Diploma Requirements

Clarkstown High School North

Diploma Program Requirements

Diploma Requirements

Candidates for the IB diploma must enroll in one course from each of the six core curriculum groups during their Junior and Senior year. At least three and not more than four are taken at the higher level (HL) and the others are taken at the standard level (SL). HL course must be taken over two years, while some SL courses can be completed in one year. HL candidates for the diploma may take a maximum of two SL examinations junior year (Anticipated Candidates) and the remaining four exams senior year (Diploma year). However, all six examinations may be taken senior year.


Core Requirements: TOK, C.A.S., the Extended Essay

1. Students will enroll in a Theory of Knowledge course that meets daily during the second semester of junior year and the first semester of senior year.

2. Students will complete an approved program of extra-curricular activities known as CAS (Creativity – Activity – Service).

3. Students will complete and submit for assessment a 4000-word extended essay in a subject of interest related to IB coursework. Work on the essay is expected to occupy approximately 40 hours and will be completed under the supervision of a teacher familiar with the Diploma Program.

The International Baccalaureate Scoring System

Each examined subject is graded by IB examiners on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). To earn the IB Diploma a student must meet the defined standards and conditions of each course, earn a minimum total of 24 points and satisfactorily complete the three core requirements: Theory of Knowledge (ToK), the Extended Essay (EE), and (CAS) Creativity, Activity and Service. The maximum diploma score of 45 could be earned by a student scoring a 7 on each of the six assessments in addition to earning three points based on the candidate’s performance in ToK and the Extended Essay. The quality of work in both ToK and the Extended Essay is measured against assessment criteria and the results are described according to five categories: elementary, mediocre, satisfactory, good, and excellent.

Award of the IB diploma

The IB diploma will be awarded to a candidate who meets the following criteria:

  1. All assessment components for each of the six subjects and the additional Diploma requirements must be completed to qualify for the award of the IB Diploma.

  2. The IB Diploma will be awarded to a candidate provided all the following requirements have been met:

    • CAS requirements have been met.

    • The candidate’s total points are 24 or more.

    • There is no “N” awarded for theory of knowledge, the extended essay, or for a contributing subject.

    • There is no grade E awarded for theory of knowledge and/or the extended essay.

    • There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.

    • There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (HL or SL).

    • There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (HL or SL).

    • The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects (for candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count).

    • The candidate has gained 9 points or more on three SL subjects (candidates who register for only two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL).

    • The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.