Are you interested in studying for the IB Diploma at Hansa-Gymnasium? Find out more here….
General information and access to Hansa Gymnasium
For year 11 (aka „Oberstufe“), German students choose an Advanced Course combination, i.e., subjects that determine the focus of their exams. The International Advanced Course IAC at Hansa-Gymnasium is a bilingual programme that prepares students both for the German Abitur exams and, optionally, the IB Diploma. Consequently, we combine the Hamburg state curriculum and the IB curriculum.
General information about the IB Diploma http://www.ibo.org/information-for-parents/programme can be found on the IBO website: http://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/what-is-the-dp/
Information for parents
Specific information about the IB at Hansa Gymnasium can be found here: International Advanced Class & IB-Diploma
At the bottom of that page, you can also download the application form and the school´s IB DP handbook!
All students need to be fluent in German, both in speaking and writing (at least C1 level) to be accepted into the programme.
We are a state school. You need not pay school fees, only the IB exam fee (less than 600,- Euro). Most of the costs connected to the IB Diploma programme are paid by the local Hamburg school authority and by our school association (Schulverein). You can apply for financial support or organise sponsors.
However, being a state school means we are not private (not a U.K. „public school“) and the IB Diploma is just one of the options offered t our school, so subject choice and options are limited. While our priority as a state school must be on the national school leaving certificate (the German Abitur), the IB Diploma is an internationally recognised school-leaving exam that facilitates access to international universities. It is a useful addition for those students who are even more interested in academic training and see themselves as more internationally minded. The IB Diploma also fully replaces the German Abitur (except for particular Science and Maths Higher Level unviersity courses), however, we cannot offer the IB Diploma alone, the Abitur must be undertaken. Consequently, you must be eligible to attend a sixth form (Oberstufe in HAMBURG.
If you graduated from a middle school outside of Germany and need to learn more about the requirements of the Hamburg Abitur, you will need to contact the Schulinformationszentrum, which advises international students on educational opportunities in Hamburg and helps with accreditation: http://www.hamburg.de/bsb/siz
This, of course, doesn’t apply to German students who spent a year abroad. However, if you are planning to change the Bundesland or the type of school, you´ll need to check that your previous qualifications and certificates make you eligible to attend a GYMNASIUM in HAMBURG!
More information on university recognition of the IB Diploma can be found here: http://www.ibo.org/university-admission/recognition-of-the-ib-diploma-by-countries-and-universities/
Our course
Six subjects are taught in English (English, Biology, Geography, Maths, Theatre and Theory of Knowledge). Two subjects – German and P.E. – are offered in German. French or Spanish might be an additional option if you are able to choose either subject, a decision which will be based on the HAMBURG middle years programme completion (you need to check this beforehand with SIZ) and if the school can offer the courses.
We teach Biology, English and German at higher level and the other subjects at standard level.
Please note: You will have to sit both the Abitur exams and the IB exams. It is not possible to take exams in the IB Diploma only.
Components and advantages
The IB programme has an established reputation for preparing candidates thoroughly for university study. This is particularly the case in the so-called “IB core elements”: the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme.
During the Internal Assessment and Extended Essay process you will learn how to do research, how to source appropriate literature, how to use university libraries, how to write an academic piece of work and put together a bibliography.
You will also attend a Theory of Knowledge class in which you reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
Additionally, the CAS programme supports students’ personal development and maturity. You will complete projects that help you to acquire intercultural and communicative skills and respect for others. For many students, this is an enjoyable and valuable part of the programme because it provides opprotunities to discover new interests. Some students learn a new language or instrument, or try out a new sport, some work with disadvantaged children or with people with disabilities or take part in an environmental project. A detailed CAS handbook is made available at the beginning of each academic year.
Besides receiving rigorous training in academic research and study, you will acquire a high level of English, which is a definite advantage in an increasingly globalised labour market and fosters internal mindedness.
As many of our graduates will attest, the IB Diploma, with its international focus and intellectual challenges, is particularly helpful when applying to university abroad, as many universities view it as excellent preparation for successful higher education. UCAS, the British organisation for the distribution of university places, rates the IB Diploma higher than other school-leaving qualifications. Some universities consider IB graduates for tuition grants or accept our graduates because they have a dual qualification (Abitur + IB DP).
You will benefit personally from the IB Diploma Profile, but you will find the programme challenging. You need to be able to manage your time effectively, study independently and be prepared to commit to a considerably greater workload than other students. Our application process reflects these requirements.
At Hansa Gymnasium, the large majority of students in this course decides to go for the IB Diploma! Read about a former student’s experience here.
Get in touch! I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Carsten Schenk
IB Coordinator, ib(at)hansa-schule.net