IB World School

The IB Diploma Programme - Available at Nymphenburger Schools

Nymphenburger Gymnasium is proud to announce that on June 7, 2012 it has been designated an IB World School and was authorised to launch the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme from September 2012.
Nymphenburger Gymnasium is the first officially recognised school in Bavaria to offer both the IB Diploma Programme and the Abitur.

"IB is well known to us as excellent preparation. Success in an IB programme correlates well with success at Harvard. We are pleased to see the credential of the IB Diploma Programme on the transcript.”

Marlyn McGrath Lewis, Assistant Dean of Admissions, Harvard University, USA

Read all about it:

What is the International Baccalaureate Programme?

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968 as a non-profit educational foundation. A group of talented, forward-thinking teachers at the International School of Geneva, with assistance from several other international schools, created the IB Diploma Programme. What started life as a single programme for internationally mobile students preparing for university, has today grown into three programmes for students aged 3 to 19. More than 4,000 schools so far have chosen to teach International Baccalaureate® (IB) programmes, with their unique academic rigour and their emphasis on students’ personal development. Those schools employ over 70,000 educators, teaching more than one million students worldwide.

The Diploma Programme is the third of the programmes and a rigorous two year pre-university course that leads to the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows students to fulfil the requirements of various national education systems, the Diploma Programme model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of many. For more information on the International Baccalaureate Organisation, please go to www.ibo.org.

The Diploma Programme consists of three subjects studied at higher level (HL) and three subjects studied at standard level (SL). Since education is not restricted to formal classroom lessons, IB DP students also write an essay (Extended Essay - EE), they attend a course going beyond the limits of individual subjects (Theory of Knowledge - TOK), and participate in activities which enhance their creative potential, involves them in group action, and brings them into touch with people in need (Creativity, Activity, Service - CAS).

View the

• 'General Regulations: Diploma Programme' of the IBO
• 'Amendments to General Regulations: Diploma Programme' of the Nymphenburger Schools

• IB Diploma Programme video

The IB learner

The IB is for young people who are ambitious and adventurous and who want to learn more about the global society in which they live. It is particularly suited to students who enjoy academic study and who wish to keep studying a wide range of subjects beyond the Abitur. It is for outward looking students who enjoy the stimulation of learning and who strive to be:

Inquirers

They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled

They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded

They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers

They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective

They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

If you want to get the edge when applying to university, if you want to keep your options open and are interested in becoming more internationally minded, if you love learning and like being busy, then the IB could be right for you.

• View the IB learner profile video

Why do universities value IB students?

• IB students are prepared for academic success.
• IB students are more likely than others to enrol in and graduate from selective higher education institutions.
• Based on their experiences, IB students possess a broader range of skills that enhance their ability to adapt and contribute to university life.
• IB students demonstrate a level of emotional and intellectual maturity for managing the demands of challenging coursework and they make meaningful contributions.
• They have extensive experience doing independent research and presenting what they have learned through presentations, papers and other projects.
• They think critically and draw on diverse perspectives that reflect an international outlook.
• Participation in the IB Diploma Programme shows that students have excelled in multiple and diverse academic challenges which is a strong predictor for success in university.

A selection of quotes from leading universities

“IB is well known to us as excellent preparation. Success in an IB programme correlates well with success at Harvard. We are pleased to see the credential of the IB Diploma Programme on the transcript.”
Harvard University

"Durham University recognises the International Baccalaureate (IB). Our academic departments have noted the excellent preparation that the Diploma provides for university study, and we value the depth and breadth of study that it offers."
Durham University

"Newcastle University welcomes applications from candidates who have studied the International Baccalaureate. We believe that IB candidates are well-prepared for university study. Not only have they studied a good range of subjects, but they have studied some in depth and have developed independent learning skills which are helpful skills at degree level."
Newcastle University

"Each year the University of Manchester receives many outstanding applications from IB students across the UK and beyond. These go on to be successful students at the University. Our institutional knowledge of the IB has been, and remains, excellent. We recognise the many strengths of this qualification: for example its breadth, commitment to global awareness, and research skills."
Manchester University

"We have always recognised the strength of the IB qualification. As many of our degree programmes are offered as dual honours, there is a particular link between the breadth of education offered by the IB and the opportunities at Keele."
Keele University

"Universities have always held the IB in high regard and recognise the academic rigour, breadth and depth of this qualification. Indeed, the skills obtained by students undertaking the International Baccalaureate are widely considered excellent preparation for the transition into higher education; and this view is certainly endorsed here at Leeds."
Leeds University

“Diploma Programme students are well-rounded, multifaceted, multiskilled and have studied in depth. They have good time-management skills. They score higher than students in other national systems, and the IB score is worldwide the same measure.”
London School of Economics, UK

Find out more about

• University admission and recognition
• The benefits of the IB

German recognition of the IB Diploma

The IB - introducing a wealth of opportunities

Are you a world class student?

