Senior School (Diploma Programme)

Benefits of Choosing the Diploma Programme

The Diploma Programme provides an opportunity to learn and practice a set of skills and mindset that best prepares for the years to come in university

This programme offers a wide range of choices that allow students to develop to their fullest potential, building character through creativity, service as action within the community and beyond, and an understanding of the need to care for one’s physical and mental wellbeing

Diploma Programme graduates show higher levels of persistence, and are therefore more likely to continue to their second year of university

In the UK, DP students were 3 times more likely to enroll in a top 20 university in 2021

Additionally, DP students have higher educational outcomes in universities. Research shows that DP graduates are 40% more likely to obtain a first or upper second-class honors degree than other graduates

A study in Australia, England and Norway found that DP students had significantly higher levels of critical thinking, compared to their peers in other curriculums. This difference was more noticeable in Year 13, the second year of the programme

Research in Canada has shown that DP graduates earn higher university degrees, were less likely to drop out of their courses or programs and were more likely to graduate according to schedule

Studies in 21st Century skills conducted in universities in Australia and East Asia have indicated that Diploma Programme graduates have higher capacities in time management, cultural sensitivity, leadership and global mindedness

Assessment in the Diploma Programme is designed for learning as well as evidencing it, as it enables students to develop communication, research and thinking skills effectively

The Core Components of the Diploma Programme

TOK: Theory of Knowledge presents students the chance to reflect on the nature of knowledge and to think critically about the roles of knowledge in their own culture, and of other cultures around the world.

Extended Essay: The Extended Essay is an independent research essay that investigates a topic of a student’s personal interest.

Creativity, Activity, Service: Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) gets students involved in an array of activities alongside their academic studies, to enhance their personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning.

Theory of Knowledge

Through discussion and inquiry, students learn more about their own personal assumptions and beliefs, and develop an appreciation of varied, cultural perspectives. The structure of TOK is designed and arranged almost wholly of questions, and further assessed through an exhibition and 1,600 word essay. Students showcase three objects in the exhibition to investigate how Theory of Knowledge is present and evident in the world we live in, and the essay concentrates on a conceptual matter. Becoming more aware of and familiar with the intricacies of knowledge encourages students not only to be better thinkers but also to understand the importance of acting responsibly. TOK enables students to distinguish between what is speculation and what is credible or factual, what is subjective and objective, and how beliefs and perceptions affect them as inquirers and thinkers, factors that continue to support their personal development in higher education and throughout life.

The Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word composition that delves into a topic personally chosen by the student, a topic that is connected to one of their six Diploma Programme subjects, or a World Studies essay emphasizing a topic of global significance. The process of the essay allows students to develop analytical skills, communicative expression, and the ability to evaluate knowledge. Supervisors and teachers in the DP provide guidance and counsel to aid students throughout the research process and also conduct three mandatory reflection sessions with them that discuss their successes and difficulties they encountered while researching and also what they have learned. Both the extended essay and reflection sessions give students practical and valuable preparation to navigate interviews for university acceptance or employment opportunities.

Creativity, Activity, Service

The three components of CAS are distinguished by specific characteristics: arts and other activities that necessitate creative thinking for Creativity, physical exercise and activities that lead to healthy life choices for Activity, and voluntary and unpaid work or aid for Service. CAS projects challenge students to take initiative, collaborate with others, persevere, develop better self-determination, and enhance their problem solving and decision making skills. Although CAS is not formally assessed, students often experience a deep and meaningful journey of self-discovery and overcome obstacles to reach the specific needs and goals required in the programme.

Outstanding IB Diploma Results 2024 at Brookes Moscow

Our graduating year of 2024, produced another set of outstanding Diploma results, at Brookes Moscow. Once again, achieving a cohort score of above the global average — congratulations to our senior school students and the individual and collective achievements.

In particular, mention must go to Ojasya, for scoring Brookes Moscow’s first ever full house — 45 out of 45! An astounding feat and one that will go down in the history books, and one that students in lower years will undoubtedly aspire to.

