The IB Diploma Programme (DP) at ZIS is a rigorous, internationally recognized pre-university curriculum designed for Grades 11 and 12. It empowers students to become intellectually curious, globally minded, and socially responsible learners prepared to thrive in universities around the world and beyond.


Rooted in inquiry and reflection, the DP challenges students to explore complex ideas, think critically, and apply their learning to real-world contexts. Through the study of six subject groups and the program’s core components—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—students develop the skills and dispositions needed for success in both academic and personal pursuits.


The Diploma Programme at ZIS aims to:

  • Foster academic excellence through depth and balance across disciplines
  • Cultivate international-mindedness and intercultural understanding
  • Encourage independent research, creativity, and service to the community
  • Prepare students for future study, leadership, and global citizenship


At ZIS, the IBDP experience is supported by dedicated teachers, personalized guidance, and a strong sense of community, ensuring that every learner is empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

Introduction & Overview 

The IB Diploma Programme at ZIS

Language and Literature

Builds confidence in reading, writing, and communication through creative and analytical study of texts and media.


Language Acquisition

Encourages learning a new language while exploring different cultures and ways of thinking.


Individuals and Societies

Examines history, geography, and society to understand people, places, and global issues.


Sciences

Inspires curiosity and problem-solving through hands-on experiments and discovery.

Mathematics

Strengthens logical thinking, problem-solving, and real-life math skills.


Arts

Sparks creativity and imagination through visual, musical, and performance experiences.


Design

Promotes innovation and practical problem-solving through digital, product, and systems design.


Physical and Health Education

Focuses on fitness, teamwork, and building lifelong healthy habits.

SUBJECTS

A Detailed List

Language Pathways help students develop strong communication skills and a deep appreciation for languages and cultures. The school offers two main pathways: Language and Literature and Language Acquisition.


Language and Literature

Builds confidence in reading, writing, and communication through creative and analytical study of texts and media.

Language Acquisition

Encourages learning a new language while exploring different cultures and ways of thinking.


Individuals and Societies

Examines history, geography, and society to understand people, places, and global issues.

Sciences

Inspires curiosity and problem-solving through hands-on experiments and discovery.


Mathematics

Strengthens logical thinking, problem-solving, and real-life math skills.


Arts

Sparks creativity and imagination through visual, musical, and performance experiences.


Design

Promotes innovation and practical problem-solving through digital, product, and systems design.


Physical & Health Education

Focuses on fitness, teamwork, and building lifelong healthy habits.

Language Development

In The IBDP

Internal Assessment
In the IB Diploma Programme (DP) at ZIS, Internal Assessments (IAs) allow students to demonstrate learning through projects, essays, investigations, and performances completed during the course.


Assessed by teachers and moderated by the International Baccalaureate, these tasks measure understanding, analysis, and application of knowledge. Each subject has clear assessment criteria, with results reported on a 1–7 scale to ensure fairness and consistency.


This process fosters independent learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity as students prepare for their final DP examinations in Grade 12.


MYP Reporting

ZIS has two major reporting sessions each year in the MYP programme (Semester One and Semester Two). In addition, interim reports are sent in the middle of each semester.


Reports are instruments to indicate growth towards academic and personal excellence:

  • Academics: Grades and comments
  • Personal: Core and ATLs comments


Formal reports allow parents and teachers to monitor the progress of every student. They also indicate each student’s achievement and the level that the student managed in each subject objective and criterion with detailed comments about their academic performance.

ASSESSMENT & Reporting Access. Reflect. Grow. Together

Core Components

What Makes the IBDP Unique

At the heart of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) at ZIS are its three core elements—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Together, these components enrich students’ academic journey by fostering inquiry, reflection, and personal growth. They inspire learners to think critically, pursue independent research, and engage meaningfully within their communities, cultivating the intellectual curiosity, balance, and global-mindedness that define the ZIS graduate.


Extended Essay (EE)

An independent, self-directed research project that nurtures academic writing and inquiry skills. Students investigate a topic of personal interest and produce a formal essay of up to 4,000 words.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

A unique course that challenges students to reflect critically on the nature of knowledge and their own ways of knowing. TOK encourages open-minded inquiry through discussion, analysis, and evaluation of diverse perspectives.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

A holistic component that extends learning beyond the classroom. Through creative projects, physical activities, and community engagement, students develop self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of global responsibility.

ZIS

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

Courageous. Caring. Committed

Preparing internationally-minded leaders for a better tomorrow.

INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW 

The IB Diploma Programme at ZIS

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) at ZIS is a rigorous, internationally recognized pre-university curriculum designed for Grades 11 and 12. It empowers students to become intellectually curious, globally minded, and socially responsible learners prepared to thrive in universities around the world and beyond.


