IB DP: The IB Diploma Programme

Walnut High School is proud to offer the full IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) to our students.  The IB DP is a rigorous, academically challenging two-year program that is designed to prepare students for success at the university and life beyond.  The IB DP includes a defined curriculum with final examinations and a core requirement that leads to the awarding of an IB Diploma. The IB Diploma is recognized and welcomed by leading universities around the world.

Requirements for the IB Diploma

Over the course of the junior and senior year students will take courses in six academic areas:

Studies in language and literature – study in the students’ first language (USA – English)

Language Acquisition – study in a world (foreign) language

Individuals and Societies – study in the social sciences

Sciences

Mathematics

The Arts and Electives – study in the fine arts or a second subject from Individuals and Societies or Sciences

Students will take an exam at the end of each course which will be graded by IB examiners.  Students also complete assessment tasks in the classes which are graded by the teachers and then sent to IB or are sent directly to IB examiners for grading.

Click here to learn more about the IB courses offered at WHS.

In addition to the courses in the six academic areas, IB students are required to complete the IB Diploma Core:

Extended Essay – students complete an independent, in-depth research paper of a question relating to one of their DP subjects. Students will have an advisor to guide them through the extended essay process.

Theory of Knowledge – students take a course which focuses on critical thinking, inquiring into the nature of knowing, and development of habits of reflection resulting in a deeper intellectual experience.

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) – students participate in a range of activities alongside their academic studies.  Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking.  Action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.  Service allows students to learn through community service.  Students will have an advisor to guide them through their CAS.