Earning the IB Diploma
Students can participate in the Diploma program courses or work to earn an IB Diploma awarded by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
The goal of the IB Diploma is to prepare students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they:
develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically
acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding
develop the skills and a positive attitude towards learning that will prepare them for higher education and a career
study a language and increase understanding of cultures
make connections across traditional academic disciplines
undertake in-depth research into an area of interest
enhance their personal and interpersonal development through creativity, action, and service.
The IB Diploma Requirements
Although students can take individual IB Courses, we recommend the IB Diploma as the best preparation for a college or career
Students working toward earning an IB Diploma partcicipate in a cohesive program of study that includes the following requirements:
IB Diploma students choose one subject from each of the five groups (1 to 5), ensuring breadth of knowledge and understanding in their best language, additional language(s), the social sciences, the experimental sciences, and mathematics.
Students also choose either an arts subject from group 6, or a second subject from groups 2 through 4.
Three courses (and no more than four) are taken at higher level (HL) and the others are taken at standard level (SL).
For each IB course, students receive an assessment grade ranging from 7 to 1, with 7 being highest.
Complete the IB Core comprising of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Action and Service (CAS), and an Extended Essay (EE).
Scheduling the IB Diploma
Sample Full Diploma Student Schedules (8 period day at EC)
11th Grade 12th Grade
Period 1: IB English Lit HL yr 1 IB English Lit HL yr 2
Period 2: IB Spanish HL yr 1 IB Spanish HL yr 2
Period 3: IB Global Politics SL (Non IB Elective/study Hall)
Period 4: IB Chemistry HL yr 1 IB Chemistry HL yr 2
Period 5: Algebra II IB Math Apps SL
Period 6: IB TOK&Core/Lunch IB TOK&Core/Lunch
Period 7: IB Psychology SL Non IB Elective/study Hall)
Period 8: Open/Study Hall Early Release
Sample Full Diploma Student Schedule: The Musician
11th Grade 12th Grade
Period 1: IB Eng. Lang& Lit HL yr 1 IB Eng. Lang& Lit HL yr 2
Period 2: IB French SL yr 1 IB French SL yr 2
Period 3: IB History HL yr 1 IB History HL yr 2
Period 4: Travel/Band Travel/Band
Period 5: Band/Travel Band/Travel
Period 6: IB TOK&Core/Lunch IB TOK&Core/Lunch
Period 7: IB Sports Science SL IB Business SL
Period 8: IB Math Apps HL yr 1 IB Math Apps HL yr 2
Sample Full Diploma Student Schedule: The Classical Musician
11th Grade 12th Grade
Period 1: IB Eng. Lang& Lit HL yr 1 IB Eng. Lang& Lit HL yr 2
Period 2: German III /Ger. Ab yr 2 IB German SL
Period 3: IB Global Politics HL yr 1 IB Global Politics HL yr 2
Period 4: IB Chemistry HL yr 1 IB Chemistry HL yr 2
Period 5: IB TOK&Core/Lunch IB TOK&Core/Lunch
Period 6: IB Math Analysis HL yr 1 IB Math Analysis HL yr 1
Period 7: IB Psychology SL Study Hall
Period 8: Chamber Orchestra Chamber Orchestra
*Travel period is not needed if traveling back to home HS after 7th period at EC
Sample Full Diploma Student Schedule: The Future Doctor
11th Grade 12th Grade
Period 1: IB Eng. Lang& Lit HL yr 1 IB Eng. Lang& Lit HL yr 2
Period 2: IB Spanish SL yr 1 IB Spanish SL yr 2
Period 3: IB Chemistry HL yr 1 IB Chemistry HL yr 2
Period 4: IB Psychology SL IB Sports Science SL/Elective
Period 5: IB TOK&Core/Lunch IB TOK&Core/Lunch
Period 6: IB Physics SL yr 1 IB Environmental Systems SL yr 1
Period 7: Study Hall/Elective Study Hall/Elective
Period 8: IB Math Apps HL yr 1 IB Math Apps HL yr 2
Earning the Diploma
Students must meet several requirements to earn the official IB Diploma, which is contingent on a student.
Enrolling in and successfully completing six IB subjects over 2 years.
Taking three courses at the HL level (maximum of four)
Successful completing The IB Core
Writing an original essay (called the Extended Essay) of approximately 4000 words.
Taking the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class for two years (includes an exhibition and essay completion)
Completing the CAS requirements
Taking IB examinations in each of the six subject areas (only two can be taken during the first year).
Earning a MINIMUM of 24 out of 45 total points on the six subject course exams (IB exam scores are on a scale of 1 – 7 so average a 4 on all exams) and The Core with a-
Combined MINIMUM of 12 points on HL subject exams (for candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count)
Combined MINIMUM of 9 points on SL subject exams (5 points if 2 SL courses are taken)
No exam scores of 1 or N (not submitted)
No more than two exam scores of 2
No more than two exam scores of 2
Extended Essay grade of A, B, C or D (No grade E or N)
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) grade of A, B, C or D (No grade E or N)
No penalties for academic dishonesty