Key Components of the IB Diploma Programme Curriculum
Core Components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word research paper that allows students to investigate a topic of interest, developing research and academic writing skills.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies, fostering personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning.
Subject Groups: The DP curriculum requires students to study six subjects, chosen from the following groups:
- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature: Focuses on the study of language and literature, fostering an appreciation for the rich literary heritage and developing critical analysis skills.
- Group 2: Language Acquisition: Encourages the acquisition and development of a second language, promoting intercultural understanding.
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies: Includes subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Psychology, helping students understand societal structures and human behavior.
- Group 4: Sciences: Offers courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, promoting scientific inquiry and experimentation.
- Group 5: Mathematics: Develops mathematical understanding and skills, with options ranging from standard level to higher-level courses like Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches.
- Group 6: The Arts: Provides opportunities for creative expression through subjects like Visual Arts, Music, and Theatre, or allows students to choose an additional subject from Groups 1 to 5.
Assessment: The DP assessment is rigorous and combines internal assessments with external examinations. Students are graded on a scale of 1 to 7 for each subject, with a maximum of 45 points available. The core components (TOK, EE, and CAS) play a crucial role in achieving the Diploma.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum includes three core components that are essential for completing the program:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course that explores the nature of knowledge and encourages students to reflect on how they know what they know.
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research project on a topic of the student’s choice, which develops research, analytical, and writing skills.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A component that involves students in a variety of activities alongside their academic studies, focusing on personal growth and community engagement.
Students in the IB Diploma Programme must take six subjects, selected from six different groups:
- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Group 4: Sciences
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: The Arts (or an additional subject from Groups 1-5) Three of these subjects are studied at a higher level (HL) and three at a standard level (SL). This structure ensures a balanced and broad education, allowing students to pursue areas of interest while gaining a well-rounded academic experience.
The IB Diploma Programme assessment is based on a combination of internal assessments (such as coursework and projects) and external examinations. Each of the six subjects is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with the maximum possible score being 42 points (6 subjects x 7 points each). In addition, students can earn up to 3 extra points for their performance in the core components (TOK, EE, and CAS), bringing the maximum total to 45 points. To be awarded the IB Diploma, students must achieve a minimum of 24 points and meet certain other criteria, including completing the core components satisfactorily.