The International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university program for highly motivated students in grades 11-12.
Created in 1968, the rationale for such a sweeping and comprehensive program was twofold: first, to provide a common curriculum and university entry credential for students who often moved from country to country, and secondly, and perhaps more importantly, was the more idealistic motive that prevailed -- one that insisted students could share an academic experience that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of viewpoints.
Graded introduced IB courses in 1985. The school conferred the first IB diploma in 1988.
The Diploma Program
The IB Diploma Program is a comprehensive two-year course of study with the strengths of a liberal arts program but with three academic requirements that set it apart from other advanced placement programs:
Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection and analysis and encourage appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requires students to share their talents and energy with others, especially in community service.
The Extended Essay (EE) is a 4000-word investigative essay on a topic of special interest to the student.
When pursuing the full IB Diploma, students take each of their six IB subjects for two years. Three of their subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
