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Diploma Programme (DP)

DP Circle

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university set of course offerings for motivated high school students. Designed by a global foundation in Switzerland 30 years ago, IB has grown into a program where IB graduates may enter more than 300 universities as sophomores. IB curriculum is common among participating schools and focuses on three areas: Creativity, Action and Services, which emphasize critical thinking skills, the arts, service to the community, individual and team sports, all through a global perspective. According to the School's Guide to The Diploma Programme, "IB's goal is to provide students with the values and opportunities that will enable them to develop sound judgment, make wise choices and respect others in the global community." Thompson School District is preparing students for the rigors of the IB in the junior and senior years through the Pre-IB program in the 9th and 10th grades as well as at the middle school level.      

Course of Study: Grade 11-12

  • Language A English Literature HL
  • Language Acquisition SL: Spanish, French or German
  • History of the Americas HL
  • Sciences: Biology HL/SL, Chemistry HL/SL
  • Math Studies SL, Mathematics HL/SL, Further Math HL
  • Music SL
  • Theory of Knowledge

Diploma Programme Core: TOK, EE, CAS

These core elements of the DP have the aim of educating the whole person and providing the highest level of college preparedness.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

This is a one-year course reserved for full IB Diploma candidates. It is taught during the Spring semester of 11th grade and Fall semester of 12th grade. It is an epistemological course (the study of knowledge) about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing.

Extended Essay (EE)

This is an extensive research essay of up to 4,000 words on the topic of the IB Diploma candidate’s choice is done under the supervision of an appropriate LHS teacher.

Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)

With the goal of developing the IB students’ interests, an IB Diploma candidate must engage in at least 150 hours of extra-curricular activities over the 11th and 12th grades which the students regularly reflect upon.