What is “IB”?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging curriculum that leads to a diploma recognized worldwide. Students engage in a rigorous course of study, learn to relate classroom experiences to the larger world, gain an international perspective, and develop responsible citizenship. 

The IB curriculum encourages critical analysis, research skills, and service as part of the learning process. Student performance is measured by assessments administered by both local teachers and international examiners. Graduates of the program are considered for enrollment at the world’s top universities and are eligible for up to a full-year’s worth of college credit.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Courses and “IB for ALL” at Woodland 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 (All 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: IB Mandarin or IB Spanish or Ab Initio Spanish (World Languages)

Group 3: History of the Americas (History)

Group 4: Environmental Systems and Societies or Chemistry, Computor Science (Sciences)

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

Group 6: Visual Arts or 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.

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.

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.

Are those All The Requirements To Get 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 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.