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 below), 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.
Please contact the DP Coordinator on your campus for more information
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 both the junior and the senior years. Students will receive a total of two credits, one at the end of each year.
Students can take standard-level (SL) courses in either their junior or senior years. SL courses are typically one year and students will receive one credit at the end of the course.
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 Literature HL can satisfy graduation requirements in ELA for both English 3 and English 4 if completed
Available to course students
Subject Brief
Group 2: Language acquisition
Language B SL is a one-year course, offered to students who have completed at least three years of either Spanish or French
Available to course students
Language ab initio SL is a two-year course, offered to students who have not taken either Spanish or French
Available to course students
Group 3: Individuals and societies
IB History of the Americas HL can satisfy graduation requirements in social studies for US History, Government, and Economics.
Available to course students.
IB Philosophy and IB Social and Cultural Anthropology are one-year courses, offered to either junior or senior students. Available to course students.
Diploma candidates can take both Group 3 courses instead of a Group 6 course.
Group 4: Sciences
IB Biology SL, IB Physics SL, and IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL are one-year courses, offered to either junior or seniors on alternating years. They can satisfy credit requirements for graduation in science. Available to course students.
Diploma candidates can take both Group 4 options instead of a Group 6 course.
Group 5: Mathematics
IB Math: Applications & Interpretations HL can satisfy credit requirements for graduation in math. This is a two-year course available to juniors. This course is a blend of advanced statistics and calculus.
IB Math: Analysis & Approaches HL can satisfy credit requirements for graduation in math. This is a two-year course available to juniors. This course has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments.
Each of these is available to course students
Group 6: The arts
IB Film SL is a one-year course that is available to juniors or seniors.
IB Music SL is a two-year course only available to juniors Diploma candidates
IB Visual Arts SL/HL is either a one or two year course available to junior or senior Diploma candidates depending on the course chosen.
The Diploma Program Core
Students take TOK and CAS over the course of both junior and senior years, one semester each year.
Students will receive regular guidance on their EE during TOK and CAS.