Gateway International School (GIS) is an authorized Diploma Programme (DP) school, authorized in December, 2017. GIS is committed to structured inquiry as the vehicle for learning. Six transdisciplinary themes provide the framework for the exploration and construction of knowledge. Teachers and students are guided by these transdisciplinary themes — as they design Units of Inquiry for exploration and study. Through this process, students develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge, develop particular attitudes and learn to take socially responsible action. We believe in the holistic development of children, tapping their potential curiosity and innate talents to bring out well balanced confident individuals, and lifelong independent learners. We strive to develop global citizens who respect cultures, who open-mindedly nurture the diversity found around them, and who endeavour to lead by example. We develop attitudes that make our learners caring and empathetic towards those less privileged and enable them to realise that they have the power to make a change. We respect each child’s individuality and uniqueness and are committed to enrich and widen their horizons.

The Diploma Programme prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they:

• Develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically
• Acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, Studying courses from six subject groups.
• Develop the skills and a positive attitude towards learning that will Prepare them for higher education.
• Study at least two languages and increase understanding of cultures, including their own.

The curriculum

DP students must choose one course from each of five subject groups delivering a breadth of knowledge and understanding in their best language, additional language(s), individuals and societies, the sciences and mathematics. Furthermore, students must also choose either an arts course from the arts group or a second course from one of the other subject groups. DP courses can be taken at higher level or standard level. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (240 teaching hours), while the remaining courses are taken at standard level(150 teaching hours). Two courses are classified as interdisciplinary meaning that they satisfy the requirements of more than one subject group:

• literature and performance (group 1 and group 6)
• environmental systems and societies (group 3 and group 4)
• In addition to disciplinary and interdisciplinary study, the DP features three core elements that broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.
• Complete at least 100 hours of instruction in an interdisciplinary course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• Complete an extended essay of 4000-5000 words involving independent research in an IB subject
• Participate in an approved 150 hour program of creative, active and community service activities (CAS or Creativity, Activity and Service)

The Diploma Programme core

The extended essay asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. The world studies extended essay option allows students to focus on a topic of global significance which they examine through the lens of at least two DP subjects.

Theory of knowledge (TOK)

Theory of knowledge (TOK) develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) emphasizes helping students to develop their own identities , in accordance with the ethical principles embodied in the IB mission statement and the IB learner profile. CAS complements a challenging academic programme in a holistic way, providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, accomplishment and enjoyment. It involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the DP. The three strands of CAS are creativity (exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance), activity (physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle) and service (collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need).