CPA International Baccalaureate Programme
Curriculum
IB Curriculum
A student enrolled in the Diploma Programme at CPA will take a full complement of IB courses in Grades 11 and 12. IB courses fall into two different categories, Higher and Standard Level. To complete the full IB Diploma, students are required to take three Higher Level courses and three Standard Level courses from the groups below. Higher Level classes are taught for 240 hours and go into more depth than the 150 hour Standard Level classes. IB students take one class from each ‘Group‘ (three HLs and three SLs)
* French Immersion students who are successful in Higher Level French and Standard Level History in French graduate with an IB Bilingual Diploma
Course availability is subject to course selection numbers.
Additional Requirements – the IB Core
Students are also required to fulfil three additional requirements, which are core components of the IB program. The “Core” of the IB hexagon is made up of Theory of Knowledge, CAS (extra-curricular activities and volunteer work) and the Extended Essay. The purpose of the Core is to bring together the IB experience in a way that challenges and inspires students.
Through critical thinking, experiential learning and independent research, the goal is to challenge students in a way that is engaging, exciting and relevant to their lives. Moreover, the Core provides a venue to connect the other six subjects that can, at times, live in isolation.
While ‘point-wise’ the value of the Core is less (students receive a possible three total points based on work in TOK and on the EE), philosophically it is what makes the IB Diploma unique. The value of what is learned through the Core is carried into the other subjects and the skills and ideas are intended to carry each student throughout his/her life.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – an interdisciplinary course that encourages critical reflection on how we know. This course looks at epistemology and philosophy as it relates to the subjects taught in the IB program. The course challenges students to think and reflect and is assessed through written work and an oral presentation.
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) – student’s conduct volunteer projects in the school, community and beyond that challenge them personally and as a group. By the end of the two year program, a student will be able to demonstrate how his or her CAS program has helped to meet the 7 CAS outcomes. This component of the programme will allow students to build a portfolio that is essential as they navigate their post-secondary opportunities.
Extended Essay (EE) – In the Extended Essay, each student has the opportunity to conduct independent research into a topic of special interest. Students are paired up with a teacher advisor, for support/guidance as they prepare and write the extended essay of approximately 4,000 words.
