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THE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

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Overview

The IB Diploma Programme is challenging college level programme open to all juniors that meet course requirements in the City of Stamford. Click here to learn more about the programme. Freshman and Sophomore students and their families are also welcome to attend an information sessions held in October of each year. See upcoming events for more info. 

The Paths

When considering the IB Diploma Programme, sophomores can choose from one of two paths for their junior year. The first path is to become a Diploma Candidate. Diploma Candidacy requires students to
take six two-year IB Courses (one from each of the categories in the visual above) as well as a one-year Theory of Knowledge class and a semester of SHS's Research Foundations Course. Additionally, they will work on a self-directed Extended Essay and CAS Portfolio throughout the programme. The second path is to become a Course Candidate. Course Candidates take select IB Courses but do not complete the entire IB Diploma Programme and are not eligible for an IB Diploma. These students traditionally do not complete an Extended Essay or C.A.S. Portfolio, nor do they take Theory of Knowledge.

Benefits:

All students in the programme regardless of their path benefit from taking part in the IB Diploma Programme. As student embrace and develop in the IB Learner Profile Traits they grow stronger as people, students and members of the international community. The skills they develop and lessons they learn are carried with them in post-secondary education and life. A sample of research on the benefits of the IB Programme can be found here. 

Students in our programme have gone on to Ivy League Schools, the Armed Forces, Culinary Schools and more. Some have been granted full rides and others entry in to special programmes. Many who do well in their courses earn college credits. 

Individualized Course Selection:

For full Diploma students, there are six groups that students must take classes in to be eligible for a Diploma. These groups, for example Studies in Language and Literature, can be seen in the visual above. Groups often have multiple options of courses for students to choose from. These courses can be found on our Course Offerings page. Of these courses, there are also different levels. The SL or Standard Level requires less content to be taught then an HL or Higher Level Course. This does not take away from the rigour of the course content but rather gives students more time to learn and practice the material. IB mandates students chose 3 SL and 3 HL courses or 2 SL and 4 HL courses allowing schedules to be tailored to the individual needs and abilities of students. Additionally, IB also allows students to opt out of an Arts class in favor of a second science or individuals and societies course benefiting students on a STEM path. The IB Diploma Coordinator will work closely with each student to determine their course selections, ensuring all IB and SHS Diploma requirements are met and all post-secondary plans are considered. 

The Application:

Students who wish to pursue Diploma Candidates must apply to ensure they are understanding of the programme and committed to success in it. To learn more, see our programme admissions page. 
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