Diploma Programme

Ages 16 to 18 / Grades 11 & 12

OYIS was authorized as a Diploma Programme school in February of 2021, with our first-ever graduating class in 2023. We are excited to offer a challenging, academically enriching program to grade 11 and 12 students in downtown Osaka.

The Diploma Programme is a world-class university preparatory system recognized by universities around the world. At OYIS, we strive to support students through their DP journey and help them find places in universities of their choosing.

For further information about the Diploma Programme, please visit the IB website.

At OYIS we envision a Diploma Programme where every student is supported, has a voice, and makes an impact.

IBDP Students are supported in their learning in a number of different ways. An excellent support team of teachers collaborates with each other and identifies student learning needs and challenges. The staff always differentiates instruction to help and challenge all students. Finally, a Social and Emotional Counseling team meets with students to discuss and plan a personalized support program. Through these support methods, OYIS students have the best chance to complete the IBDP.

OYIS Diploma Programme Handbook

OYIS MYP/DP Course Catalog

Academic Development

The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education, with final examinations, that prepares students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and in life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. (IBO, 2019)

The approaches to learning (ATL), which the IB programmes aim to develop, are cognitive, meta-cognitive and affective skills which are crucial for effective learning as well as in preparing students effectively for life beyond school. There are five ATL categories: thinking skills, communication skills, social skills, self-management skills, and research skills. By developing ATL skills and the attributes of the learner profile, DP students can become “self-regulated learners” (Kaplan 1998).

The IB promotes a broadly constructivist and student-centered approach to teaching which is based on connectedness and concurrency of learning. There are six key pedagogical principles that underpin all IB programmes. Teaching is: based on inquiry; focused on conceptual understanding; developed in local and global contexts; focused on effective teamwork and collaboration; differentiated to meet the needs of all learners; informed by assessment (formative and summative).

Pathways to Graduation

Why have 3 graduating pathways?

Each student is unique. Their aspirations are different. This is why we offer the flexibility of 3 graduating pathways. All of our graduation pathways include the WASC Diploma which is recognized by universities around the world.

We encourage all of our students to consider the IB Diploma Programme, which is the most rigorous academic program offered at OYIS. However, students may choose to pursue the International Baccalaureate ‘Course’ qualification or to simply graduate with the WASC Diploma. Each pathway can be a good fit, depending on the individual.

University Counseling

We support our students to find the best universities for them.

The IB Diploma Programme is the pathway to some of the world’s leading universities. Our College and Careers’ Advisor meets with each student individually to discuss where they would like to go and what they would like to study.

We use platforms such as UniFrog, which allow students to complete personality and skills’ surveys that can then suggest possible career paths. It also allows students to search for thousands of universities around the world.

Each year we hold a college and careers fair for international school students. This involves universities from all over the world visiting and talking with students from OYIS and other international schools.

Guest speakers come and talk about their own career paths – previous speakers have included ambassadors, professional rugby players and journalists.

Our College and Careers’ Counselor also helps students with expert advice on how to apply to universities. This help has resulted in offers from leading universities – and scholarships – from around the world.

OYIS University Acceptances

University Application Document Request Form

School Profile for MYP/DP

University/College Contact Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child only takes the WASC Diploma?

The WASC Diploma will be accepted by some universities worldwide. Osaka YMCA International School is accredited by WASC, which assures a level of quality and ongoing improvement in the school.

Is OYIS selective about who can take the IBDP?

No, we welcome all students who are interested in pursuing the Diploma Programme to try.

Will all students take the IBDP?

We would love all students to pursue the challenge of the IB Diploma Programme, however, the academic rigor and self-management skills might not match every child’s development by Grade 11. Students are also required to meet a variety of entry requirements which might be a challenge for some students. We support our students in secondary school with academic advisors and counselors to help all of our students prepare for this challenge.

What is the benefit of being a Diploma Programme course candidate?

The courses in the IBDP are excellent preparation for university learning and allow students to take a deep dive into subject learning areas of interest. Students who want more flexibility in course selection and are not ready/interested in pursuing the IB Diploma Programme can benefit from enrolling in these challenging courses as a stepping stone to postgraduate education. All students who graduate from OYIS are supported to be ready for life’s challenges.

What advantages does the IBDP give students?

The academic rigor of the IBDP will prepare a student for entry into any university worldwide. It represents one of the most rigorous, valid, reliable and balanced wide-scale educational assessments available. The IBDP also provides an education that is broad and balanced, holistic in approach and develops students that are internationally minded.

Which universities do OYIS students go to?

For a full list of universities that have accepted our students, please see here.

Who can answer my questions about graduation at OYIS?

Should you have any questions about OYIS’ three graduation pathways or any other aspects of our curriculum, our Admissions Team would be happy to speak to you. E-mail us at [email protected] for any inquiries about the Diploma Programme.

Osaka YMCA
International School

Osaka YMCA
International School