IB Curriculum
Curriculum Overview
The IB curriculum resonates in many countries across the globe by providing a flexible framework for schools to adapt to their own local contexts. At its core, the IB Diploma Program centers on fostering the curiosity and thinking skills necessary for lifelong learning through student inquiry and concept-based teaching.
In each course, students complete independent research based on personal interests, and they also collaborate with their peers, learning communication and social skills throughout the program. Additionally, IB teachers work to differentiate instruction and coursework to meet the needs of all learners, with formative and summative assessments informing daily experiences in the classroom.
Brian Spittle from DePaul University discusses the benefits of IB curriculum.
The IB Diploma
Andrew Arida from the University of British Columbia explains how the Diploma Program prepares students for university success.
Interested students have the opportunity to participate in the full Diploma Program and earn the prestigious IB Diploma. In addition to taking six IB academic courses (one from each subject group listed on the front of this handout), Diploma Program students complete three core requirements:
Theory of Knowledge: A course designed to create connections between IB courses and higher-order thinking by focusing on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
Creativity, Activity, Service: Students practice goal-setting and reflection as they participate in extracurricular activities they are interested in.
Extended Essay: An independent research essay produced by IB students in a subject area and on a topic of their choice.
In order to complete this program, students must indicate their interest by completing an application.
Course Offerings
IB courses are available to juniors and seniors. All courses link to the theory of knowledge, encourage international-mindedness, and focus on fostering individual inquiry.
Higher-level (HL) courses take place over two semesters, one in a student's junior year and the second in a student's senior year. Students receive two credits, one at the end of each semester.
Students can take standard-level (SL) courses in either their junior or senior years. SL courses are typically one semester; language ab initio and Group 6 SL courses are two semesters.
Any sophomore or junior may register for up to three IB courses during the school's normal registration period.
IB students and educators from around the world describe the IB Diploma Program
Group 1: Studies in language and literature
IB Language and Literature SL/HL can serve as a core graduation credit for ELA, including the American literature requirement.
Subject brief
Group 2: Language acquisition
Language B SL is a one-semester course. The Spanish course is offered to students who have completed at least three credits of Spanish. The English course is offered to developing English learners.
Language ab initio SL is a two-semester course, offered to students who have taken no more than two years of Spanish or French.
Group 3: Individuals and societies
IB History of the Americas HL can serve as a core graduation credit for social studies, including the US History requirement.
Diploma candidates can take two Group 3 courses instead of a Group 6 course.
Group 4: Sciences
IB Biology HL and IB Chemistry SL can serve as a core graduation credit for science, including the biology and chemistry requirements respectively.
Diploma candidates can take two Group 4 options instead of a Group 6 course.
Group 5: Mathematics
IB Math: Applications & Interpretations SL/HL can serve as a core graduation credit for math. The course is a blend of advanced statistics and calculus.
Subject briefs
Group 6: The arts
Diploma candidates can elect to take an additional course in Groups 3-4 instead of a Group 6 course.
The diploma program core
Students take TOK as a year-long course during advisement.
Students receive regular guidance on the EE and CAS during TOK.