IB Curriciulum

The IB Diploma curriculum, shaped over the years by educators committed to international education, involves the student's final two years of the secondary education sequence. During that time, study is undertaken in a broad range of subjects, selected under the guidance of a school-appointed IB Coordinator.

The high standards implicit in the IB examinations assume high levels of achievement or preparation at the junior high and pre-lB levels.

The subjects that comprise the core of the IB curriculum are arranged according to six groups; the Diploma candidate is required to select one subject from each area. The student's selection of subjects will depend upon the range of IB subjects offered by the participating school.

Subject Areas By Groups
*Not all courses listed below are offered at Marshall HS. Please refer to Marshall's subject offerings for a current list.

Diploma candidates must select three of these subjects to be studied at the Higher Level (HL) and three subjects to be studied at the Standard Level (SL) or a maximum of 4 at the Higher Level and two at the Standard Level. By arranging the work in this fashion, students are able to study some subjects in-depth, i.e., extensively over a two year period before sitting for examinations, and some in breadth, exploring a range of topics within a subject.

In addition to the six subjects selected, the Diploma candidate must also engage in a unique course known as Theory of Knowledge. It is the key element in the educational philosophy of the IB; its purpose is to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experiences acquired both inside and outside the classroom, to evaluate the bases of knowledge and experience, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on critical examination of evidence and argument. Unlike the other subjects, Theory of Knowledge is not assessed by external examination, but rather by the submission of an essay written during the course.

Diploma candidates must meet two additional requirements: they must research and write an Extended Essay in any subject within the IB curriculum, and must participate in the school's CAS program. The Extended Essay is an original and independent piece of research and writing by the student, under direct supervision of a qualified teacher of the school. The CAS requirement (Creativity, Action, Service) is met by participating in planned and supervised extracurricular activities related to the local community. Such participation is meant to encourage the appreciation of attitudes and values other than one's own, and to enable the student to communicate readily on both a philosophical and practical level.

The student who does not satisfy the requirements of the Diploma program is awarded a Certificate for the examinations completed.