The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year course designed for students in the final years of High School, combining academic depth with a broad range of knowledge.

Students select six subjects across different areas of learning, ensuring a balanced education in Languages, Sciences, Mathematics, Humanities, and the Arts. Each subject can be taken at Standard Level (SL, 150 hours) or Higher Level (HL, 240 hours), with the most common combination being three HL and three SL courses. For students who prefer not to study the Arts, it is possible to replace the Arts subject with another area of knowledge. Those particularly passionate about a specific field can choose more than one HL.

In addition to the subjects, the programme includes three core components that make the IBDP experience unique:

This structure allows students to deepen their understanding of the subjects they love while becoming well-rounded learners, prepared for the challenges of university and the world. The IBDP cultivates curiosity, independence, and a global perspective, shaping capable, confident, and socially conscious individuals.

Assessment in the IBDP goes beyond traditional exams, measuring not only knowledge but also critical skills such as analysis, reasoning, creative problem-solving, and practical application.

Students are evaluated across two main dimensions:

• Academic Skills: analysis, interpretation, argument construction, and creative problem-solving.
• Core Competencies: knowledge retention, conceptual understanding, and method application.

How Are Results Calculated?

Unlike traditional grading systems, students are not ranked against one another. Each student is assessed according to international standards set by the IB, ensuring a broad evaluation recognized by universities in over 100 countries. Students receive individual scores for each subject as well as a global score.

• Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest score.
• The full diploma considers six subjects plus the core components—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—which can contribute up to 3 additional points.
• Maximum Individual Global Score 45 points
• Minimum Global Score to Earn the Diploma: 24 points

At the Pan American School of Bahia (PASB), we offer an academic program that enables students to earn up to three recognized diplomas: the IB Bilingual Diploma, the American High School Diploma, and the Brazilian High School Diploma. This unparalleled flexibility provides access to top universities both in Brazil and around the world.

Recognized Excellence

Founded in 1960, PASB has been a pioneer in offering the IB in Bahia, authorized since 2012, with over 250 students successfully completing the program. Our results demonstrate our commitment to excellence: a robust curriculum and the most comprehensive range of IB subjects in the region*, allowing each student to tailor their academic journey according to their interests and goals:

• Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature: Portuguese Language & Literature (HL/SL); English Language & Literature (HL/SL)

• Group 2 – Language Acquisition: Spanish B (HL/SL); English B (HL/SL); Portuguese (HL/SL)
• Group 3 – Individuals and Societies: History (HL/SL); Brazilian Social Studies (HL/SL); Business Management (HL/SL
• Group 4 – Sciences: Biology (HL/SL); Chemistry (HL/SL); Physics (HL/SL); Computer Science (HL/SL)
• Group 5 – Mathematics: Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (HL/SL)
• Group 6 – Arts: Visual Arts *HL – Higher Level (240 hours of study) / SL – Standard Level (150 hours of study)

*HL – Higher Level (240 horas de estudos) / SL – Standard Level (150 horas de estudos)

We are internationally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), nationally recognized by Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC), and fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), ensuring both global and national standards of quality.

Inclusion and Individualized Support

We believe every student should have the opportunity to grow and thrive through the unique IBDP experience. Our approach is inclusive and centered on each student’s potential, supported by highly qualified teachers and a nurturing community. This ensures that every student is known, supported, and challenged to reach their goals with confidence.

Beyond Knowledge: Skills for Life IB at PASB goes beyond academic rigor, developing essential socio-emotional skills such as critical thinking, leadership, collaboration, and independence. These values are reflected in both the IB Learner Profile and our school culture, which emphasizes balance, creativity, sustainability, and well-being. Graduates leave PASB as confident global citizens, prepared to make a positive impact on society.

These elements combine to position PASB uniquely as the top choice for families seeking a world-class IB education, grounded in both international excellence and Brazilian educational values.

At PASB, student-led social engagement is not just an IB requirement—it is part of who we are. With many years of tradition in impactful projects, our students find in the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) program a space to turn ideas into concrete actions, developing leadership, empathy, and agency.

More Opportunities, Greater Impact. IBDP students at PASB enjoy a wide range of options and the freedom to propose new projects, enriching their experience and strengthening socio-emotional skills. Currently, we have over 15 active projects, all initiated and led by students, spanning creative initiatives (art, music, theater), sports, and social projects. These initiatives benefit NGOs, community support programs, cultural organizations, sports programs, and vulnerable populations.

International Recognition
The quality and impact of these initiatives have earned three international awards and granted PASB the prestigious AMISA Global Citizen School seal, consolidating our position as a reference in nurturing compassionate and innovative global citizens.

Give Your Child the Transformative IB Experience at PASB: Experience academic excellence, a truly international education in a multicultural environment, personalized development, and preparation for universities in Brazil and around the world.