IB Program Overview
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a comprehensive option program for any student seeking a rigorous course of studies. This two-year curriculum adds to intellectual rigor and high academic standards by fostering a strong emphasis on the ideas of international understanding and responsible citizenship. Achievement is assessed using international standards.
The IB was born of efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for students moving from one country to another. International educators were motivated by practical considerations but also by an idealisitic vision: students should share an academic experience that would emphasize critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to a variety of viewpoints.
IB Diploma candidates are required to select and complete one subject within each of six subject groups. Those groups include Language A (usually English), Language B (a second language), Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts and Electives. At least three and not more than four are taken at the higher level (HL) and others at the standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours and SL courses cover 150 hours. This program of study allows students to customize their approach to the IB Diploma depending on their specific areas of interest.
Sunset currently offers the following courses in our IB program:
Group One: Language A English
- IB English HL
- IB Language and Literature SL
Group Two: Language B
- IB French SL
- IB Japanese SL
- IB Spanish SL
Group Three: Individuals & Societies
- IB History SL/HL
- IB Economics SL
- IB Psychology SL
- IB Social & Cultural Anthropology SL
- IB Business Management HL
IB Core Study:
- IB Theory of Knowledge
Group Four: Science
- IB Biology HL
- IB Chemistry SL/HL
- IB Physics SL / HL
- IB Sports, Exercise & Health Science SL
Group Five: Mathematics
- IB Mathematics SL/HL
- IB Math Studies SL
Group Six: Arts
- IB Art SL/HL
- IB Film HL
- IB Theater HL
- IB Music SL
Click here for Sunset Course Guide with detailed descriptions.
ASSESSMENTS IN IB
A variety of assessment methods are used by IB to value both the content and the process of academic achievement and take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns. The external assessments, evaluated by chief examiners worldwide, include oral and written work, long and short responses, and data-based questions. The internal assessments are evaluated by the classroom teachers working with members of the IB. These assessments are portfolio based, presentation based, project based, or research based products.
In addition to the six subject groups, all diploma students are required to take the interdisciplinary Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course designed to allow them the opportunity to critically reflect on the knowledge and experiences gained inside and outside the classroom.
IB Diploma candidates will also undertake original research to write a 4,000 word Extended Essay. Finally, students will fulfill the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirement by participating and reporting on a broad range of sports, arts, and community service activities.
Sunset High School encourages all students to challenge themselves by taking IB courses or tackling the IB Diploma.
IB Mission & Learner Profile
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.