The International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a not-for-profit educational foundation that offers internationally recognized programs designed to develop knowledgeable, inquisitive, and compassionate learners. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous two-year pre-university curriculum for students in Grades 11 and 12. It emphasizes academic excellence, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a global perspective while preparing students for success at universities worldwide.

Established in 1968, the IB Diploma Programme was originally created to provide internationally mobile students with a common curriculum and a globally recognized university entrance qualification. Equally important was its broader mission: fostering critical inquiry, intercultural understanding, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives through a challenging, well-rounded education.

Graded began offering IB courses in 1985 and awarded its first IB Diploma in 1988. Today, students may choose between two IB pathways, allowing them to tailor their academic experience to their interests, strengths, and university goals.

IB Pathways at Graded

Graded offers two options within the IB:

IB Diploma Programme (Full Diploma)
IB Course Certificates

Both pathways provide students with the academic rigor of IB coursework and official IB recognition on their academic records for university applications.

The Diploma Programme (Full Diploma)

Students pursuing the full IB Diploma study six subjects over two years—typically three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL)—while completing the three core components of the Diploma Programme:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to examine the nature of knowledge, think critically about how knowledge is acquired, and consider multiple cultural and disciplinary perspectives.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Creativity, Activity, Service encourages students to engage in artistic pursuits, physical activity, and meaningful service experiences alongside their academic studies. Through ongoing goal setting and reflection, students develop personally while making positive contributions to their communities.

Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, 4,000-word research paper that allows students to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth while developing advanced research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

To earn the IB Diploma, students must successfully complete all diploma requirements and achieve a minimum score of 24 points out of a possible 45 on externally assessed examinations and coursework.

The IB Diploma Programme is recognized worldwide as one of the most academically rigorous high school programs. Students considering this pathway should be prepared to manage a demanding workload, meet internal deadlines, maintain excellent attendance, and demonstrate strong organizational and independent learning skills.

IB Course Certificates

Students may also choose to enroll in individual IB courses without pursuing the full diploma. Upon successful completion of each course and its corresponding IB examination, students receive an official IB Course Certificate.

This pathway is ideal for students seeking the challenge and academic benefits of IB courses while maintaining greater flexibility. Students may take multiple IB courses without completing the additional Diploma Programme requirements of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

International Baccalaureate Courses at Graded
International Baccalaureate Core

International Baccalaureate Courses at Graded

IB Subjects Offered at Graded

Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature
- Literature A (English and Portuguese)
- Language and Literature A HL and SL (English, Portuguese, and Spanish)
- School-Supported Self-Taught Literature SL*
Group 2 – Language Acquisition
- Language B HL and SL (Portuguese and Spanish)
- Spanish ab initio SL
Group 3 – Individuals and Societies
- Brazilian Social Studies SL
- Economics HL
- Environmental Systems and Societies SL
- History HL and SL
- Psychology HL and SL
Group 4 – Sciences
- Biology HL and SL
- Chemistry HL and SL
- Computer Science HL and SL
- Environmental Systems and Societies SL
- Physics HL and SL
Group 5 - Mathematics
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL and SL
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL and SL
Group 6 – The Arts
- Theater HL and SL
- Visual Arts HL and SL

* Available for students wishing to study a language not offered at Graded. Interested students should contact the IB Coordinator for additional information.

Enrollment in four Higher Level (HL) courses is permitted only when required for admission to a specific university program and when the student’s Grade 10 academic record supports such placement. Approval by both the IB Coordinator and the High School Principal is required.

International Baccalaureate Core

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to examine the nature of knowledge, think critically about how knowledge is acquired, and consider multiple cultural and disciplinary perspectives.

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Identify and analyze the various types of evidence and justification used to support knowledge claims.
Formulate, evaluate, and respond to knowledge questions.
Examine how different academic disciplines generate, shape, and communicate knowledge.
Understand the roles that different ways of knowing play in the construction of both shared and personal knowledge.
Explore the relationships among knowledge claims, knowledge questions, ways of knowing, and areas of knowledge.
Demonstrate an awareness of multiple perspectives and reflect on how they relate to their own.
Analyze real-world and contemporary situations through a Theory of Knowledge lens.

Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS)
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is one of the three core components of the IB Diploma Programme and is central to its philosophy of developing internationally minded, compassionate, and engaged learners.

Through CAS, students participate in a balanced range of experiences beyond the classroom, including creative pursuits, physical activity, and meaningful service. The program promotes personal growth through experiential learning while encouraging students to set goals, reflect on their experiences, develop interpersonal skills, and make positive contributions to their communities.

CAS provides a valuable balance to the academic demands of the Diploma Programme by fostering self-discovery, resilience, collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to learning and service.

Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, 4,000-word research paper that gives students the opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth.

Through the Extended Essay, students:

Conduct independent research on a focused research question.
Develop advanced research, academic writing, and communication skills.
Strengthen creative and critical thinking.
Engage in a systematic process of inquiry appropriate to their chosen subject.
Experience the intellectual challenge and satisfaction of original academic investigation.