THE IB DIPLOMA EXPLAINED
BIS Houston’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students study six subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. Three of these subject groups are taken at higher level and three at standard level.
Students may opt to study an additional Sciences, Individuals and Societies, or Language course, in place of The Arts. Your child will also need to complete the core BIS Houston IB Diploma programme: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service.
Students need to get at least 24 points to achieve their High School IB Diploma, including a minimum of 12 in higher level subjects and nine in standard level subjects. Completing the core programme scores three points.
The IB core programme has three elements:
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Theory of Knowledge (TOK): a course that explores critical thinking, giving students an understanding of how we learn.
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The Extended Essay: a 4,000-word independent research project focusing on a specific subject.
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Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): a range of activities that develop creative skills, enhance wellbeing, and support our local community.