Information in English

International Baccalaureate Diploma at Katedralskolan; what is the Diploma Programme (DP)?

IB is an internationally recognized upper secondary education programme which leads to the IB Diploma. This qualifies the student for university entrance in Sweden and worldwide. It is taught at more than 1000 schools in over 100 countries. It is a two-year programme, designed to provide students with a balanced education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility and to promote international understanding. Curriculum and examination are administered by the IB offices in Geneva and Cardiff. The language of instruction is usually English.

The IBO mission statement

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

For more information about the IB programme worldwide, please visit the official IBO website:

IBO website

IB at Katedralskolan in Linköping is one of the oldest senior high schools in Sweden, founded in 1627. Today it combines tradition and progress and is characterized by an international orientation through well established student exchange with many European countries. The IB programme reinforces the internationalization of the school and promotes further contacts across borders.

For more information, please contact:

Jon Lowrey, IB Coordinator, phone +46 13 29 48 53

E-mail to IB Coordinator Jon Lowrey ([email protected])

Jenny Westberg, Principal, phone: +46 13 20 75 54

E-mail to principal Jenny Westberg ([email protected])

In Sweden gymnasium courses extend to three years, the first year of our course, Pre DP is a preparatory year. During this year the pupils study according to the Swedish national curriculum. Textbooks and other teaching material are in English and the language of instruction is English. This prepares them for the coming Diploma Programme.

To receive the IB Diploma, the pupil is examined in six subjects, each chosen from one of six subject groups. There are two subject levels: higher level (HL) and standard level (SL). Three subjects should be studied at HL och three at SL. The IB core, consisting of Theory of Knowledge, CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) and the Extended Essay, must also be completed.

At Katedralskolan the following subjects are offered at present:

Group 1: Language A Swedish, English, Self-Taught Literature
Group 2: Language B English, French, German, Spanish and Swedish, Swedish Ab initio (for beginners)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies History, Economics, Psychology, Environmental Systems and Societies.
Group 4: Experimental Sciences Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies
Group 5: Mathematics Applications and Interpretations (SL) or Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (HL/SL)
Group 6: Film or an additional subject from group 2,3 or 4.

Pupils are also required to study the course Theory of Knowledge (TOK) which stimulates critical reflection and shows how different subject areas relate to one another.

Students must also engage in CAS activities comprising Creativity, Activity and Service. The IB programme places great importance on the goal of educating the whole person. Participating in for example theatre productions, sports and community service helps students reach that goal.

Finally, the Diploma candidate should investigate a topic of special interest, undertake independent research and present the result in an Extended Essay.

Examinations take place at the end of the two IB years during three weeks in May. They are written and assessed by examiners appointed by the IBO, International Baccalaureate Organisation. Part of the total work is however assessed by the school's own teachers. Grades are awarded in each subject on a scale of 1 to 7.

The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points. The Diploma candidate must also meet the requirements of TOK, CAS and the Extended Essay.
Examination in an individual subject or combined points totalling less than 24 entitle the candidate to an IB certificate.

The IB Diploma holders gain admission to colleges and universities in Sweden and throughout the world. Some of these institutions may offer advanced standing or course credit to students with strong IB examination results.

For the Swedish Medicine and Engineering programmes there are special subject requirements including two or three subjects from Group 4. As a general guidance, overall point scores are more relevant than grades in individual Higher or Standard level subjects.

For more complete information, use the official IBO website.

Pupils who have completed the 9th grade of the Swedish compulsory school or its equivalent and have a good knowledge of English and Mathematics may apply for Pre-DP. Studies are very demanding and the pupil must be highly motivated for theoretical studies.Leaving certificate from the 9th grade along with results from entrance tests will decide acceptance to the programme.

For pupils who have studied abroad there is the possibility of applying directly for DP 1 (2nd year of the programme in Sweden).