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What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The DP is a curriculum that emphasizes both breadth and depth of knowledge.  The DP is made of up six subject groups and a core, comprising of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and a research paper of up to 4,000 words, the Extended Essay (EE).  

Why consider the IB Diploma Programme?

IB students graduating with the IB diploma are able to study at universities all around the world, often with advanced credit.  Students report that their involvement with the IB has given them the tools needed to succeed at college.  In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness, self-confidence, research skills and their ability to manage their time.  Even more important, they have developed a sense of the world around them and their responsibility to it.  

Who should consider the full IB Diploma Programme?

The DP is a rigorous course of study for students wishing to engage with a globally minded framework to teaching and learning.  Prior academic success is less an indicator of ability to earn the diploma than is a student's determination to do his or her best, willingness to be organized in order to complete the work while leading a full, balanced life, and a strong commitment to learning in and beyond the classroom.

At Huron High School, students in 11th and 12th grade are invited to experience the IB education in the way that best fits their interests, passions, and requirements for successful graduation.  

The Full Diploma Programme Student:

Full DP students study six subjects [three at standard level (SL) and three at higher level (HL)] over two years.  They also engage with the three additional requirements of the DP Core through the DP Core Advisory class, a requirement of all full DP students: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE).  In addition to these coursework requirements, students must earn a minimum of 24 points out of a possible 45 points on their final assessments which are externally marked and moderated by the IB, in order to earn the IB diploma.  All Full Diploma students will also earn an AAPS high school diploma.  

The DP Course Student:

Students who wish to take one or more Diploma Programme courses during 11th and 12th grades, yet not pursue the IB Diploma, can do so as a DP Course student.  DP Course students complete all of the coursework and take DP examinations in the individual DP course and earn a DP Course certificate based on their scores.  DP Course students take DP courses and take traditional and/or Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered at Huron High School.  A DP Course student will earn an AAPS high school diploma.  

The Career-related Programme (CP) Student:

Please see our additional information on the experience of an IB Career-related Programme (CP) Student. 

The Diploma Programme Core Requirements:

Students who are a part of the full IB Diploma Programme, and pursuing the IB Diploma, study the core elements of the program listed below throughout both 11th and 12th grades as one of their scheduled classes called DP Core Advisory.  In this class, students will receive instruction, guidance and support as they plan and reflect on the DP experience.

DP Core Advisory - a two year course that contains all elements of the DP core:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK):

TOK asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.  TOK is composed almost entirely of questions.

The most central of these is "How do we know?", while other questions include:

• What counts as evidence for X?
• How do we judge which is the best model of Y?
• What are the limitations/strengths of our knowledge?

Through discussions of these and other questions, students gain greater awareness of their personal and ideological assumptions, as well as developing an appreciation of the diversity and richness of cultural perspectives.

Extended Essay (EE):

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. The extended essay provides:

• practical preparation for undergraduate research
• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of special interest to them, which is also related to one of the student's six DP subjects. 

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• formulating an appropriate research question
• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• academic integrity
• communicating ideas
• developing an argument. 

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyse, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS):

As students complete their CAS requirements, they take part in a range of experiences and at least one project that has them explore their creativity, practice an active lifestyle and provide service to others.  CAS requires students to take part in a range of experiences and at least one project. These should involve:

• real, purposeful activities, with significant outcomes
• personal challenge
• thoughtful consideration, such as planning, reviewing progress, reporting
• reflection on outcomes and personal learning

All CAS activities should involve student initiation.

Four Year Plan for a Full IB Diploma Student at Huron High School