High School
The High School level is represented by two pathways — the Miras High School Programme and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme — preparing students for admission to leading universities worldwide.
A two-year course based on the integration of Kazakhstani and international educational standards, aimed at providing students with specialised preparation for continuing their studies at higher education institutions around the world.
A two-year International Baccalaureate programme is designed for students aged 16 to 19 after Grade 10.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
At Miras International School Almaty, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is offered in Grades 11 and 12 as a rigorous and internationally recognized pre-university qualification. The DP is designed for academically motivated students who are prepared to engage with challenging coursework, independent inquiry, and critical thinking at an advanced level.
Recognized by leading universities around the world, the IB Diploma Programme prepares students not only for admission to higher education institutions internationally, but also for long-term academic success once they enter university. The programme develops strong analytical, research, communication, and time-management skills that are highly valued in competitive university environments.
The academic rigor of the DP is widely respected worldwide. In many countries and institutions, strong IB Diploma results may also provide students with university credit, advanced standing, or exemption from introductory courses in related fields of study. This recognition reflects the depth and complexity of DP coursework and its alignment with first-year university expectations.
At Miras International School Almaty, students also have the opportunity to complete the requirements for the Kazakhstani State Attestation in grade 11, alongside the IB Diploma Programme. As a result, graduates may complete their studies with:
- The State Certificate of Secondary Education
- The Miras International School Diploma
- The International Baccalaureate Diploma
This integrated approach allows students to maintain both local and international pathways for university admission and future opportunities.
Curriculum
IB Subject Groups
The DP curriculum is organized around six subject groups, ensuring both breadth and specialization. Students study:
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts
Subjects are studied at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL), allowing students to develop deeper expertise in areas connected to their future academic pathways.
Studies in Language and Literature
DP Core
At the heart of the Diploma Programme
At the heart of the Diploma Programme is the DP Core, which distinguishes the IB from traditional pre-university programmes and promotes the holistic development of students. The Core consists of:
An interdisciplinary course exploring the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
An independent, university-style research paper of up to 4,000 words.
A programme that encourages personal growth, balance, and meaningful engagement beyond academics.
Together, these components challenge students to become reflective, internationally minded, and socially responsible learners capable of addressing complex global issues.
Assessment
At International Baccalaureate Miras International School, the Diploma Programme (DP) assessment system is designed not only to measure academic achievement, but also to help students grow into reflective, independent, and internationally minded learners. The DP uses a balanced combination of internal and external assessments, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways throughout the two-year programme.
Internal assessments are completed throughout the programme and assessed by teachers at school before being moderated by the IB. These tasks allow students to apply their learning in practical, creative, and personal ways, making assessment a meaningful part of the learning process rather than simply a final examination.
Internal assessments may include:
- Oral presentations and interviews
- Scientific investigations and laboratory work
- Mathematical explorations
- Artistic performances and portfolios
- Individual research projects
These assessments help students strengthen essential lifelong skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, reflection, and independent inquiry.
External assessments are evaluated by IB examiners worldwide and usually take place at the end of the DP journey. These assessments provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills under internationally standardized conditions.
Depending on the subject, external assessments may include:
- Written examinations
- Research-based essays
- Case studies
- Listening and reading assessments
- Extended written responses
One of the key components of external assessment is the Extended Essay — an independent, in-depth research project that encourages students to explore a topic they are passionate about while developing university-level research and academic writing skills.
A Holistic and International Approach
The IB Diploma Programme values more than memorization. Its assessment model is designed to encourage curiosity, deep understanding, and real-world application of knowledge. By combining coursework completed over time with internationally assessed examinations, students are able to showcase both their academic abilities and personal growth.
This balanced approach prepares students not only for success at leading universities around the world, but also for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing global society.
Diploma Recognition
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is recognised by leading world universities and opens opportunities for enrolment in most universities without entrance exams and Foundation programmes.
Preparatory Courses
Variable subject disciplines in English for Grade 9 and 10 students are focused on preparation for studying by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12).