The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a comprehensive option program for college-bound students seeking a rigorous course of studies. This two-year curriculum adds to intellectual rigor and high academic standards by fostering a strong emphasis on the ideas of international understanding and responsible citizenship. Achievement is assessed using international standards. The IB was born of efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for students moving from one country to another. International educators were motivated by practical considerations but also by an idealisitc vision: students should share an academic experience that would emphasize critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to a variety of viewpoints.

Diploma candidates are required to select one subject within each of six subject groups. Those groups include Language A1 (usually English), Language B (a second language), Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts and Electives. At least three and not more than four are taken at the higher level (HL) and others at the standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours; SL courses cover 150 hours. This allows students to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period. It also allows each student to individualize his/her schedule. Sunset High School offers the following IB Courses: IB English I HL, IB English II HL, IB Math Studies SL, IB Calculus SL, IB Math Methods HL (Calculus BC), IB Biology I HL, IB Biology II HL, IB Chemistry SL, IB Physics SL, IB Economics SL, IB History of the Americas HL, IB 20th Century Topics HL, IB Social Anthropology SL, IB Psychology SL, IB Spanish SL, IB French SL, IB Computer Science SL, IB Art and Design SL, IB Art and Design HL, IB Music SL, IB Theater SL, and IB Theory of Knowledge.

The variety of assessment methods used value both the content and the process of academic achievement and take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns. The external assessments evaluated by chief examiners worldwide include oral and written work, long and short responses, and data-based questions. The internal assessment is evaluated by the classroom teachers working with members of the IB.

In addition to the six subject groups, all diploma students are required to take the interdisciplinary Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course designed to allow them the opportunity to critically reflect on the knowledge and experiences gained inside and outside the classroom. Students will also undertake original research and write a 4,000 word Extended Essay. Finally, students will fulfill the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) requirement by choosing from a broad range of theater productions, sports, arts, and community service activities.

Sunset High School encourages all students to challenge themselves and take IB courses. We also highly encourage those students who are motivated and desire a rigorous academic challenge to sign up for the full Diploma program. To be successful in the full diploma program, students should take the recommended course of study for 9th and 10th graders and attend the scheduled meetings during Advisory time. Please check the important dates page for more information.

important dates