Furthermore, congratulations to the other 4 students who scored 40 or above, in their Diploma. Special mention to: Hyunjin, Jun Hyeok, Claudia Wen Hui, Seoyun.

With full acceptance to universities across the globe, we are so very proud of our Year 13 DP Students and wish them all every success in the future. You worked tremendously hard this past year, doing as much preparation as you possibly could for your examinations — and as one famous person once said: ‘Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.’ Well done Year 13’s; good luck!

DP Graduates Results

Diploma Points Average

30,32

World points average

The average score

Top Score Achievers

Students scored 40-45 points

Average subject grade

5,2

4,85

World grade average

out of maximum 7

Top Score in 2024

45 of 45 maximum possible

Diplomas Awarded in 2024

6 Bilingual Diplomas awarded

Academic Staff of Diploma Programme

Varvara Romashova

Teacher of Russian/ DP Coordinator
Master of Philology Philology (Pushkin State Russian Language Institute), Bachelor of Philology Philology (Pushkin State Russian Language Institute), Pedagogy of additional education for children and adults (LLC ‘Centre ’Luch Znaniy’)

Being engaged in the processes of education for more than 10 years, I have always been sure that the key to success lies in raising a harmoniously developed personality, not only filled with academic knowledge, but also able to reflect, analyse, experience empathy and a sincere desire to help those who need support. And most importantly they strive for continuous development, continuous education in the broadest sense of the word. When I first came into contact with the Diploma Program while working at an international school in Singapore, I immediately realised how its comprehensiveness and willingness to provide students with every opportunity to achieve their goals and aspirations creates a new type of student who is ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century and strive to become an active part of it. Coordinating the Diploma Program at Brookes, I witness every day how our students unlock their potential through a variety of methods, discover themselves by trying new things in extracurricular activities, and are already starting to change the world for the better, setting new standards.

Mary Dcunha

English Language & Literature Teacher /Head of Language and Literature Department
PhD (Mahatma Gandhi University — MGU), BA English Language & Literature (MGU), BA English Education (MGU), MA English Language & Literature (MGU)

Mary is an experienced English educator and Head of Department with over 15 years of experience in international education and leadership. An expert in the IBDP core program, including Theory of Knowledge, Dr. Mary also leads TOK lessons at Brookes Moscow. Known for her commitment to personalized learning, she supports diverse learners and fosters an inclusive environment that encourages open dialogue about challenges and strengths. Passionate about professional development, she has participated in numerous workshops as both a learner and facilitator. Dr. Mary’s dedication to academic excellence and holistic development equips her students to thrive in a global education landscape.

Gary Matos

MYP Media and English Language & Literature Teacher
BA (Hons) Media Arts: Royal Holloway University of London. PGCE: UCL Institute of Education

Gary has vast experience in education having worked in international schools for over 10 years. This includes working in international schools in the UK and Russia. Gary has a wide array of experience in different exam boards including, BTEC, GCSE, A Level, Cambridge and IB. His experience in education includes teaching the following subjects, English Language and Literature, EAL, Humanities, Media Studies, and Film Studies. As well as this, Gary has also worked as a homeroom tutor, acting as a poitn of cotact for parents of homeroom students.

Domenico Galizia

Business & Economics Teacher
Diploma in Natural Science (Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Turin), Professional retraining «Teaching of Italian» (Interregional Academy of Construction and Industrial Complex)

Brendan Daniel Henderson

Head of Upper and Senior School
PGCE (University of Ulster)

We are excited to welcome Brendan Henderson as our new Head of Upper and Senior School. Brendan comes with a wealth of experience in international schools, having taught in Malawi, Spain and Russia as well as in his native Ireland. Brendan’s previous role was as Deputy Head with responsibility for Sixth Form, in which he was responsible for helping numerous students gain entry to Oxbridge and Ivy League Universities.