Rooted in inquiry and reflection, the DP challenges students to explore complex ideas, think critically, and apply their learning to real-world contexts. Through the study of six subject groups and the program’s core components—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—students develop the skills and dispositions needed for success in both academic and personal pursuits.


The Diploma Programme at ZIS aims to:

  • Foster academic excellence through depth and balance across disciplines
  • Cultivate international-mindedness and intercultural understanding
  • Encourage independent research, creativity, and service to the community
  • Prepare students for future study, leadership, and global citizenship


At ZIS, the IBDP experience is supported by dedicated teachers, personalized guidance, and a strong sense of community, ensuring that every learner is empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

CORE COMPONENTS

What Makes The Diploma Programme Unique

At the heart of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) at ZIS are its three core elements—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Together, these components enrich students’ academic journey by fostering inquiry, reflection, and personal growth. They inspire learners to think critically, pursue independent research, and engage meaningfully within their communities, cultivating the intellectual curiosity, balance, and global-mindedness that define the ZIS graduate.

Extended Essay (EE)

An independent, self-directed research project that nurtures academic writing and inquiry skills. Students investigate a topic of personal interest and produce a formal essay of up to 4,000 words.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

A unique course that challenges students to reflect critically on the nature of knowledge and their own ways of knowing. TOK encourages open-minded inquiry through discussion, analysis, and evaluation of diverse perspectives.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

A holistic component that extends learning beyond the classroom. Through creative projects, physical activities, and community engagement, students develop self-awareness, empathy, and a sense of global responsibility.

DP SUBJECTS

Helping students explore ideas, develop skills, and discover their passions through 8 exciting subjects. 

At ZIS we offer to following subjects.

English & Chinese Language and Literature

Students explore the crucial role language plays in communication, reflecting experience and shaping the world, and the roles of individuals as producers of language.


English & Chinese Language Acquisition

Designed for students with some previous experience of the target language, this course supports students’ development in their ability to communicate through the study of language, themes, and texts.


Business Management

Designed to meet the needs of students who want to develop their knowledge of business content, concepts, and tools to assist with business decision-making.


Economics

Students develop an understanding of the complexities and interdependence of economic activities in a rapidly changing world.

Psychology

The course aims to develop students’ psychological literacy through an investigation of psychological content, contexts, and concepts, as well as the models and theories associated with these areas.


Biology

Students explore the complexities and interconnectedness of living organisms and the balance within ecosystems.


Mathematics Application & Interpretation

This course emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used in applications or in mathematical modeling.


Visual Arts

This thought-provoking course supports students’ development of analytical skills, problem-solving, and divergent thinking while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers.

Theory of Knowledge

Through this course students are provided with opportunities to reflect on the nature, scope and limitations of knowledge and the process of knowing.

ASSESSMENT & REPORTING

How We Assess Students In The IB Diploma Programme at ZIS

Internal Assessment

Reporting

In the IB Diploma Programme (DP) at ZIS, Internal Assessments (IAs) allow students to demonstrate learning through projects, essays, investigations, and performances completed during the course. 


Assessed by teachers and moderated by the International Baccalaureate, these tasks measure understanding, analysis, and application of knowledge. 


Each subject has clear assessment criteria, with results reported on a 1–7 scale to ensure fairness and consistency. 


This process fosters independent learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity as students prepare for their final DP examinations in Grade 12.

ZIS has two major reporting sessions each year in the DP programme (Semester One and Semester Two). In addition, interim reports are sent in the middle of each semester.


Reports are instruments to indicate growth towards academic and personal excellence

  • Academics: Grades and comments
  • Personal: DP Core and ATLs comments


Formal reports allow parents and teachers to monitor the progress of every student. They also indicate each student’s achievement and the level that the student managed in each subject objective and criterion with detailed comments about their academic performance.

What Makes The IBDP Unique

Inspiring Thinkers, Innovators, and Global Citizens for a Changing World

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offers a holistic, inquiry-based approach that goes beyond traditional academics. Students develop critical thinking, independence, and global awareness through a balanced curriculum recognized by universities worldwide.

At its heart are three transformative components:

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Inspires students to connect learning with real-world action through creative pursuits, sports, and community engagement.

Extended Essay (EE)

A self-directed research project that builds academic writing, analytical, and time-management skills.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Encourages students to question assumptions, think critically, and explore how knowledge is formed.


A Global Learning Journey

Together, these experiences nurture well-rounded learners—curious, compassionate, and ready to make a meaningful impact in an interconnected world.

Learning 

At ZIS

Primary Years Programme

Middle Years Programme

Boarding

School

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ZIS has obtained WASC accreditation.
Zhuhain International School is an IB Continuum School in China.
ZIS has CIS Accreditation
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