Study at Higher or Standard Level and the IB Diploma Points System

The International Baccalaureate Diploma course allows for three of the selected subjects to be studied at Standard Level, and three to be studied at a Higher Level. This permits students to specialise in subjects for which they are particularly talented and /or will be required by their university choices.

The final choice as to which subjects are selected for Higher Level is not made until the middle of the first year. Teachers and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator will help with this important decision. A few subjects are not available at Higher Level and this is indicated on the Subject Selection Chart on page 7.

The number of points which can be gained for the IB Diploma is 45, and the IB Diploma is awarded for a minimum score of 24. A score of 26 is required for entry to most universities in New Zealand and overseas for non- restricted courses. As with NCEA, a higher number of points are required for courses such as medical school, law school, engineering etc. The 45 points are made up of seven points for each subject, and up to three additional points for achievement in the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge Course.

NB: Entry to the IB Diploma will be at the discretion of the Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching. Results in the NCEA Level 1 examinations will be taken into account.