The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students in their last two years of high school. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national educational systems, the diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of many.
The grading system used by the International Baccalaureate Organization is criterion-referenced. This means that each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination session to the next. Top grades are not simply awarded on a curve to a certain percentage of candidates but rather reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards equally applied to all schools. Validity, reliability and fairness are the watchwords of the IBO's international examining board.
Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum number of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the extended essay, Theory of Knowledge course and Creativity, Action, Service requirements.
The Diploma program offers special features in addition to the requirements of a traditional high school curriculum. All Diploma candidates are required to complete the following:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experiences gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational argument. The key element in the IBO's educational philosophy, Theory of Knowledge seeks to develop a coherent approach to learning which transcends and unifies the academic subjects and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
Creativity, Action, Service is known by it acronym CAS and is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship. Participation in theater and music productions, sports and community service, among other activities, encourages young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
Diploma candidates are also required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of approximately 4,000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at the university level.
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