Diploma Program

The IB Diploma Program (DP) is a two year academically challenging and balanced program for students in 11th and 12th grade that prepares students for success in university and life beyond. 

The program is so successful, that it is recognized by top universities around the world for its holistic approach and all-around development of the student, its academic rigor and excellent preparation. So much so, that IB DP students are given preferences in admissions by top ranking universities.

The IB Diploma Program is made up of three DP core elements and six subject groups that students may study at a higher level  (HL) or standard level (SL).

Subject Groups 

The Diploma Program’s six subject groups are:

1. Studies in language and literature
2. Language acquisition
3. Individuals and societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. The arts

Each group has different courses and students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, individuals and societies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth course may be in the arts subject group, or the student may opt to take an additional course in one of the other subject groups instead.

Students must take at least three courses at higher level and the remaining in standard level. These levels differ in scope but are measured with the same grade descriptors.

Core Elements 

In addition to the subject groups, the Diploma Program has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding.

The extended essay is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.

Theory of Knowledge is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).

Creativity, Action and Service requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately.