Diploma Program Information

DP/CP IB Coordinator for Annapolis High School: Mary Abdo (MABDO@aacps.org)

The IB Diploma Programme (DP): Preparing students for success in higher education and life in a global society.

What is the Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is designed for students in grades 11 & 12 who are seeking a rigorous, academically challenging experience. The DP is a comprehensive two-year programme for students aged 16 to 19 that emphasizes intellectual growth, personal development, and global awareness. The programme is recognized by leading universities worldwide and prepares students for success in higher education and beyond by fostering critical thinking, academic excellence, and a passion for lifelong learning.

The Diploma Programme prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they:

• Develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and ethically

• Gain both breadth and depth of knowledge across multiple subject areas

• Build strong research, writing, and critical-thinking skills

• Develop a positive attitude toward learning and academic challenge

• Study multiple languages and deepen intercultural understanding

• Make connections across disciplines and think independently about knowledgeUndertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more academic disciplines in the Extended Essay

• Enhance their personal and interpersonal development through Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

The Curriculum

The IB Diploma Programme offers a balanced and comprehensive curriculum that requires students to study courses across six subject groups:

• Language and Literature

• Language Acquisition

• Individuals and Societies

• Sciences

• Mathematics

• The Arts (or an additional subject from groups 1–5)

In addition to coursework, all DP students complete three core components:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course that encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know

• Extended Essay (EE): An in-depth, independent research paper on a topic of the student’s choice

• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A series of experiences that promote personal growth, community engagement, and well-being

Assessment

Students in the Diploma Programme are assessed through a combination of internal and external evaluations. Students complete coursework and assessments throughout the programme, and take written examinations at the end of their courses, which are evaluated by external IB examiners. Each course is scored on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), and students may earn up to three additional points through their performance in TOK and the Extended Essay. The IB Diploma is awarded to students who meet minimum point requirements and successfully complete all programme components. The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their combined results on theory of knowledge and the extended essay. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the creativity, action, service requirement.

Why Choose the IB Diploma Programme?

The DP is ideal for students who are motivated to challenge themselves academically, explore multiple subject areas, and prepare for university-level expectations. The programme develops well-rounded, globally minded learners who are ready to succeed in college and make meaningful contributions in an increasingly interconnected world.

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