DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

GRADES 11 — 12

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous, internationally recognized program for students in Grades 11 and 12. Designed to prepare students for university and beyond, the DP combines academic depth with opportunities for independent inquiry, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.

At Bowman, the IB Diploma Programme builds on the curiosity, independence, and sense of responsibility that students cultivate throughout their years at Bowman. Students pursue a broad range of subjects while developing the research, communication, and reflection skills needed to approach complex questions with confidence and purpose.

COURSE SELECTION

DP courses span grades 11 — 12, giving students the opportunity to build depth and continuity in their areas of study. Beginning in Grade 11, students select six courses, one from each of the following academic groups, with flexibility within the sixth course:

Language & Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals & Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
The Arts

The Arts is not a compulsory subject group. Students who choose not to take an Arts course may instead select a second course from another academic group, based on their interests and academic goals. Learn more about our course offerings.

Standard Level (SL) vs. Higher Level (HL)

Standard Level (SL) vs. Higher Level (HL)

Both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) IB courses offer rigorous, honors-level academic work, with differences in the depth and breadth of study. At Bowman, HL courses are weighted at an honors level for grading purposes, although they are not formally designated as “Honors” courses.

HL courses require greater depth of study and include more instructional and independent study time. SL courses include 150 teaching hours, while HL courses include 240 teaching hours. Because of this additional commitment, IB Diploma students take a limited number of HL courses alongside their SL coursework.

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME vs. IB COURSE CERTIFICATE

As students make their course selections, they also choose whether to pursue the full IB Diploma Programme or an IB Course Certificate.

Diploma Programme

IB Diploma Programme students complete three courses at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) alongside the three required DP Core Components: The Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay.

Course Certificate

Students pursuing the IB Course Certificate may take all courses at Standard Level (SL) or choose one or two Higher Level (HL) courses, allowing for greater flexibility based on their interests and goals.

DP CORE COMPONENTS

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Creativity, Action, & Service (CAS)

CAS is a DP Core Component that encourages students to pursue meaningful experiences through creative expression, physical activity, and service. Through individual and collaborative experiences, students take initiative in their local and broader communities, engaging in purposeful projects that may involve personal challenges, thoughtful reflection, and consideration of their learning and impact.

The Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project focused on a topic of the student’s choice. Through a purposeful, student-initiated process of investigating, researching, and writing, students take on a meaningful academic challenge that encourages thoughtful consideration and reflection on their outcomes and personal learning. Along the way, they develop independence, critical thinking, research, and academic skills that will support them in university and beyond.