The Diploma Programme Curriculum

The curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. 

Made up of three required components, the DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

The three core elements are:

• Theory of knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.

• The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. (See also the EE page.)

• Creativity, activity, service, in which students complete a project related to those three concepts. (See also the CAS page.)

The six subject groups are:

• Studies in language and literature

• Language acquisition

• Individuals and societies

• Sciences

• Mathematics

• The arts

There are different courses within each subject group.  Travelers Rest High School currently offers the following IB courses:

• English A Language and Literature HL

• Spanish B SL and HL

• History of the Americas HL

• Exercise Science SL

• Film SL

• Theatre SL

• Biology HL

• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL and HL

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Diploma candidates take 3 or 4 courses at HL (higher level) and the remaining courses at SL (standard level). Higher Level courses cover more topics than Standard Level; the rigor of HL and SL courses is the same.

If you would like to learn more about the IB Diploma Programme, please complete this form, or contact the IB Coordinator.