Are you the type of student who is self-motivated, enjoys exploring global topics, seeks an academic challenge, and has a desire to be a competitive college applicant? The North Hall High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme could be for you!

In February 2008, North Hall High School earned the distinction of becoming an authorized IB World School. With this authorization, North Hall High School is able to offer our students one of the most rigorous high school programs of study that is recognized both nationally and internationally. The IB Diploma Programme equips students with skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking and fostering intellectual curiosity. Emphasis is also placed on helping students become well-rounded individuals through creativity, activity and service activities. Through these activities students have opportunities to contribute to their local and global communities. The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. (IB Learner Profile booklet 2006). The goal of the NHHS IB Diploma Programme is to prepare students with the skills and knowledge to be successful in high school, college, and life.

Please feel free to explore this website to learn more about the IB Diploma Programme at NHHS. Should you have any questions about the NHHS IB Diploma Programme, please feel free to contact IB Coordinator, Lori Barrett at Lori.barrett@hallco.org or 770.983.7331.

The curriculum for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is prescribed. Students must meet the IB DP requirements to receive the IB Diploma at the end of their two years of study. The IB curriculum is divided into six categories. The IB courses offered at NHHS are:

	IB Categories	IB Courses Offered at NHHS
Group 1	Student’s Best Language	English HL*
Group 2	Modern Language	Spanish B SL, Spanish ab initio SL
Group 3	Individuals and Societies	History HL *
Group 4	Experimental Sciences	Biology SL, Physics SL
Group 5	Mathematics	Mathematics SL, Mathematical Studies SL
Group 6	Arts & Electives	Visual Arts HL, Music HL, IB Theatre Arts HL, IB Psychology HL, IB Design Technology SL/HL

*English HL and History of the Americas HL are required courses for full diploma candidates.

For students’ junior and senior years, they will choose one course from each of the six groups. Of those courses, three must be at thestandard level (SL) and three must be at the higher level (HL). Students can make their selection of courses based on their academic strengths and interests. The standard level courses and higher level courses are both rigorous in nature. The higher level courses expand upon the curriculum offered at the standard level and typically requires one or more additional internal and/or external assessments.

Core Elements of the IB Diploma Programme

To help students prepare for the expectations of college and become aware of the positive influence they can have on their own community, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme also requires three core elements.

Extended Essay	A culminating research paper designed to teach students how to independently research topics, much like those they will be exposed to at the college/university level
Theory of Knowledge	An interdisciplinary course that enables students to reflect critically on the question of “How do we know what we know?”
Creativity, Activity & Service	Through creative activities, sports, volunteerism, etc., students build confidence in themselves while improving their communities (IBO expects students to make community contributions for an average of 2 hours each week over a students’ junior and senior years)