Diploma Programme (DP)
Age Group: 16-19 years
Focus: Academic rigor, research, and critical thinking
1. Curriculum Structure
Students choose six subjects from six groups:
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts (or another subject from groups 1-5)
Additionally, students must complete the IB Core, which includes:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
2. Assessment in DP
- Internal Assessments (IA): Research-based projects graded by teachers and moderated by IB examiners.
- External Assessments: Includes written exams, oral assessments, and coursework.
- Grading: Each subject is graded out of 7, with a maximum score of 45 points (including 3 points for TOK and EE).
3. IB Core Components
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Encourages students to reflect on knowledge, its sources, and validity.
- Assessment: TOK essay and exhibition.
Extended Essay (EE)
- 4,000-word independent research paper on a subject of choice.
- Develops academic writing, research, and analytical skills.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
- Encourages students to engage in creative, physical, and service-oriented activities.
- CAS portfolio tracks progress.
4. Teaching and Learning Tools
- IB Learner Profile: Encourages international-mindedness.
- Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATL): Focuses on skill development.
- Concept-based learning: Encourages deep understanding.
Diploma Programme (DP) Grading System
1. DP Assessment Structure
- Each DP subject is scored on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest.
- The total DP score is out of 45, combining:
- Six subjects (max 42 points, 6 × 7)
- Core components (max 3 points from TOK + EE)
2. DP Subject Grading (1-7 Scale)
Each DP subject is graded using internal and external assessments, which contribute to the final IB grade (1-7):
| IB Grade | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 7 | Excellent |
| 6 | Very Good |
| 5 | Good |
| 4 | Satisfactory |
| 3 | Mediocre |
| 2 | Limited |
| 1 | Very Poor |
3. Internal and External Assessments in DP
| Assessment Type | Contribution to Final Grade |
|---|---|
| External Assessments (EA) | 70-80% (IB Exams, Extended Essay) |
| Internal Assessments (IA) | 20-30% (Oral presentations, lab reports, projects) |
4. Core Components Grading (TOK, EE, CAS)
- TOK Essay (out of 10) + EE (out of 34) = Maximum 3 Bonus Points
- CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): Required but not graded.
📌 TOK + EE Points Matrix:
| EE Grade | TOK Grade (A-E) | Total Bonus Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | A | 3 |
| A | B | 3 |
| B | B | 2 |
| B | C | 2 |
| C | C | 1 |
| C | D | 0 |
| D or E | E | Fail (Diploma Not Awarded) |
5. Final IB Diploma Score (Out of 45)
- Minimum requirement: 24 points
- Failing conditions:
- Score below 24
- Not meeting CAS requirements
- Getting an E in TOK or EE
- More than three subjects scored below 3
6. DP Grade Boundaries for External Exams
Each IB exam has subject-specific grade boundaries determined annually by IB examiners.
📌 Final Reporting:
- IB provides a detailed subject report with scaled scores and examiner feedback.
- Universities use IB scores for admission, often requiring 30-40+ points for top institutions.