Years 11–13
SCU Lismore
Living Academy · IB World School
IB Diploma Programme
A globally recognised senior pathway — critical thinking, research, and international mindedness — on a university campus in Lismore.
First on the North Coast
IB World School. Living Academy is the first dedicated IB Diploma pathway on the North Coast of NSW — global recognition, local roots.
Years 11–13
Two-year Diploma for 16–19 year olds. Six subjects, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service.
University ready
Recognised worldwide. Universities value IB graduates for research stamina, critical thinking, and time management.
Academy Scholarships · Full IB tuition remission · Applications close 28 August 2026
For parents & students
What is an IB education — and why choose it over the HSC?
Once mainly found in international schools, the IB Diploma is now a serious alternative to state certificates such as the NSW HSC. It is not “harder for the sake of harder” — it is designed differently.
The Diploma Programme develops international mindedness: students learn to hold multiple perspectives, languages, and ways of knowing. Assessment values knowledge, critical thinking, and application — not only recall.
At Living Academy, the IB sits inside Living School’s culture of Care, Curriculum, and Citizenship — a small Year 9–13 community on the Southern Cross University campus in East Lismore.
Breadth with depth
Six subjects · Higher & Standard Level
Students study across languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, and the arts — three subjects at Higher Level (240 teaching hours) and three at Standard Level (150 hours). Personal academic pathways remain open inside that breadth.
A core that builds the thinker
TOK · Extended Essay · CAS
Beyond subjects, every Diploma student questions how knowledge works, completes independent research, and practises creativity, activity, and service — preparation for lifelong learning, not only Year 12 results.
Clear standards — flexible pathways
Full Diploma or certificates
The IB sets clear requirements for the full Diploma. Students begin on the full pathway; where it is in a student’s best interests, they may earn DP subject certificates instead. Full Diploma registration typically firms up mid-year two.
Diploma Curriculum Framework
How the IB Diploma Programme works
Six academic areas surround three core requirements. Teaching is inquiry-based, conceptual, local and global, collaborative, differentiated, and informed by assessment — aligned with Living School’s vision.
Over two years, students:
- Study six subjects from the six subject groups
- Complete an Extended Essay
- Follow Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Participate in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
- Take three Higher Level and three Standard Level subjects
The Diploma Core
Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS
These core components add depth and breadth — they are what make the final years preparation for university and for life, not only for examinations.
Theory of Knowledge
Question the nature of knowledge — origins, validity, and how claims travel across disciplines and cultures.
Explore the Core →Extended Essay
Independent research and a substantial essay on a question of personal interest — university-ready research stamina.
How the EE works →Creativity, Activity, Service
Experiential learning beyond the timetable — creative practice, physical challenge, and community service.
CAS at Living Academy →“What matters is not the absorption and regurgitation of fact, but the development of powers of the mind which can be applied to new situations as they arise.”A.D.C. Peterson — founding spirit of the Diploma Programme
Curriculum · Subject Groups
Six subject groups for a well-rounded education
Living Academy offers learning areas matched to our teaching team. Where a specific course is not on campus, students may access IB-approved online options via Pamoja.
Language and Literature
Studies in language and literature — reading the world through texts.
Language Acquisition
Additional language learning for communication and cultural understanding.
Individuals and Societies
Humanities and social sciences — people, places, systems, and change.
Sciences
Experimental and inquiry-based science across the natural world.
Mathematics
Mathematical thinking for analysis, modelling, and problem-solving.
The Arts
Visual arts, music, theatre, or an additional subject from another group.
Assessment · Mindedness · Universities
Key strengths of the IB Diploma
Assessment is both internal and external — examinations, coursework, and research. Students are evaluated on knowledge, critical thinking, and application of skills.
International mindedness is not a slogan. Students learn to appreciate different perspectives, languages, and cultures — preparation for an interconnected world.
University recognition is strong globally. The Diploma emphasises research, time management, and intellectual independence — the habits universities say they want.
Beyond academics, the IB nurtures Learner Profile attributes — qualities for purposeful, well-rounded people — with CAS as lived practice of community and character.
Living Academy · Lismore
The IB, held inside Living School culture
A global qualification on a university campus — with the relationships and Challenge by Choice ethic of a small school.
Living Academy is Living School’s Year 9–13 programme: expeditionary Stage 5 years that seed curiosity and character, then the IB Diploma for students who want a global senior pathway. We are deliberately small. Students are known.
Our campus sits in Z-Block, Southern Cross University — East Lismore 2480 — with the outlook of a tertiary precinct and the care of a Living School community.
Go deeper
Related IB Diploma pages
Start here for the big picture — then open the handbooks, regulations, and subject detail when you are ready.
Core components
TOK, Extended Essay, and CAS in detail.
Subject groups
What Living Academy offers across the six groups.
Learner Profile & VAST
IB attributes and Living School qualities for success — on the homepage.
IB Diploma handbook
Full Living Academy Diploma information booklet (PDF).
Enrolment brochure
Academy overview for families considering a place.
Public policies
IB policy index — integrity, assessment, inclusion, language.
Diploma regulations
Points, HL/SL rules, retakes — for enrolled families.
Common questions
IB Diploma FAQs for North Coast families
Is the IB Diploma recognised by Australian universities?
Yes. Australian universities recognise the IB Diploma for admission, alongside — and often with clear conversion pathways from — state certificates such as the HSC. The Diploma is also widely recognised by universities overseas.
How is the IB different from the HSC?
The IB is a two-year international programme with six subjects plus a mandatory core (TOK, Extended Essay, CAS). It emphasises concurrent learning across disciplines and international mindedness. The HSC is NSW’s state certificate with a different subject structure and assessment model. Some families choose IB when they want a global option from the start of senior school.
Where is Living Academy’s IB Diploma taught?
At Living Academy on the Southern Cross University campus — Z-Block, Military Drive, East Lismore 2480. We are a NESA-registered Year 9–13 programme and an IB World School.
Do students have to complete the full Diploma?
Students typically begin on the full Diploma pathway. If it is in a student’s best interests, they may move to DP subject certificates. Full Diploma examination registration usually firms up around mid-year two, when internal assessments and external exam registration are finalised.
Are scholarships available for the IB Diploma?
Yes. Living Academy offers Academy Scholarships with full tuition remission for the two-year IB Diploma in Mathematics, Science, or Creative Arts pathways. Applications for the current round close 28 August 2026.
Limited places · IB scholarships
Academy Scholarships for the Diploma years
Full tuition remission for the two-year IB Diploma. We seek exceptional young people in Mathematics, Science or Creative Arts — curious, courageous, kind, and ready to grow.
Next step
Start the conversation about IB at Living Academy
Scholarships close 28 August 2026. Or begin enrolment, download the handbook, or talk with us about Years 11–13.
(02) 5632 1218 · office@living.school · Brochure · IB handbook · Z-Block, Southern Cross University, East Lismore 2480