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IB Diploma Programme (DP)

 

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Course Offerings and Sequence 

 

The Diploma Programme requires students to take IB Diploma courses in each of six subjects and to complete the IB Core Requirements of Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service.)  

Students must complete IB courses in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Social Studies, Science, Math, Electives.  Diploma candidates are required to complete 3 courses at the Standard Level (SL) and 3 courses at the Higher Level (HL).  Most IB courses are 2-year courses. 

 

IB Course Sequence for Grades 9 - 12

Application for 2025 - 2026 school year (due January 15, 2025): 

https://forms.office.com/r/5KcsbhB8Z2

The application is for students interested in IB Coursework as well as the full IB Diploma Program. See below for application requirements. 

Core Requirements 

IB Diploma Programme Core Components 

In addition to the coursework in each of six DP subjects, all full Diploma candidates are required to satisfy the requirements of three core components:  Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS or Creativity, Activity, and Service.  Failure to complete any of these components will result in no diploma being awarded. 

Extended Essay (EE) 

About 4,000 words in length, the Extended Essay is a required project for each diploma candidate. It is an independent project which is planned and completed with the help of an individually assigned mentor, beginning the spring of the junior year. The subject of the essay is chosen from one of the subject areas examined and is a mixture of research skills and thoughtful analysis. Work on the essay begins in junior year, and the completed essay is due during the first semester of the senior year. 

 Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The essay requirement acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. The IBO recommends that a student devote a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay. The essay permits students to deepen their programs of study, for example by selecting a topic in one of their higher level (HL) courses.  

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) 

TOK is an interdisciplinary course designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. Taken during the Junior and Senior years, TOK stimulates critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course is unique to the IBO, which recommends at least 100 hours of teaching time spanning the program's two years. 

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) 

The emphasis of the CAS programme is experiential learning. Students are required to choose activities that will promote opportunities for personal growth and awareness of the world around them. A wide range of activities are available to the students and participation in selected activities should be voluntary. Students should balance their activities equally between the three areas: creativity, activity, and service. Each student will keep a record of participation by uploading the required documentation and reflection to a school-provided online platform. Interviews and evaluation by the CAS Supervisor, adult leader, and a self-evaluation by the student are required elements of the CAS program.  

Goals of the CAS Programme 

  • To provide a challenge to each student in the three areas- creativity, action, service 
  • To provide opportunities for service 
  • To complement the academic disciplines of the curriculum and to provide balance to the demands of scholarship placed upon the IB student 
  • To challenge and extend the individual by developing a spirit of discovery, self-reliance, and responsibility 
  • To encourage the development of the student’s individual skills and interests. 

Structure of the CAS Programme 

  • Students design and complete a project that demonstrates initiative, planning, and collaboration and engages at least 2 of the 3 elements of CAS (creativity, activity, and service).  
  • Students participate in activities chosen from each of the three areas throughout the full 2-year program. 
  • Students meet with a supervisor to discuss CAS progress three times during the program. 
  • Students reflect on their learning and development in seven areas:  Global engagement, Consideration of ethics, Initiative and planning, Collaboration skills, Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, Commitment and perseverance, Facing challenges and developing new skills. 

 Application Process 

Students must apply to participate in the IB Diploma Programme.  They may choose to apply as either full Diploma Candidates or Course Candidates. 

Applications are available using the link above and are due by January 15, 2025. 

Applications require  

  • Course selections 

  • Teacher recommendations 

  • Writing samples