The IB Diploma program is completed in grades 11 and 12. Every IB diploma candidate is required to complete examinations in six areas: English, a second language, mathematics, science, social science, and a sixth IB area of the student’s choosing. Of the six required subjects, students must study at least three at the “Higher” level and three subjects at the “Standard” level. Each subject exam at the Higher and Standard levels is graded on a 1(minimum) to 7 (maximum) scale, with 4 generally considered to be the passing level. To earn the full IB Diploma, students must earn a minimum of 24 points on the six subject exams (Nido students typically average 34 points). They must also complete the Theory of Knowledge course and submit an Extended Essay related to one of their higher-level subjects. They are also responsible for CAS (Creative, Action, Service) activities during their two-year involvement in the IB program. The award of the diploma is the sole right and responsibility of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), which founded this program in 1962 in Geneva, Switzerland. For more information about the IB Diploma Programme visit the IB website: http://www.ibo.org/diploma/. Students, who are not in a position to commit to the full IB Diploma Program, may elect to take some IB courses. Each IB course is taken for the complete two years with students sitting the IB Exams at the end of the second year of the course. An IB Course Certificate is awarded by International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) with a minimum result of 4 in each course. Course Selection Process Course selection occurs in the beginning of the second semester. Students work in collaboration with their Academic Counselor, teachers, families, and if applicable, the National Plan Program Director and/or IB Coordinator in order to select a personalized course plan. Counselors work with students to ensure that their course selections are aligned with Nido’s graduation requirements. Students must submit their course requests by the required deadline (usually in March or April). The High School will do its best to accommodate student choices; though it is not guaranteed. Courses need a minimum of 5 students to run for the semester or academic year. Counselors will work with individual families to solve any scheduling conflicts.
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