IB Programme

-
IB Diploma Programme Overview
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum designed for juniors and seniors who commit to the full program. Students complete:
- Six IB courses (with at least three at the Higher Level (HL) and three at the Standard Level (SL))
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)
Most universities award college credit for IB courses, especially those taken at the HL level.
Course Levels
Standard Level (SL)
- Minimum of 150 instructional hours
- Covers grade-level content and skills
Higher Level (HL)
- Minimum of 240 instructional hours
- Extends beyond grade-level expectations with greater depth and complexity
IB Assessments & Scoring
Each IB course includes a combination of internal and external assessments, typically 3-4 per course. These assessments contribute to the final score, which ranges from 1 to 7. A score of 4 or higher is considered passing.
To earn the IB Diploma, students must:
- Take three HL exams and three SL exams
- Accumulate a minimum of 24 points across their six courses
- HL exams are generally more demanding than SL exams, requiring deeper application of knowledge and critical thinking.
- TOK
- Extended Essay
- CAS
Core Components of the IB Diploma
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
TOK encourages students to explore how knowledge is constructed and understood across disciplines and cultures. Through inquiry and discussion, students examine their own assumptions and gain insight into diverse perspectives.
Extended Essay (EE)
The EE is a 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic of the student’s choice. It fosters academic writing, critical thinking, and self-directed learning.
Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)
CAS challenges students to grow beyond the classroom through meaningful experiences in the arts, physical activity, and community service. Students also complete a CAS project that they design and lead themselves.
-
IB Diploma Course Selection
Students pursuing the IB Diploma must choose one course from each of six subject groups, following one of the combinations below:
- All WPHS IB DP Students take IB Literature HL and IB History of the Americas HL their junior and senior years.
- 3 Higher Level (HL) courses and 3 Standard Level (SL) courses
- OR 4 HL courses and 2 SL courses (with approval)
Higher Level (HL) courses involve greater depth and complexity, spanning two years.
Standard Level (SL) courses cover foundational content and are completed in one year.
Subject Groups & Course Options
Courses marked with * are two-year HL courses.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature (Language A)
Group 2: Language Acquisition (Language B)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts
***If you do not want to take one of the above Group 6 Arts, you can choose one of the following IB Electives***
Group 3: Individuals and Societies Electives
Group 4: Sciences
IB Diploma Core
Course Planning Notes
- Courses marked with * are HL and are typically completed over two years.
- Students may substitute a second course from Group 3 or Group 4 in place of a Group 6 Arts course.
- Final course selections should align with students’ academic strengths, interests, and university goals.
-
Join the IB Parents Group at Winter Park High School!
The IB Parents Group is here to support and celebrate our students throughout their Pre-IB and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) journey. With over 500 students in our IB programs, we’re proud to be part of a thriving academic community and we know that parent involvement makes all the difference.
We are a volunteer-led organization dedicated to building community, enriching the IB experience, and adding a little joy to our students’ rigorous academic schedules. Through your tax-deductible donations, membership, and volunteer time, we can provide meaningful support and memorable experiences for our students and teachers.
Our efforts are funded through:
- Individual and business donations
- Fundraising events
- IB merchandise sales
We’re excited to work on behalf of all our IB students and we know that with your help, we can make this program even stronger!
How You Can Help:
Volunteer Your Time
We host events and activities throughout the year to support our students and staff. Volunteers are essential to making these moments successful and special.
Opportunities include:
- Setting up and handing out snacks at Symposiums held during school hours
- Chaperoning IB-related activities
- Participating in the Planning and Execution of IB Events
- Assisting with fundraising and social events
- Securing business and food sponsors
- Sharing ideas to enhance the IB experience
- Proctoring IB Exams
Make a Donation
Your financial support helps us fund student events, teacher appreciation, and more.
Ways to give:
- Shop IB apparel and merchandise
- Sponsor a student lunch or event through your business
- School Cash Donations
Donate Supplies
We’re always in need of supplies to support our events.
Helpful donations include:
- Paper products (plates, napkins, utensils)
- Bottled water
- Individually wrapped snacks (chips, candy, etc.)
Let’s Build Something Great Together!
Whether you’re able to give a little time, a donation, or just your enthusiasm, we welcome you to be part of our IB Parents Group. Together, we can make the IB experience at WPHS even more rewarding for our students, our teachers, and our families.
Click here if you’re interested in learning more about the IB Parents Group at Winter Park!