What is the IB Diploma?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year academic program for students in grades 11 and 12 that leads to an additional, globally recognized diploma earned alongside the high school diploma. At Purcell Marian, pursuing the IB Diploma means enrolling in the full IB course load and completing the IB core, making it the school’s most demanding academic pathway. More than a collection of advanced courses, the IB Diploma is a cohesive program that develops sustained academic rigor, independence, and depth of learning—an achievement recognized and respected by colleges and universities around the world.

Below, explore what it means to pursue the IB Diploma at Purcell Marian, including diploma requirements, the six-course model, the IB core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS), and how the diploma is earned.

DIPLOMA COURSEWORK

To earn the IB Diploma, students enroll in six two-year IB courses, one from each subject group. Students take a combination of Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses, with a minimum of three HL courses, allowing for both academic breadth and sustained depth.

At Purcell Marian, the IB Diploma follows a defined six-course sequence:

HL IB Language and Literature
SL IB Spanish
HL History of the Americas
SL Environmental Systems and Societies
SL Mathematics
HL Visual Arts

To learn more about each IB course—including what students study, how courses are assessed, and who teaches them—visit the IB Courses and Faculty page.

THE IB CORE

In addition to coursework, all IB Diploma candidates complete the IB core, which connects learning across subjects and emphasizes reflection, inquiry, and engagement beyond the classroom.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK is a required component of the IB Diploma and is also open to students who are not pursuing the full Diploma. TOK invites students to examine how knowledge is created, evaluated, and challenged. Through seminar-style discussion, students explore questions such as How do we know what we know? and consider the roles of evidence, perspective, and authority across disciplines. TOK helps students see connections across their IB courses and engage thoughtfully with multiple ways of knowing.

Extended Essay (EE)

The EE is an independent research paper in which students investigate a focused question of personal interest. Working with a faculty supervisor, students develop college-level research, writing, and time-management skills while learning how to sustain a long-term academic project.

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)

CAS supports student growth beyond the classroom through sustained engagement in creative pursuits, physical activity, and service to others. CAS emphasizes intentional planning, ongoing commitment, and reflection, helping students develop balance, responsibility, and self-awareness over the two-year program.

EARNING THE IB DIPLOMA

The IB Diploma is awarded based on overall performance across the full two-year program, rather than on a single exam or course.

Six IB subjects, each scored on a 1–7 scale (up to 42 points)
CAS completion required
Minimum of 24 points required for the award of the IB Diploma
Theory of Knowledge + Extended Essay, contributing up to 3 additional points (see matrix)

For a deeper explanation of IB assessment and scoring, visit the Assessment & Scores page.

Keep in mind, there is no single way for a student to earn the IB Diploma! The graphic below shows how different combinations of subject and core points can lead to the diploma, reflecting students’ varied strengths.

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