Diploma Programme (Grades 11 & 12)

The Diploma Programme has six main areas of study. All schools authorized to teach the DP have a similar structure, but may have different subject offerings due to their size and interests of the students. Students choose one subject from each area of study — three at the higher level (HL), which amounts to three credits over two years, and three at the standard level (SL), which amounts to two credits over one or two years. They then also take the theory of knowledge (TOK) class for two terms over two years, complete the extended essay and complete their Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) responsibilities. All courses are taught over the two years of the Diploma Programme.

The Three Core Elements:

1. Theory of knowledge – students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know
2. The extended essay – an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000 word paper
3. Creativity, activity, service – students complete a project related to those three concepts.

The Six Subject Groups:

1. Studies in language and literature
2. Language acquisition
3. Individuals and societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. The arts

GROUP 1: Language and Literature HL – compulsory English credits
GROUP 2: Language Acquisition – French SL
GROUP 3: Individuals and Societies, History of the Americas HL, Business Management HL
GROUP 4: Sciences – Biology HL & SL, Chemistry HL & SL, Physics SL
GROUP 5: Mathematics – Analysis and Approaches SL, Application and Interpretation SL 
GROUP 6: Arts and Electives – one SL choice from the above subjects.

For International Students:
GROUP 1: Mandarin Language and Literature HL (taught over 2 years)
GROUP 2: English SL = English 4U credit (taught in Year 2 of the program)