Life in the 21st century – in an interconnected, globalized world – requires critical-thinking skills and a sense of international-mindedness, something that International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme students come to know and understand.

The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares high school students for success at university and life beyond. The programme is taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities. In Stafford County, the IB Diploma Programme is offered at Mountain View High School and Brooke Point High School.

---

The curriculum

IB Diploma Programme students study six IB academic courses. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5 (see diagram), thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6 or an elective subject from groups 1 to 5.

In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding:

• The extended essay is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.

• Theory of knowledge is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).

• Creativity, action, service requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately.

Assessment

Students who successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme earn an IB Diploma in addition to the SCPS diploma.

Choices

In SCPS, students may elect to complete the full IB Diploma Programme or take individual IB courses in areas of particular strength and high interest (to earn IB Certificates). Students are not required to enroll in the full IB Diploma Programme to take advantage of IB courses.

Quality assurance and professional development

This is a challenging programme that demands the best from both motivated students and teachers. Schools can access an extensive package of IB professional development for teachers and administrators and commit to ongoing professional development. Schools are required to participate in an ongoing process of review and development, using standards and practices that apply to all IB World Schools.