Grades 11 & 12

We offer a wide array of clubs and activities, ranging from sports to music and drama, student government and much more. Our sports teams compete with school across Japan in home and away competitions. Our expeditions in varied natural environs in and outside Japan immerse our students in experiential education that develops resilience, character, camaraderie and cooperation. Our Service Learning program fosters close relationships, such as that with Hope International Japan over the last 10 years, that gives students the opportunity to travel locally, nationally or internationally to support grassroots humanitarian projects. A large portion of our students also immerse themselves in our performing and visual arts activities, ranging from traditional Japanese music to product design, jazz band, musicals and a host of other activities that evoke their passions.

At YIS, we believe that the process of applying to university is full of excitement and opportunity, and that it begins with knowing yourself. Integral to the process is an authentic commitment to self-reflection and personal growth. It involves students considering their strengths, examining what sparks joy for them in their learning, and asking themselves, "what is it that I truly value?"

Our high school program provides opportunities for students to reflect on these questions so that important decisions about the future are made thoughtfully and honestly. We believe that the goal is to find the university that will provide the best fit for a student's unique personality, desires, and interests. Over ninety percent of our graduating seniors matriculate directly into university, while a smaller group of students pursue gap year experiences or seek career experience directly.

Challenging oneself is encouraged in all aspects of life, and while this process is no exception, we encourage students to apply to a group of universities that will allow for them to have choices when they receive their responses. We also recognize that this is a highly individualized process, and so by providing support via a formal program complemented by individual student and family meetings, we are able to meet students where they are and alleviate much of the anxiety that may accompany it.

Our mission of Live, Learn, Lead encourages students to become people who endeavor to live lives of meaning and continuous learning. These are precisely the qualities that universities and dynamic employers are seeking in their future students and employees; by focusing on our mission, YIS is preparing students for their futures from the early years onward.

IBDP Course Offerings at YIS

All candidates must take six subjects, three at higher level and three at standard level. One subject must be chosen from each of the first five groups. The sixth subject can be from group 6 or a second subject from groups 1, 2, 3, or 4. Students are required to undertake the three core curriculum components of Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Action and Service.

Note: All courses are offered at standard and higher levels unless otherwise indicated. Ab Initio languages are only offered at standard level.

SL = standard level
HL = high level
L&L = Language and Literature
Lit = Literature
ITGS = Information Technology in a Global Society

* Students must take English in group 1 to meet YIS graduation requirements. Should students wish to take two group 1 courses, Japanese and German Language and Literature are on offer, and a bilingual diploma would be awarded. In addition, to encourage home and family languages, it is possible for students to study their home and family language as a school-supported self-taught subject (SL only). In such cases, two group 1 subjects would be studied and a bilingual diploma would be awarded. For more information, please contact the high school vice-principal.

**Environmental Systems and Societies is an interdisciplinary subject that covers the requirements of both groups 3 and 4. Taking Environmental Systems and Societies allows students to take two subjects from any of groups 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 should they wish.

Please note: All courses are subject to maximum and minimum enrollment. YIS reserves the right to alter courses available. The decision to run, cancel, or move a class will be made with the best interests of all the students in mind.

Core Curriculum Requirements for IBDP Students

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK is a course comprised of 100 hours over three semesters. The course aims to examine critically the types, nature and limitations of different ways of knowing and different areas of knowledge. In the process, students consider the role of language, reason, emotion and perception in the pursuit of certainty and truth. In addition, students compare systems of knowledge and explore the assumptions and value judgments inherent within them.

Students are encouraged to explore TOK within the context of their own learning and lives and to consider the impact of cultural differences on knowledge issues. Texts and examples come from a wide range of cultural perspectives and knowledge areas, including the physical and social sciences, mathematics, the arts, politics, religion and ethics.

Students are assessed by means of a written assignment and an oral presentation. Up to three bonus points can be awarded on the basis of this written work in combination with the extended essay.

Extended Essay

The IB defines the extended essay as “an in-depth study of a limited topic within a subject.” The 4,000-word essay is meant to provide students with the opportunity to conduct independent research at an introductory level. In general, the skills required to produce a successful essay are those the student has been using in the relevant course.

Students should choose to work in an area they find interesting. For example, a student who chooses history must be interested in working with primary sources. Those selecting a science topic are strongly advised to undertake experimentally based investigations rather than library-based surveys. In Language A, students should be interested in the independent critical analysis of literary works. Under most circumstances, stu- dents are encouraged to confine their choices to the subjects they are studying.

When students have chosen the subject area of the extended essay, they begin to discuss their proposed topic with their supervisor. They must submit a detailed plan, including a specific research question for discussion. As an independent piece of research, it is critical that students takes a self-disciplined approach and adhere to deadlines. The extended essay is submitted during October seminar week in grade 12.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

CAS is a fundamental part of the IB Diploma Program at YIS. Along with TOK and the extended essay, CAS is one of the three core elements in every student’s IBDP experience. Creativity is interpreted broadly to include a wide range of arts activities, as well as the creativity students demonstrate in designing and implementing service projects. Action can include not only participation in individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects. Service encompasses a host of community and social service activities. Some examples include helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals and working with refugees or homeless people. Students are expected to be involved in CAS activities for the equivalent of at least two to three hours each week during the two years of the program.

The Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) is a high school diploma designed to complement the rigor of the DP  by recognizing a student’s whole education and accomplishments – learning that has taken place inside the classroom, within the larger context of school and in the world beyond. There are three levels of certification for the GCD - the GCD Certificate, the GCD Diploma and the GCD Diploma with Distinction. Students begin to work towards one of these certifications in Grade 9. In addition to other curriculum requirements, a minimum of the GCD Certificate is required for graduation from Grade 12.