Programme Structure

Programme Structure

Core – All three core components are required for completion of the diploma.

1. Theory of Knowledge - asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we know. Students take the course over two semesters—one in grade 11 and one in grade 12.
2. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development by learning through experience. It involves students in a range of creative, physically active, and others-centred activities as part of the Diploma Programme.
3. Extended Essay - an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4000-word paper. Students are guided through the stages of research by a supervisor and are asked to reflect throughout the research project.

Courses (SL = Standard Level, HL = Higher Level)

Group 1

• English Literature (HL)

Group 2

• French (SL/HL)
• German (ab initio SL)

Group 3

• History (HL)
• Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)

Group 4

• Biology (HL)
• Chemistry (SL)
• Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)

Group 5

• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL)

Group 6

• Visual Arts (SL)
• Film (SL)
• Theatre (SL)
• Music (SL)

Higher Level (HL) courses typically span four semesters, and are are more comprehensive in depth and breadth than Standard Level (SL) courses, which typically span two semesters. In HL courses, students are expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills.

To achieve the IB Diploma, students must take one course from each group, and at least three courses at higher level. Students may elect to replace a Group 6 course with a second course from one of the other groups.

Most universities recognize HL courses (and some SL courses) with transfer credits. Some universities also award transfer credit for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge.

Assessment

IB students graduate with two grades—an IB grade and a Saskatchewan high school grade.The Saskatchewan transcript grade is intended to reflect how a student performed against the regular provincial curricula. For this reason, in some courses, adjustments to grades are made.

IB grades are measured on a seven-point scale, and are recognized by universities around the world as a high school qualification. IB grades are what universities use to determine award of advanced credit.

IB grades in each course are determined in each class using a mix of internal and external assessment.

• Internally assessed components are marked by Luther teachers, and are externally moderated by experienced IB examiners.
  • E.g. oral presentations, laboratory work
• Externally assessed components are graded by experienced IB examiners
  • E.g. examinations, written assignments

Most universities convert the IB grade to a percentage (according to their own scale) and accept the higher of the IB and Saskatchewan grades for their records.