IB Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme curriculum is modelled by a hexagon. The three parts of the core, theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay and creativity, action and service (CAS), at its centre are surrounded by the six subject groups.
Over the course of the two-year programme, students:
- study six subjects, one from each of the six subject group
- complete an extended essay
- follow a theory of knowledge course (TOK)
- participate in creativity, action and service (CAS).
Normally:
- three of the six subjects are studied at higher level (HL) 240 teaching hours over the two years
- the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (SL) 150 teaching hours over the two years
- Many of the higher level courses are at a similar standard to first year university courses.
Academic Subjects
The International Baccalaureate Organisation determines the subject groups and the regulations for course selection. Students must choose one subject from each group. Schools are usually quite selective about the availability of subjects and those offered are generally determined by student preferences, viability and resource availability.
Group 1 - Language A1
English Literature
Group 2 - Second Language
Options accommodate learners with previous experience learning the language and real beginners.
Group 3 - Individuals and Societies:
Subjects included in this group are economics, geography, history, psychology, business and management, information technology in a global society (at SL only)
Group 4 - Experimental Sciences:
biology, chemistry, physics, environmental systems and societies (SL only).
Group 5 - Mathematics and Computer Science
A mathematics course is compulsory. A variety of options is available to cater for different abilities.
Group 6 -The Arts:
visual arts, music, theatre arts.
Note: Instead of a Group 6 subject, a candidate may select an additional subject from Groups 1 to 4, or further mathematics SL or further mathematics and computer science from group 5.
Core Requirements
All students are required to complete the core requirements in order to be awarded the diploma.
Theory Of Knowledge (TOK)
The interdisciplinary TOK course aims to stimulate critical thinking about the knowledge and experiences gained inside and outside the classroom. It challenges students to question the basis of knowledge, and to examine the grounds for the moral, political and aesthetic judgements that individuals must make in their daily lives.
Students are required to demonstrate an awareness of the values and the limitations of their individual outlooks, and of the views common to the communities and cultures to which they belong. In coming to understand the strengths and limitations of their own and others’ cultural perspectives, students are better able to evaluate their own views and their own level of intercultural understanding. TOK offers the opportunity to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world.
The course involves at least 100 hours of teaching time over two years. More>
The Extended Essay
A required component, the extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. It develops the capacity to analyse, synthesize and evaluate knowledge, with a personal choice of topic from within any subject area, not necessarily from one of their six chosen subjects. Students are supported and encouraged throughout the research and writing with advice and guidance from a supervisor.
Former IB students report of the confidence they felt when faced with the onslaught of assignments during their first year at university. They regard this part of the course as invaluable because of the practical preparation it provides for the kinds of undergraduate research required at tertiary level.
Approximately 40 hours of private study and writing time is recommended. No class time specifically allocated for the extended essay. More>
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
Activities are divided into the areas of creativity (eg productions, music, photography, debating, public speaking), action (eg participation in sports, expeditions, Young New Zealander programmes, Spirit of New Zealand) and service (community work).
CAS is intended to provide experiences for students to develop self-confidence, responsibility, empathy and a willingness to help others thus embodying the very essence of the St Cuthbert’s motto of ‘By Love Serve’. In addition, it provides the opportunity for creative and physical activities at a time that is for many students stressful and uncertain. The service element of CAS encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others, thus fostering an awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.
A total of about 150 hours service (3 to 4 hours per week) is required over the two years. For more information click on http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/cas/index.cfm
Assessment
Classroom teachers and IB examiners work in partnership to ensure that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned and that they are able to communicate. A variety of assessment methods is used to acknowledge both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account differing learning styles and cultural patterns.
The three main components of Assessment:
- External examinations which are externally marked and each marker is moderated by a mark/remark method
- Tasks which are internally supervised with the guidance of the teacher over a period of time but marked by external examiners
- Internal assessment where the candidate’s work is marked by the teacher with this marking being subjected to external moderation. The teacher’s marks may be adjusted so that international parity is maintained. Almost all courses have an internally assessed component.
Specialised forms of assessment are used in subjects such as visual arts, music and foreign languages. Examinations tend to form the basis of the assessment for most courses because of their high levels of objectivity and reliability. Internally assessed work usually counts for a minimum of 20% and maximum of 50% of the final grade in a subject.
Click here for further information on assessment.
Results
The grading system used by IBO is criterion based, rather than norm referenced. This means there is no fixed percentage of each grade.
Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). Generally each assessment component is awarded marks. The total of the component marks are used to award the subject grade. In order to be awarded the diploma a student must meet defined standards and conditions, including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the three diploma requirements:TOK, the extended essay, and CAS activities. The maximum score of 45 includes three points for the combination of the extended essay and work in TOK. The IB Diploma is recognised by all New Zealand and most universities throughout the world.