Please read below for some general information on the IB at Nymphenburger Schools. To find out even more, visit us on our open evenings.

The Nymphenburger IB curriculum: choice of subjects

Nymphenburger Gymnasium – to the best of our knowledge – is the first officially recognised school in Bavaria to offer both the IB Diploma Programme and the Abitur.
The curriculum contains six subject groups together with the DP core: Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS); the Extended Essay (EE); and Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
All subjects are studied concurrently across the two years and students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning: the humanities and the sciences.

Choice of subjects (2015 entry):

Group 1 – German A Literature Higher Level
Group 2 – English B Higher Level
Group 3 - History Standard Level
Group 4 - Biology Higher Level 
Group 5 - Mathematics Standard Level
Group 6 – Film Standard Level

More subjects will be offered in the course of the next years (e.g. Physics).

What is the Core?

The Core really represents the heart of the IB programme. It comprises Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).

Theory of Knowledge

During the TOK programme you will examine how we look at knowledge. You will learn about the different ways we have of knowing e.g. through our emotions and through our reason, as well as a range of different areas of knowledge, for example, the Arts and Natural Sciences. TOK will prompt you to see yourself as a thinker and to recognise the need to act responsibly in our complex world. TOK links the academic subjects of the IB programme, thereby helping you to see ways in which you can connect your knowledge.

The Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is an independent piece of research, brought together in a 4,000 word essay. It provides excellent practical preparation for university and is highly valued by university admissions staff. It is an opportunity for you to engage in an in-depth study of a subject in which you are interested and might study at university. You will be supported throughout the process with advice and guidance from a supervisor.

Creativity, Activity and Service

Your CAS activities are an integral part of your IB programme. CAS values you and your contribution to the world around you. The CAS programme at Nymphenburger is flexible and includes a wide range of activities, for example sports, theatre, art, music, volunteering or expeditions - it all depends on what kind of person you are. The common element is that your participation in CAS will involve some kind of service to a community, for example coaching a football team, volunteering in an old people’s home or organising a charity event. You will also have fun, develop as a person and meet new people.

Assessment and grading in the IB Diploma Programme

IB DP students at Nymphenburger Schools will need to take more written and oral tests than those students preparing for the Abitur only. Some of these grades will be given by their course teachers, other tests will be graded by external IB DP examiners. The grades range from 0 points (fail) to 7 points (outstanding). With six subjects covered, a student arrives at 42 points. An additional 3 points can be earned through Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, thus bringing the maximum total up to 45 points. Students need 24 points to acquire the full Diploma Programme. (Special regulations apply if the IB Diploma is used for university entry at a German university.)

The International Baccalaureate Programme places strong emphasis on academic rigour, commitment, international understanding and responsible citizenship. The general regulations set by the International Baccalaureate Organisation state: “The IBO expects students to participate in the IB curriculum as structured and required by the school; to comply with all subject-specific regulations and internal school deadlines, and to complete the Diploma Programme over a period of two years.”

Students failing to meet internal school deadlines risk not being able to achieve an IB Diploma. The school endeavours to ease the workload of the student by phasing deadlines over the two years of the IB programme. The student is given a calendar for the year to enable him/her to plan their work schedule and always know when a deadline is approaching.

View our

• 'Assessment Policy'
• 'Academic Honesty Policy'

Checklist for students: Should I go for it?

When you aspire being part of the IB DP at Nymphenburger Schools we assume that you are an open-minded person who is interested in understanding different cultures and different ways of thinking. But there is more to be considered before you apply. Answer the following ten questions honestly. Circle the numbers that seem most appropriate to you and add them up. Compare with the suggestions below.

