11th & 12th Graders

What is the Diploma Programme (DP)

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is an assessed programme for students aged 16 to 19. It is respected by leading universities across the globe.

What the DP offers students

Through the DP, schools are able to develop students who:

• Have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge

• Flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically

• Study at least two languages

• Excel in traditional academic subjects

• Explore the nature of knowledge through the program's unique theory of knowledge course.

Why offer the DP?

International research shows that there are many benefits to choosing the DP over other 16-19 curricula. For example:

• DP students are better able than their peers to cope with demanding workloads, manage their time and meet the expectations placed on them, according to one study

• Analysis of DP students in Canada, the UK and the USA found that the DP’s extended essay improves students’ approach to learning in higher education

• 72% of students taking the DP in China attend one of the world’s top 500 universities, according to a 2013 study.

You can read more key facts about the DP on the IBO website.

PROGRAMME RESOURCES

WE OFFER the following local forums:

• Middle School visits

• Info Night at PHS 

• Shadow days

Course Sequencing (Graduation Requirements)

Honor Code

PROGRAMme EXPECTATIONS

PROBATION POLICY

Pathway to university and employment

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities, and evidence suggests that higher rates of DP students go on to university and higher education study than non-IB students. 

DP students apply to more than 3,300 higher education institutions each year, in close to 90 countries.

The most popular of these institutions are ranked among the top universities in the world.

The IB recognition resource and document library has testimonials from universities working with DP students, and our research pages look in detail at the performance of DP students, including comparisons with other students.

Choosing IB: impact on university admissions

Research suggests that the DP is a strong pathway to university – the impact of studying the DP on admission to university and higher education depends on each student’s performance.

The IB has answered frequently asked questions about the DP and admission to university.

There is information relevant to students, universities and parents, covering questions like:

• How do DP scores equate to other qualifications?
• How is the DP different from other pre-university academic programmes?

The DP as a pathway to employment

The DP focuses on rigorous academic study, within a broad and balanced curriculum, which can prepare students well for employment.

Students in the DP also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to community service, gaining valuable experience outside the academic world. 

See creativity, action, service (CAS) for further information.