International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program?

An academically challenging and balanced course of study, that prepares students for success in college and life beyond.  The mission of the program is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

What are the benefits of the IB Diploma Program?

• Higher university and college acceptance rates for IB graduates than for total population applicants
• Increased scholarship and grant opportunities
• A college level academic program that transitions students to university and college standards
• Interdisciplinary instruction to encourage international-mindedness
• Fostering of lifelong learning
• Teacher  development using IB strategies

 

How is the IB Diploma Program structured?

To prepare for the program in grades 11 and 12, freshmen and sophomores take honors classes in English, social studies, and science along with appropriate mathematics and foreign language courses.

As juniors and seniors, students take one course from each of the six subject groups illustrated in the hexagon below.

 

Group 1           English
Group 2           Foreign Language
Group 3           History
Group 4           Science
Group 5           Mathematics
Group 6           IB Elective/The Arts

 

What are the core requirements of the IB Diploma Program?

• Theory of Knowledge, an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to reflect on the nature of    knowledge
• Extended Essay, a 4000 word document written by each student  relating an independent research project.
• Creativity, Action, Service (CAS), activities that enable students to learn through real world experience beyond the classroom

 

How are IB Diploma Program students assessed?

Each subject is marked on a 1 to 7 grading scale that includes both internal and external assessments.  Diplomas are awarded to students who take one course from each group and earn a minimum total of 24 points. 

 

How do students apply for the IB Diploma Program?

Eighth grade students may obtain an application from any PGCPS Middle School Guidance Department, from the High School Consortium Office, from the IB Coordinator at Diploma Program sites, or on the PGCPS website.  

 

Prince George's County Public Schools International Baccalaureate Program Diploma Program Sites:

• Central High School http://www1.pgcps.org/central/
• Crossland High School http://www.pgcps.org/crossland 
• Laurel High School http://www.pgcps.org/~laurel/
• Parkdale High School  http://www1.pgcps.org/parkdale/
• Suitland High School  http://www.pgcps.org/~suitland/

 

International Baccalaureate Organization

International Baccalaureate Website