Subject Areas
Students in grades 11-12 will receive instruction in the following areas:
Group 1: Language A1 (English), including the study of selections from world literature.
Group 2: Language B (Spanish)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies (Geography, History)
Group 4: Experimental Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The arts (Visual Arts)
IB Diploma Programme candidates are required to study six subjects: one subject each from groups one to five, and a sixth subject from group six or an elective. The electives may include a second subject from groups one to four. At least three and not more than four of the six subjects are taken at a higher level (HL), the others at a standard level (SL).
Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 point (minimum) to 7 points (maximum). The awarding of a diploma requires candidates to meet defined standards and conditions. These include a minimum total of 24 points, and the satisfactory completion of three additional components: The Extended Essay (EE), the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).
The Extended Essay of some 4,000 words provides a first experience in preparing an independent research paper. Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained outside the classroom. Finally, the Creativity, Action, Service component involves compulsory participation in three areas: creativity, action, and service.
Approximately 76% of candidates in the United States are awarded a diploma. In Canada, 92% of candidates receive a diploma. Throughout the world the average is 83%.
A candidate who does not satisfy all requirements of the Diploma Programme, or who has elected to take fewer than six subjects is awarded a certificate for the examinations completed. Diploma candidates who successfully complete more than six subjects receive an extra certificate for the additional subjects.
A candidate’s examination performance for individual subjects is graded according to the following scale:
1. Very poor
2. Poor
3. Mediocre
4. Satisfactory
5. Good
6. Very good
7. Excellent
N. No grade
IB scores are criterion referenced rather than norm referenced. Criteria are set out in course guides by subject and year.
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) are graded according to this scale:
A. Excellent
B. Good
C. Satisfactory
D. Mediocre
E. Elementary
N. No grade
Diploma Programme subjects can yield up to 42 points. Three further points can be awarded for the combination of the EE and the TOK. Therefore, the maximum possible score is 45 points. Achievement of less than 24 points will result in a certificate for courses successfully completed, but a Diploma is not awarded.
Results are available in mid-July for May examination session candidates, and mid-January for November examination session candidates. If requested, an official transcript of results will be sent electronically to universities. The transcript will indicate the level of each subject, the grade awarded in each, the total points scored, and the completion of the addition components. It is typically marked diploma awarded or certificate awarded.
