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IB Diploma Program (DP) Update

Aug 25, ‘26

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IB DP

Model

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  • 2026/27 as inaugural year of a full diploma program experience
  • Diploma program is a two year commitment
  • All 11th grade students will take the full program (Diploma candidates) or various IB courses (Certificate candidates)

Fast Facts

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What are we doing well

  • All staff have received requisite Category 1 training for courses
  • Authorization to offer the program as of 20 May 2025 continues until May 2030 with school study starting in May 2029
  • All current seniors have already completed a full year of IB Math AA SL (complete with exam in May ‘26) and will complete a full year of IB Biology HL (with anticipated exam in May ‘27)
  • Staff excitement in teaching the courses (Math Analysis & Approaches, Theory of Knowledge, Visual Arts, etc), in terms of content, challenge, and pedagogy
  • Full program and “IB for all” students receiving ramped up supports throughout the year
  • Core program requirements of ToK, Extended Essay, and CAS sequenced for year

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Current Course Offerings

DP Subject Group

Offered Courses

Potential Future Offerings

Student choice?

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

IB Language and Literature HL

IB Language and Literature SL/HL

SL/HL split - How to create challenge by choice for students

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Math/SS/Sci choice - How to build in more options that leverage staff strengths and support student interests

Group 2: Language Acquisition

IB Spanish SL

IB French SL

IB Spanish SL/HL

IB French SL/HL

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

IB Global Politics HL

IB Global Politics SL/HL

IB TBD (Business Management, History, Psychology, Economics, etc)

Group 4: Sciences

IB Biology HL

IB Biology SL/HL

IB Chemistry SL/HL

IB Physics SL/HL

Group 5: Mathematics

IB Math Analysis & Approaches SL

IB Math Analysis & Approaches SL/HL

IB Math App & Interpret SL/HL

Group 6: The Arts

IB Visual Arts SL

IB Computer Science SL

IB Visual Arts SL/HL

IB Computer Science SL/HL

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Where are our growth areas?

  • Restructuring course sequencing to maximize student learning, scaffold external assessments, and ensure flexibility for juniors/seniors in electives
    • Contiguous courses recommendation in a trimester system (ie ToK)
    • Hours minimum for SL (150) and HL (240) courses
  • Support academic onboarding in grades 9 and 10 to ensure both ample preparation and potential choice in
    • Math pathways (Alg, Geo, Alg 2) and science progressions
  • Category 2 or 3 training for teachers to be scaffolded during next five years
  • How to support “IB for All” students in pursuit of SL/HL courses and associated college recognition

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What kind of thinking do we expect of our kids?

1. In the production of knowledge, does it matter that observation is an essential but flawed tool. Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

2. To what extent do you agree that doubt is central to the pursuit of knowledge? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.

5. To what extent do you agree with the claim that “all things are numbers” (Pythagoras)? Answer with reference to the arts and the human sciences.

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These are annual prescribed titles from Theory of Knowlege, a course that all full DP students take. Students must select exactly one title and write an essay up to 1,600 words exploring how knowledge is produced, shared, and justified across specific Areas of Knowledge (AOKs)

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Questions