1 = absolutely true             2 = sometimes                3 = have difficulties

Our IB Diploma graduates

July 2018

• 11 students obtained both the Abitur and the IB Diploma (including the Bilingual Diploma of the IB)
• average mark achieved in the Abitur: 1.50
• average points in the IB Diploma: 33
• highest Diploma points awarded to a candidate: 39
• average Diploma score worldwide: 29

• Read the article in our annual yearbook “Jahresbericht 2018”

July 2017

• 8 students obtained both the Abitur and the IB Diploma (including the Bilingual Diploma of the IB)
• average mark achieved in the Abitur: 2.2
• average points in the IB Diploma: 32
• highest Diploma points awarded to a candidate: 38
• average Diploma score worldwide: 29

• Read the article in our annual yearbook “Jahresbericht 2017”

July 2016:

• 13 students obtained both the Abitur and the IB Diploma (including the Bilingual Diploma of the IB)
• 1 student obtained the Abitur and the IB Certificate
• average mark achieved in the Abitur: 1.6 (three times 1.1)
• average points in the IB Diploma: 33
• highest Diploma points awarded to a candidate: 39
• average Diploma score worldwide: 30

• Read the Article in our annual yearbook “Jahresbericht 2016”

July 2015:

• 12 students obtained both the Abitur and IB Diploma
• average mark achieved in the Abitur: 1.45 (two times 1.0)
• average points in the IB Diploma: 32.4 (of 45 possible maximum)
• highest diploma points awarded by a candidate: 39
• average diploma score worldwide: 29.88 points

• Read the Article in our annual yearbook “Jahresbericht 2015”

July 2014:  

For the first time in Bavaria, nine students successfully graduated both with the Bavarian Abitur and the International Baccalaureate Diploma:

• average mark achieved in the Abitur: 1,5
• average points in the IB Diploma: 33
• highest diploma points awarded by a candidate: 38
• world average: 30.1

• Read the Article in our annual yearbook “Jahresbericht 2014”

Enrolment

If, after careful consideration, you decide on applying for the IB Diploma Programme, please fill in the Enrolment Form and get in contact with the IB Diploma Coordinator, Mrs Susanna Joachim.

Contact:
Phone 0049.89.15912-232 or Email susanna.joachim@nymphenburger-schulen.de.

After your contact with the IB Coordinator, hand in a folder containing all materials listed below. Give or send it to Mrs Joachim. If Mrs Joachim finds you fit to be a candidate for the IB DP you will be invited for a personal interview.

• Download Enrolment Form

Contact our IB Diploma Coordinator

Susanna Joachim

Studiendirektorin i.P., IB Diploma Coordinator

Postal address:
Nymphenburger Schulen
Sadelerstraße 10
80638 Munich
Germany

Email:    susanna.joachim@nymphenburger-schulen.de

Phone:   +49. 89.159 12 232

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the additional costs for the IB Diploma Programme?

The additional IB DP tuition fee is € 6,000 in total for the two years of the Diploma Programme. For further information please contact the IB Coordinator. 

How successful are IB students in applying to university?

Recipients of the IB Diploma enjoy a high rate of acceptance at leading universities. In addition, some universities offer scholarships to IB graduates. (cf link: Why do universities value IB students?)

I am an IB student. Who do I turn to with questions about the programmes?

The IB Coordinator at your school is your best resource for information about the IB programmes. Also, take a look at the pages for students on this website: http://ibo.org/en/benefits/benefits-for-students/

Does the IB Diploma Programme satisfy my national requirements for receiving a secondary or high school degree?

In the majority of countries, the IB Diploma can entirely replace the national qualification for entry to university. However, it is important to check national regulations to see if the IB Diploma gives, in addition, the same legal rights as a national diploma (for example, the right to be employed in the state service).

Can I transfer from one IB World School to another?

The IB regional offices work closely with schools to ensure that students of all ages can transfer without problems. However, each IB World School makes its own decision.

Is the Diploma Programme curriculum the same all over the world?

The core requirements are the same but there is room for flexibility. The courses offered by one school may differ somewhat from those of another school.

Where can I find a schedule of Diploma Programme examinations?

The latest examination schedules are posted on the following website:
http://www.ibo.org/en/programmes/diploma-programme/assessment-and-exams/exam-schedule/

When are examination results made available?

Examination results are sent out in July for the May session and in January for the November session. Students may also find out about their results online. To access the website, students must obtain a personal identification number (PIN) from their Diploma Programme Coordinator.

What happens if an Abitur exam and an IB exam fall on the same date?

In agreement with the IBO in the case of a clash the national exam (the Abitur) can be sit in the morning, whereas the IB exam will have to be taken in the afternoon of the same day. In some cases, the IB exam may also be rescheduled to another day.

Responsible for content: Susanna Joachim, OStRin i.P., IB Diploma Coordinator (July 2015)