DP

(Grades 11 & 12)

DP Philosophy

The IB Diploma Program (IB DP) serves students in grades 11 and 12.

All DP courses have curricula determined by IB. DP courses meet NC graduation requirements. Most courses are taught over two years.

Unique features of the DP:

Students take 7 IB courses (see below for details), most of which are taken over two years.
DP courses are assessed via internal assessments (scored by teachers) and written examinations taken in May of the second year of the course.
Students who score well on IB exams may earn college credit, depending on the college, course, score, and student major.
Students complete service hours (Creativity, Activity, Service) and an argumentative research paper (the Extended Essay).

Tips for DP Success

Focus on time management
- Complete homework the night it is assigned.
- Divide projects into manageable chunks.
Strive for balance
- Get involved in activities that you love
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- Take time for fun!
Communicate
- Talk to your teachers if you're struggling with the material.
- Let the CAS coordinator know if you can't find service opportunities
- Keep your parents in the loop about your assignments and grades.
Get help!
- Go to tutoring if you need help with class material.
- See your school counselor if you are struggling with stress management.

How to Earn an IB Diploma

Students must take examinations in 6 IB courses, at least three of which must be at Higher Level (HL) and at least two of which must be at Standard Level (SL). Examinations are scored from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest)
Students must earn at least 24 points from their 6 IB examinations.
Students must complete Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements.
Students must not earn an “N” (non-scoreable) for Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), or any subject exam.
Students must not earn a grade E for TOK and/or the EE.
Students must not earn grade 1 in a subject/level.
Students must not earn more than two grade 2s (SL or HL).
Students must not earn more than three grade 3s or below (SL or HL).
Students must gain 12 points or more on HL subjects. (For candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count.)
Students must gain 9 points or more on SL subjects. (Candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL.)
Students must not receive a penalty for academic misconduct from the final award committee.

What are SL and HL, and why do they matter?

SL stands for Standard Level. SL courses cover approximately 150 hours of material in a subject-area.
HL stands for Higher Level. HL courses cover approximately 240 hours of material in a subject-area, including most of the topics contained in the SL curriculum for the subject. Essentially, HL courses have more material than SL courses.
Students must take exams in at least 3 HL courses and at least 2 SL courses in order to earn an IB Diploma. Further requirements in HL versus SL are listed in the "How to Earn an IB Diploma" section above.

Course Scheduling - Grade 11

Courses below are required for the Diploma Program. Click here to see DP course descriptions.

IB Language A: Language & Literature HL 1 (English)
IB Language B SL 1 or HL 1 (French, Spanish)
IB History of the Americas HL 1
IB Biology SL or HL 1
IB Math SL 1 (Approaches or Analysis)
Sixth Subject
1. May be a one-year course as an SL, including Psychology.
2. May be a two-year course as an SL or HL, including Visual Arts or a second science class.
Theory of Knowledge

Your final course is a free elective; you are strongly encouraged to choose a course which interests you but which is NOT at AP or IB level in order to provide balance.

Course Scheduling - Grade 12

Courses below are required for the Diploma Program. Click here to see DP course descriptions.

IB Language A: Language & Literature HL 2 (English)
IB Language B SL 2 or HL 2 (French, Spanish)
IB History of the Americas HL 2
IB Biology SL or HL 2
IB Math SL 2 (Approaches or Analysis)
Sixth Subject
1. May be a one-year course as an SL, including Psychology.
2. May be the second year of a two-year course as an SL or HL, including Visual Arts or a second science class.
Theory of Knowledge

Your final course is a free elective; you are strongly encouraged to choose a course which interests you but which is NOT at AP or IB level in order to provide balance. If your Sixth Subject was a one-year course taken in junior year, you will have two free electives for senior year.

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