INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM

The INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM courses usually take place during a student's Junior and Senior years. The full IB Diploma consists of six examinations based on the IB requirements determining the areas of the study. Along with the examinations there are other components (extended essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS Activities) that can add or subtract points towards the total needed to gain a diploma, 24 points minimum. The examinations are given in May and are scored externally. Each subject usually has two written exams (papers) with the times varying depending on the subject and whether it is at a Higher or Standard Level. Languages have oral exams and most subjects have a teacher assessed component.

As in the Advanced Placement program, university credit can be awarded particularly for grades of 5 or above on the higher level exams. Credit is rarely given for a certificate in a standard subject, but a full diploma can be used to gain advanced standing in U.S. universities.

IB SCORE SCALE:

The IB exams can be taken for individual certificates or to fulfill the IB Diploma requirements. The scale is 1-7 (7-Highest). An informal scale of interpreting the results is:

7 Excellent Extremely well qualified, equal top A grades
6 Very Good Well qualified, still equal A quality work
5 Good Qualified, a "B" grade
4 Satisfactory An average score, considered passing
3 Mediocre A low score, not usually considered a pass
2/1 Poor/Very Poor Not acceptable scores, cannot be used for diploma unless compensated for by high grades in the other 5 subjects
Up to 3 additional points may be earned by points awarded for work in Theory of Knowledge and on the Extended Essay.

A minimum of 24 points must be earned for a full IB Diploma.

* IB courses are offered at two levels HL-Higher Level and SL-Standard Level. The HL choices will depend on the student’s interest, abilities and educational plan and will, in general, be subjects in which the student does well. The SL choices will complete the required six subjects for students enrolled in the full IB Diploma programs. Several students will use SL courses to continue their studies in courses of interest but where they lack the depth of background preparation to enter the parallel HL course.