1/26/2022

The daunting IB diploma. Every time a teacher mentions it, you tremble at its name. You are not quite sure what it entails, but you know to STAY AWAY!

But, as a current candidate of the IB diploma, I can assure you it is not as terrifying as it seems. The IB diploma is an additional diploma you can graduate with by meeting its requirements. So what are the requirements?

A vital aspect of the IB diploma is CAS. CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service. Each month in 11th and 12th grade, you must pick an experience that fits one of these groups. You choose an experience, have it approved by Mrs. Ariola, complete the experience, and then you write a quick reflection about your experience. If it sounds confusing, it really isn't. So many things can qualify as a CAS experience. For example, for a creativity experience I was able to use learning German, for an activity experience I chose to work on and show how I increased my speed in soccer, and for a service experience I served breakfast and lunch on Make a Difference Day. How easy! CAS is really beneficial because it allows you to explore different experiences you may have always wanted to do while becoming a more active participant in your community.

One of the more intimidating requirements comes in 12th grade, when you write an extended essay which is required in order to graduate with the IB diploma. While this probably sounds awful and alarming, there are some upsides. The essay can be about any subject you are taking: math, Science, English, Social Studies, Psychology, or Sports and Health. You get to choose, and what better choice than a class you enjoy and wish to write about? Another reason it isn't as scary as it sounds is that you have a long time to write the extended essay: you begin in 11th grade and it isn't due until halfway through your senior year. The essay is no longer as terrifying as you had once thought.

Finally, the most confusing and troubling part: classes. Every student is mostly worried about the classes they have to take for this diploma. Many students argue that they want the freedom to choose what classes to take their junior and senior year. Let me clear this misconception up, you can still have that freedom! Yes, you do have less freedom than someone who decides not to challenge the IB diploma, but that doesn't mean you still don't have choice when it comes to your schedule. In 11th grade you must take Theory of Knowledge. This is a year round course and is basically a philosophy class, taught by Mr. Ackroyd. In 12th grade, you continue Theory of Knowledge, however in 12th grade it is taught differently, it doesn't take up an entire set but rather, it's during your lunch time. Senior year this class is spent working on your extended essay. Throughout junior and senior year, you must continue your chosen language (Spanish or French). Simultaneously, you typically will only take IB classes. For example, when deciding what English class to take for senior year between AP or IB, you do have to choose the IB option. However, there are still other options. IB Chemistry or IB Bio? Your choice! Every IB candidate’s schedule will not be the same. There are so many ways to accommodate your schedule. If you are curious on what your schedule could look like, talk to Mr. Ackroyd.

It is important to note that not not all IB candidates end up earning the diploma. It is essential to do well in these classes and receive high grades on the IB finals in your classes to be sure your work earns the diploma. However, don’t be scared! Challenging the IB diploma is an honor and can have many benefits. Like Aunt May from Spider Man said, “with great power comes great responsibility”. Use your power of knowledge and challenge yourself by trying for the IB diploma!