IB Diploma Requirements

Diploma candidates are required to select one subject from each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), the others at subsidiary or standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours, SL courses cover 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two year period; this is a deliberate compromise between the early specialization preferred in some national systems and the breadth found in others.

Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the extended essay, Theory of Knowledge course and CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) activities.  The maximum score of 45 points includes three bonus points for an exceptional essay and work in TOK.

All students are encouraged to engage in the full program. Those who fail to earn the diploma but pass some exams will be awarded certificates for the exams they pass.  The May examination session serves the majority of candidates with a smaller November session available primarily for schools in the southern hemisphere. Each year between 70-75% of the students who attempt the diploma earn it.

Assessing Student Work
Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidates' work rests with more than 2600 examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with international authority. A variety of assessment methods is used to value both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns.

Conventional external examination techniques (essay, short answer, multiple choice, etc.) are complemented by internal assessment of coursework by the teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period. With classroom teachers and international examiners working in partnership, the emphasis is on ensuring that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they know and are able to do.

Subject Groups

	The curriculum consists of six subject groups accompanied by three program requirements:
	GROUP 1 - Language A1   First language, including the study of selections from world literature
	GROUP 2 - Language A2, B or ab initio    Second language
	GROUP 3 - Individuals and Societies   History, Philosophy, Psychology, Business Management, History
	GROUP 4 - Experimental Sciences   Biology, Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Physics,
	GROUP 5 - Mathematics   Mathematics HL, Mathematical Studies, Mathematical Methods, Advanced Mathematics SL, Computer Science
	GROUP 6 - The Arts and Electives   Art/Design, a third modern language, a second subject from group 3 or group 4, Advanced Mathematics SL, a school based syllabus approved by the IBO.

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  • The program offers special features in addition to the traditional strengths of a liberal arts curriculum.

 Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a required interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK                   challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational argument. The key element in the IBO's educational philosophy, Theory of Knowledge seeks to develop a coherent    approach to learning which transcends and unifies the academic subjects and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

 Creativity, Action, Service is known by its acronym CAS and is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some may feel within a demanding school program. Participation in theater productions, sports and community service activities encourages young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others. The goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books.

 Diploma candidates are required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of 4000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and                        acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university. There are currently 23 subject areas.  Students begin the extended essay their junior year and must complete it by December of their senior year.  Faculty mentors meet regularly with their students and help them find sources and explore ideas.

The grading system used by the International Baccalaureate Organization is criterion-referenced. This means that each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination session to the next. Top grades are not simply awarded "on a                curve" to a certain percentage of candidates but rather reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards equally applied to all schools. Validity, reliability and fairness are the watchwords of the IBO's international examining board.