Course Selection & Scheduling: DP Style.
Selecting IB coursework relies on several factors--but, above all CPPHS students are encouraged to select coursework that is academically appropriate. Our students have the opportunity to choose collegiate level coursework in almost every curricular area; in the CPP District we offer students IB, AP, SUPA, and ACE coursework. We encourage every student to take one or more upper-level courses in any area they enjoy or are interested in pursuing beyond the secondary level.
Students selecting IB DP courses should be organized and not afraid of a challenge. Students and families have the opportunity to choose DP coursework on an individual basis (certificate candidates) or to pursue the full IB Diploma (Diploma candidates). So.... what's the difference?
Certificate Candidate vs. Diploma Candidate
A Diploma candidate should think about coursework using a rule of "3s":
3HL courses + 3 SL courses + 3 extras
Overall students will choose 6 subjects from 5 different subject areas. Three courses are pursued at the Higher Level and three courses are undertaken at the Standard Level. Full Diploma candidates also must complete the Extended Essay (EE), ToK, and CAS hours. About 15% of each cohort selects this option.
A Certificate candidate can take as many or as few IB courses as they choose--no specific configuration necessary.
On average, 20% of each cohort chooses this option. And the reasons for choosing certificate candidacy over diploma candidacy vary by student.
IB Course Scheduling Worksheet 2023.pdfA basic primer & glossary:
HL= Higher Level (courses that carry over two instructional years)
SL= Standard Level (courses that carry over one instructional year)
*with the exception of Foreign Language
ToK= Theory of Knowledge (a two-year core component of the IB Diploma)
EE= Extended Essay (a 4000 word essay on a topic of the student's choice)
CAS= Creativity, Action, & Service (a commitment to service through both the junior and senior years)
glossary.docIB Courses & Planning your Schedule:
These resources are designed as tool for planning your schedule. The document on the left is a worksheet to help plan your full Diploma path--it is not your course selection but is a useful tool for working through the process with your counselor.
This document outlines some quick course information. It is not the official course description from the International Baccalaureate--if you'd like the official course description, please head here.