Programme Model and Requirements

The Diploma Programme is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. The DP core aims to broaden students' educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

Programme Model:

The three core elements include:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): students reflect on the nature of knowledge, i.e., how we know what we claim to know.
The Extended Essay (EE): an independent, self-directed piece of research culminating with a 4000-word paper.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): it involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies.

DP students are required to select one subject from each of the subject groups:

Studies in language and literature
Language acquisition
Individuals and Societies
The Sciences
Mathematics
The Arts

In Group 6, students have the possibility of taking an additional subject from Groups 1 through 4 rather than an Arts subject.

Students are required to take 3 subjects at Standard Level (SL) and 3 subjects at Higher Level (HL). There is also a possibility for 4 subjects at HL, and 2 at SL. If they have an additional, 7th subject, it can be taken at any level. SL and HL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding, and skills at a higher level.

Courses offered at Nova

IB DP Courses offered at Nova

IBDP Points

The Diploma is awarded to students who score at least 24 points, achieve certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme, and satisfactorily meet the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program requirements. The highest total score that a Diploma Programme student awarded is 45 points. However, there are some scores and certain combinations of scores that may prevent a student from receiving the Diploma. In addition, many universities require more than the minimum 24 points. Therefore, it is important for students to contact prospective universities so as to find out exactly what their required minimum points from the IB Diploma are. In addition, students must also successfully complete the requirements for TOK, CAS, and the Extended Essay.

Bilingual Diploma

A bilingual diploma is awarded to candidates who complete and receive a grade 3 or higher in two languages selected from the DP course studies in language and literature (Group 1). Students who gain a grade 3 or higher in studies in language and literature (Group 1) and a grade 3 or higher in an individuals and societies (Group 3) or a science subject (Group 4), completed in a language rather than English, will also receive a bilingual diploma.

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