earning the IB Diploma

Completing the programme does not guarantee the award of the IB Diploma, To earn your IB Diploma you must: 

• • • Tests in six subject areas during the junior and senior years. 

    • Take 3 Higher Level Classes (240 hours seat time)

      • Earn a 4 or higher out of 7 points

    • Take 3 Standard Level Classes (150 hours seat time) 

      • Earn a 4 or higher out of 7 points

    • Successful completion of the Theory of Knowledge Class (TOK)

    • Complete the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) component

    • Successful completion in writing a 4,000 word research paper, Extended Essay (EE)

    • Earn 24 points in the six subject area exams are required for the IB Diploma. 

      • Each exam is worth 1 – 7 points. 

      • 12 points must come from HL courses

      • No less than 9 points earned in SL courses

      • Up to 1-3 bonus points can be awarded for EE and TOK)

    • Do not meet any Failing Conditions

bonus points matrix 

(Up to 1-3 bonus points can be awarded for EE and TOK)

Diploma disqualifications

IB diploma failing conditions: 

• CAS requirements have not been met.

• The candidate’s total points are fewer than 24.

• An N has been given for theory of knowledge, extended essay, or for a contributing subject.

• A grade E has been awarded for one or both of Theory of Knowledge and the extended essay.

• There is a grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.

• Grade 2 has been awarded three or more times (HL or SL). Grade 3 or below has been awarded four or more times (HL/ SL).

• Candidate has gained fewer than 12 points on HL subjects or fewer than 9 points on SL (for candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count and must accumulate 26 points total to earn the Diploma).

• Candidate has gained fewer than 9 points on SL subjects (candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL). 

benefits of the ib Diploma

A student must score at least 24 points cumulative from all of his or her classes in order to be considered for the IB Diploma. (That would be a minimum score of 4 in each subject area)

• Once a student has scored at least 24 points in all IB subject areas combined, and completed the core components, they will receive the IB Diploma which will result, by Texas state law, the awarding of 24hrs of college credit free to a majority of Texas Public University/College. (Credit hours are determined individually by institution and major)

• Texas Senate bill 111, 2005

  • (g)  Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, an institution of higher education shall grant at least 24 semester credit hours or equivalent course credit in appropriate subject areas to an entering freshman student for successful completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.  The institution may grant fewer than 24 semester credit hours if the student received a score of less than four on an examination administered as part of the diploma program.  The institution may grant fewer credit hours only with respect to courses that are substantially related to the subject of that examination

Other benefits:

• It assesses more than examination techniques

• Opportunities to become involved in the community (Creativity, Activity, Service CAS)

• Exploration in real-world discussions and content ( Extended Essay and Internal Assessment topics)

• 10pt GPA boost in every DP IB class (5 pt per semester)

BENEFITS BEING AN IB DP CANDIDATE in DISD IB SCHOOLS:

• Smaller class sizes, allow for more one-on-one support in some group area courses

• Students work closely with DP Coordinator, Counselor, and teachers for the duration of the programme

• Monthly check ins to support academic, time management skills, mental and social-emotional growth

• The programme creates independent learners and strong writers

• Surrounded by students who share common goals and become a support system