SISQ An IB World School

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational framework that combines academic challenge with personal growth. Its mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, caring young people who become active, responsible global citizens.

At SISQ, we strive to integrate the IB's philosophy into our school ethos: inquiry, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and holistic development.

We offer (or aim to offer) the full IB continuum:

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Diploma Programme (DP)

We believe that a coherent IB journey provides consistency in pedagogy, skill development, and learner identity across years, helping students transition smoothly from one stage to the next.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Designed for younger learners (typically age 3 to ~12, or PK through Grade 5), the PYP focuses on nurturing the whole child: academically, socially, physically, and emotionally.

Transdisciplinary approach: Students explore big ideas and concepts through units that cross subject boundaries.

Emphasis on inquiry - students ask questions, investigate, and apply learning.

Focus on attitudes and attributes consistent with the IB Learner Profile (caring, reflective, open-minded, etc.).

Formative and summative assessment, plus student reflection and self-assessment.

For more Information about the PYP click here

The Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The MYP (usually Grades 6 to 10, ages ~11-16) provides a bridge between PYP and DP. It encourages students to make connections between what they learn and the world around them. Main characteristics:

Eight subject groups provide balanced exposure (e.g. languages, sciences, arts, mathematics, individuals & societies, design, physical education).

Global Contexts: real-world themes and contexts that frame inquiry.

Approaches to Learning (ATL): Skills in thinking, research, communication, self-management, social skills that are explicitly taught.

Personal Project (in final year of MYP) - a student-driven long-term project to showcase independent inquiry.

For more Information about the MYP click here

The Diploma Programme (DP)

The DP is a rigorous, two-year programme (for the final years of secondary schooling) preparing students for university-level work.

Students select six subjects, covering areas such as language & literature, language acquisition, sciences, individuals & societies, mathematics, and the arts (or substitute subject).

Core components:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - exploring how we know what we claim to know

Extended Essay (EE) - an independent research project (typically ~4,000 words)

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - engaging in arts, physical activity, and community service

For more Information about the DP click here

IB Continuum & Coherence

At Swiss International School, Qatar (SISQ), one of our greatest strengths lies in the coherence of the IB Continuum. Each programme builds naturally on the previous stage, ensuring that learning is consistent, connected, and progressive from Early Years through the Diploma Programme.

Our students begin their journey as curious inquirers and gradually evolve into independent, reflective, and globally minded young adults. Through aligned pedagogy, shared values, and common approaches to learning, they develop a strong sense of identity as IB learners - equipped with the confidence, adaptability, and critical-thinking skills needed for success at university and beyond.

Approaches to Learning & Learner Profile

IB Learner Profile

The Learner Profile represents ten attributes that define the qualities SISQ nurtures in every student: Inquirers, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, Reflective, and Knowledgeable.

These attributes are embedded in classroom experiences, co-curricular activities, and community life, guiding students to become compassionate, ethical, and engaged global citizens.

Approaches to Learning (ATL)

The ATL framework develops essential lifelong skills in thinking, research, communication, self-management, and collaboration. These skills are explicitly taught, practiced, and reflected upon across all subjects and grade levels, empowering SISQ students to take ownership of their learning and thrive in an ever-changing world.