VISS Diploma Programmes

VISS Diploma Programmes

VISS Senior School provides a welcoming and challenging environment that nurtures knowledgeable, confident, and reflective learners. Committed to excellence, our dual pathway Diploma Programmes prepare respectful and responsible global citizens ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world. VISS offers a wide range of subjects and extra-curricular opportunities for Senior School students so they can tailor their education to suit their aspirations, interests, abilities and university prerequisites.

VISS students have the choice between two world-class pathways for their studies in Grade 11 and 12

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

VISS is an accredited IB World School. The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a comprehensive two-year course of study that aims to prepare students for the rigours of university but also to be caring, compassionate, global citizens with an appreciation of lifelong learning.

 

Subjects in the IBDP are in Groups:

  • Group 1: Studies on Language and Literature
  • Group 2: Language Acquisition
  • Group 3: Individuals and Societies
  • Group 4: Sciences
  • Group 5: Mathematics
  • Group 6: The Arts

Students must study one subject each from Groups 1 to 5. Group 6 is optional meaning students can select their sixth subject from either Group 3 or 4.

Students are required to do three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) over two years, as well as compulsory studies in the IB Core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity Service and Action (CAS), and a 4000-word Extended Essay (EE).

Some Standard and Higher-level classes may be taught jointly at VISS.

All IBDP students completing the full Diploma must meet the IB Conditions for the Award of Diploma.

 

Global Citizen Diploma Programme (GCDP)

The VISS Global Citizen Diploma is an American style General High School Diploma qualification accredited by Cognia. Cognia has awarded VISS with the 2024 School of Distinction Award. The Schools of Distinction program recognises 60 schools and systems across the world that truly stand out in their service to learners, as demonstrated in meeting the Cognia Performance Standards.

The GCDP qualification is a two-year programme of study. At the heart of this program is the aim to provide accessible yet academically rigorous courses of study for VISS senior students. GC students must take the Core subjects English, Mathematics & Additional Language (Arabic or French) but have flexibility in their elective subjects which enables them to tailor the programme to suit their interests. Students wanting to study a specific discipline of Science or Humanities subjects or wishing to pursue their interest in Arts, Design and Technology will certainly find this pathway in the senior school attractive.

Students must fulfil the following conditions to achieve a VISS Global Citizen Diploma:

  • A minimum 21 credits from study in Grades 10, 11 and 12.
  • 3 credits at the end of Grade 11 must come from English, Mathematics & Science.
  • 3 credits at the end of Grade 12 must come from English Mathematics & Science
  • If applicable, students must pass the Ministry of Education Arabic Language Exam.
  • If Applicable, students must pass the Ministry of Education Islamic Studies Exam.
  • Pass Approaches to Knowledge (ATK), a critical thinking course
  • Satisfactory completion of Curriculum Enrichment Programme (CEP).

Both Diplomas are two-year programs that have the VISS learner at the center and prepare our students for post-school opportunities through:

  • Academically rigorous, pre-university courses
  • Social and Emotional learning, including engagement and wellbeing support from dedicated staff
  • Opportunities for experiential learning through the Creativity Activity Service (CAS) and Curriculum Enrichment Program (CEP)
  • Critical thinking and research skill development through the DP Core
  • Promotion of student voice and agency through Student Leadership roles
  • Recognition of both Diploma Programmes from universities, in the UAE and internationally.

Students’ results and contribution to the school community during Grade 10 are considered when students apply for one of the pathways available in our dual Diploma Programme for Grade 11 and 12. They receive guidance and support from the senior school team to make informed subject choices to prepare for either the International Baccalaureate or the Global Citizen Diploma Programmes.

For the most up-to-date information on subject offerings and progression requirements into the dual-pathway DP at VISS, please contact our Administration team who will put you in contact with the Head of Diploma Programmes.

 

Careers and Pathways

At VISS we place a strong emphasis on preparing students for life after school. Our dedicated Careers Programme offers targeted support for post-school pathways, beginning with a comprehensive Work Experience programme in Grade 10. Students benefit from structured academic tracking, individualised careers advice, and tailored support for university applications. We also guide students through the scholarship application process, helping them to access opportunities that align with their potential. The success of our holistic approach is evident in VISS Alumni securing places at prestigious universities around the world in fields as diverse as Medicine, Engineering, Law, Media and Communications, Fine Arts, Architecture and many more. A VISS education ensures that every individual is empowered to take the next step in their life journey with confidence and clarity.