IB Diploma Programme Curriculum

IB Diploma Programme students must choose one subject from each of five groups (1 to 5), ensuring breadth of knowledge and understanding in their best language, additional language(s), the social sciences, the experimental sciences and mathematics. Students may choose either an arts subject from group 6 or a second subject from groups 1 to 5.

IB DP Subject Groups

Group 1: Studies in language and literature

Group 2: Language acquisition

Group 3: Individuals and societies

Group 4: Sciences

Group 5: Math

Group 6: The arts
 

IB Core

Extended Essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students.

Example Extended Essays

The extended essay (EE) asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying.  The world studies extended essay option allows students to focus on a topic of global significance which they examine through the lens of at least two DP subjects.

Extended Essay Coordinator

Theory of Knowledge

Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an oral presentation and a 1,600-word essay. It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.

Example TOK Essays

TOK is part of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core and is mandatory for all students. TOK develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.

Theory of Knowledge Instructors

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) is one of the three essential elements that every IB Diploma candidate must complete as part of the Diploma Programme (DP).
Studied throughout the Diploma Programme, CAS involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. Students reflect on their CAS experiences as part of the DP and provide evidence of achieving the learning outcomes for CAS.

CAS Projects Guidance

CAS involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. The action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service with the community offers a vehicle for new learning with academic value. The three strands of CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enable journeys of self-discovery.

CAS Project Coordinators
Niwot High School