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What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a curriculum framework  designed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) for students  in the last two years of high school.

IB students graduating with the IB diploma are able to study  at universities all around the world, often with advanced  credit. Students report that their involvement with the IB has  given them the tools needed to succeed at college. In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness,  self-confidence, research skills and their ability to manage  their time. Even more important, they have developed a sense of the world around them and their responsibility to it.

Diploma Programme students study six subjects (three at standard level and three at higher level) over two years  and complete three additional requirements: the theory of  knowledge (TOK), the extended essay and at least 150 hours  of CAS—creativity, activity and service tasks outside of the  classroom. In addition to these requirements, students must  earn a minimum of 24 points out of a possible 45 points on  the final assessments which are externally marked and mod-

erated by the IB, in order to receive an IB diploma.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Courses and “IB for ALL” at Woodlands Middle High School:

All Woodlands students are encouraged to take at least one IB Diploma Programme course during their Junior and Senior year of High School (Most IB DP courses are 2 year courses, taking place Junior and Senior Year.). During the first 2 years of the IB Diploma Programme’s existence at WMHS approximately 56% of all Juniors and Seniors are enrolled in at least 1 or more IB DP courses

Full International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Requirements:

All IB DP courses are 2 year courses, taking place Junior and Senior Year. To earn an IB diploma, awarded by the International Baccalaureate Organization a student must take a course from six subject areas or “Groups”:

Group 1: Language A: Language and Literature (ELA)

Group 2: Language B: Spanish, Ab Initio Spanish, Ab Initio Mandarin (World Languages)

Group 3: History

Group 4: Environmental Systems and Societies, Chemistry, Biology, Sports, Exercise and Health Science

Group 5: Applications and Interpretations,  Analysis and Approaches (Mathematics)

Group 6: Visual Arts, Music

*The courses captured above represent those we are presently offering.  Part of our multi-year plan is to continue to integrate more IB DP Course offerings. A student who is a full IB Diploma candidate must take (at least) 3 courses at a “Higher Level” (HL) and 3 at “Standard Level”(SL). “Higher Level” courses are more demanding than Standard Level courses. Each class culminates in an exam. IB DP exams or “papers” are graded on a scale of 1-7 with a 4 considered passing. For more information on this grading scale/score criteria, please refer to the IBO’s website

“The Core”

To complete the IB Diploma Program, students will need to complete what is known as “the core” in addition to the class requirements above.

The core consists of 3 components: a class known as Theory of Knowledge, an essay known as the Extended Essay, and a project known as Creativity, Action and Service.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): This is a class that is a mix of philosophy, and a broad array of content area knowledge and IB asserts that the class “encourages[s] students to reflect on the huge cultural shifts worldwide such as around the digital revolution and the information economy.” This class makes you think about what is important to you and think about for the class, there is no exam. Instead, you write a paper and give an oral presentation.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): A three-part project that requires students to be involved in extracurricular activities. Journal entry reflections on experiences are a key component to this core element of IB.

1. Creativity: getting involved in something creative, learning an instrument, acting in a play, writing a short story, etc.

2. Action: Generally sports-related activity, sports in a wide sense (could be anything outdoors such as rock-climbing or hiking). Playing on a school sports team counts as “Action”, for example.

3. Service: “Service” can be thought of as traditional community service, (i.e) volunteering to help feed those in need, host a fundraiser for health related research or cause, or clothing drives to mention a few examples.

Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word mini-thesis. The topic that needs to be approved by IB (considerable latitude is given to student choice of topics). An Extended Essay advisor (an IB teacher at Woodlands) will facilitate and guide students through this process.

Are Those All The Requirements to Earn Your IB Diploma?*

Additionally, students will need to hit certain score markers on exams in order to earn a full IB Diploma. Students must score 24 points or more between all of the IB exams taken to get a diploma ((i.e.) cumulatively). If a student accrues 24 points or more, he/she will receive an IB diploma if in addition…

1. All CAS requirements have been met.

2. There is no “N” awarded for theory of knowledge, the extended essay or contributing subject.

3. There is no grade E awarded for of theory of knowledge and or the extended essay.

4. There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (SL or HL).

5. There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (SL or HL).

6. Overall, there are no more than three grades 3 or below.

7. At least 12 points have been gained on higher-level subjects (for candidates who register for four higher level subjects, the three highest grades count).

8. At least 9 points have been gained on standard level subjects (candidates who register for two standard level subjects must gain at least 5 points at standard level).

9. The final award committee has not given the candidate a penalty for academic misconduct.

*The above captures the requirements to earn a full IB Diploma. As a school community at Woodlands we believe in “IB for all” and will encourage all of our students to take at least one IB Diploma Program Course during their Junior and Senior years.

Most Importantly...

The IB Diploma Program (DP) at Woodlands Middle High School will provide  a framework for academic rigor and innovation that will encourage students to challenge themselves, and to apply their broad range and depth of knowledge in the real world. 

At Woodlands, we are implementing the DP  to help our students in pre-university preparation. IB is highly regarded by leading colleges and universities worldwide for its challenging curriculum and for predicting student success in higher education. Diploma program graduates qualify for college credit at most U.S. colleges and universities.

Our teachers will inspire DP students to tap into their critical-thinking skills and personal passions to focus on one area for in-depth study — one child at a time, in Greenburgh's commitment to educating our students in an environment in which they will develop a life-long love of learning and successfully engage in a rapidly changing, inter-connected global community. Our school is ready to:

1. Teach students a broad range of subjects, including several at a higher level and of their own choosing, ranging from experimental sciences and mathematics, to the arts, economics and finance, film, technology, and languages.

2. Introduce students to philosophy through the compulsory IB Theory of Knowledge course, where they explore the nature of knowledge and are challenged to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing.

3. Encourage students to explore the arts and creative thinking, physical activity, and community service through CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) requirements on a journey of self-discovery. 

4. Engage students in independent research through in-depth study and writing an extended essay. 

5. Emphasize the development of the whole student intellectually, emotionally, physically, and ethically. 

6. Embrace the IB Learner Profile: Woodlands students are knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.