voluntary activities.
– Extended Essay: Independent research on a topic of interest culminating in an academic essay.
Students must choose one subject from each of the six groups:
1. Language and Literature Studies
2. Languages of Acquisition
3. Individuals and Societies
4. Science
5. Mathematics
6. Arts (optional, may be substituted by another subject from another group)
Learn more at the official IB website: ibo.org
What is the difference between the IB and the American High School Diploma?
Although both programmes cover the last two years of secondary school (G11 and G12), there are significant differences:
– IB (International Baccalaureate)
– 2-year programme.
– Includes 6 subjects and 3 compulsory components (TOK, CAS and Extended Essay).
– A globally recognised qualification, facilitating access to prestigious universities in different countries.
– Focus on international mindedness and the development of critical thinking.
– American High School Diploma (AHSD)
– 2-year programme.
– Students take 6 subjects each year and participate in at least one club.
– Degree that allows access to the Spanish university system and to universities in other countries.
– Requires the completion of 25 hours of voluntary work per year.
– Students must choose at least 4 subjects from different areas of knowledge, such as literature, mathematics, natural sciences, philosophy and history.
What are the advantages of doing the IB Diploma?
The IB Diploma Programme offers multiple benefits for students:
– International recognition: It is a widely accepted qualification at universities around the world.
• Development of academic and personal skills: Encourages critical thinking, research, time management and independence.
• University Preparation: As a rigorous programme, it helps students to better adapt to the demands of the university environment.
• Global focus: Promotes international mindedness and intercultural communication skills.
• Emphasis on action and service: Through CAS, students develop social and leadership skills through volunteering and extracurricular activities.
Which universities can I access with the IB?
The IB Diploma is highly respected around the world and opens doors to some of the best universities. In recent years, our graduates have been accepted into prestigious institutions in countries such as the United States, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, France, Italy and many more. You can find more information on our High School page.
The offer of these subjects is conditioned to a minimum of 10 students per class.
For further information, please contact
info@aquinasmadrid.es
