IB Diploma Programme

The IB curriculum comprises a ‘core’ and six subject groups. Students select one course from each of the subject groups below. Three Higher and Standard level courses (HL and SL) are required to obtain the Diploma. Students may select an additional elective from groups 2 - 4 instead of an option in group 6. Even though these courses run over the two-year period, the IB curriculum gels with the Quebec curriculum and all students fulfill their high school leaving requirements after grade 11. Students who complete IBDP courses but not the full Diploma requirements can also earn recognition for their completed IB courses. 

Disclaimer: Students may choose no more than one online course in their selections, and entry into the course is subject to a successful interview. Please note that there is an additional cost for online and SSST courses.

The Core

In addition to the six subjects, the IB Diploma involves completing three elements of the core:

1. Students follow a course in Theory of Knowledge (see subject brief), where they are encouraged to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge while drawing on their courses of study.
2. IB Diploma students must complete a 4,000-word Extended Essay (see subject brief), requiring independent research through an in-depth study of a question related to one of the subjects they are studying.
3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) (see subject brief) requires that students actively learn from the experience of performing real tasks beyond the classroom.

To earn the diploma, students must complete a course of study in the six subject areas and the three elements of the core for two years. There are externally set and corrected exams at the end of the two-year course in most subject areas. This external assessment determines the score students receive.

Students may take up to four IB courses without enrolling in the IBDP and may be able to earn advanced standing in those courses in university. Note that these courses must be followed over the two years.

Additional Information:

Understanding the IB Diploma Programme Assessment

A few fast facts:

• A study conducted by the University of British Columbia concluded that the mean first year average of North American IB students is 4.35% higher than other North American secondary school students.
• In a survey that we conducted among our first cohort of IB students, 76% reported that the IB Diploma was instrumental in gaining admission to the university of their choice, 94% reported that the IB Programme was excellent preparation for university, and 81% reported that their grades either went up or stayed the same in first year.
• The 2014 National Association for College Admission Counseling survey revealed that the primary criterion for 79% of admission professionals is grades in college prep courses. IB or AP exams were number one for approximately 7% of those surveyed.
• Whether or not a student gets advanced credits depends on the university, the IB courses completed, exam courses and the program to which the student has applied. McGill, for example, may give credit for one full year, while UBC gives first year credit based on performance in higher level IB courses (and some standard level courses. In our survey, 77% said they received university credits for IB courses.
• Select universities report that if a school offers an enriched program, a student’s choice to take a less rigorous program can have a negative impact on the admission decision.

Note that every university and program has its own admission requirements that will vary. UBC, for example, places a premium on IB students.

Read:

• IB Diploma Programme: A strong predictor of success in university
• Universities with IB Recognition Policies
• 10 Reasons Why the IB Diploma Programme is Ideal Preparation for University

IB Learner Profile

For further information, contact:

IB Online Resources