Diploma Programme

The Full Diploma is presented as six academic areas enclosing a central core. It encourages the concurrent study of a broad range of academic areas. Students study: two modern languages (or a modern language and a classical language); a humanities; an experimental science; mathematics; one of the creative arts or additional science. It is this comprehensive range of subjects that makes the Diploma Programme a demanding course of study designed to prepare students effectively for university entrance. Students complete 6 Diploma courses, either 3 HL and 3 SL, or 4 HL and 2 SL.

Find out more about the Diploma Programme

Course Options

• 2 science (Group 4) or 1 science, 1 art (Group 4 and 6)
• History or Business
• Chemistry or Environmental Systems & Societies
• Biology or Physics or Art (Visual art, String, Vocal)
• If taking Grade 11 French and Chemistry, grade 12 French or Chemistry must be taken in Grade 11
• If taking Grade 11 French and Environmental Science, grade 12 Environment & Resource Management must be taken in Grade 11
• If taking Grade 10 Spanish and Grade 11 Chemistry, grade 12 Chemistry must be taken in grade 11
• If taking Grade 10 Spanish and Grade 11 Environmental Science, grade 12 Environment & Resource Management must be taken in Grade 11
• Double Grade 12 credits (Biology/Science, Physics/Science, English/Studies in Literature)

IB Diploma Core

• Undertake original research and write an extended essay (EE) of 4000 words.  Students have the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaint themselves with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university level.  Students at Catholic Central High School receive an Extended Essay Manual that outlines the EE process.
• Complete a course in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), which is an interdisciplinary course, designed to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom.
• In Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) students engage in activities and service opportunities outside of their course of study.  These include volunteer experience, participation on school teams and music ensembles, art clubs and dramatic performances.

Each student is awarded a grade of 1-7 in each diploma subject; 7 being exceptional and 1 being a failing condition. Students can obtain three additional points for their diploma by being highly successful on the Extended Essay (EE) and the Theory of Knowledge course (TOK).

Find out more about the Diploma Curriculum

Award of the Diploma

Students receive the results of their examinations, their total diploma points and whether or not they have met the required conditions (see below) in order to receive the IB Diploma on July 6 of the testing year.  The International Baccalaureate Organization will communicate this information via www.candidates.ibo.org. Students must login in using their username and PIN.  The Coordinator communicates final IB transcripts directly to universities.  Students who have been unable to meet the requirements may consider an examination rewrite option with the coordinator.  Such an option depends on the circumstances and may not be feasible.  Any fees associated with examination rewrites are the responsibility of the student. Students who have successfully completed the Diploma requirements will obtain the Diploma itself during the October CCH Awards Ceremony.

Successful Conditions

The IB Diploma will be awarded to a candidate provided all of the following requirements have been met:

• CAS requirements have been met.
• The candidate’s total points are 24 or more.
• There is no “N” awarded for theory of knowledge, the extended essay or for a contributing subject.
• There is no grade E awarded for theory of knowledge and/or the extended essay.
• There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.
• There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (HL or SL).
• There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (HL or SL).
• The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects (for candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count).
• The candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects (candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL).
• The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.