What is the IB Diploma Program?
The IB Diploma Program is a comprehensive, rigorous program of study that students complete in the 11th and 12th grades. It is combined with the BPHS pre-IB sequence of 9th and 10th grade courses to represent a 4-year program of study at BPHS.
- provides a program of study that balances subject breadth and depth, and considers the nature of knowledge across subject areas
- encourages international-mindedness and education for a modern, global society
- develops the character traits of the IB Learner Profile
- emphasizes the development of the whole student: physical, intellectual, emotional, and ethical
- involves students as active members of their local and global communities
IB is for students who are looking for challenging and engaging courses, solid college preparation, and a global perspective. Students can pursue the full IB Diploma ("Full IB"), or take individual courses in their areas of strength and interest ("Partial IB").
"Full" vs. "Partial" IB
Students zoned to attend BPHS may enroll in the full IB Diploma Program or they may elect to take IB courses in just those subjects in which they have a particular interest and ability. Students who transfer from another SCPS high school zone to BPHS for IB must enroll in the full IB Diploma Program (you may not transfer for individual IB courses).
"Full" IB Diploma Program Participation
Students who pursue the IB Diploma (IBDP) are working towards earning their VA Advanced Studies Diploma as well as an International Baccalaureate Diploma, simultaneously. When they have succeeded, they will hold two diplomas.
9th and 10th graders intending to pursue the IBDP are considered full BP pre-IB students and take honors courses in all of their academic subjects, as well as taking a world language. Freshman and sophomore students in the BP pre-IB program may alter their program of study up until registering for their 11th grade courses; at that time, the IBDP commences.
11th and 12th graders pursuing the IBDP are considered IB Diploma candidates. They take IB courses in the 4 core areas (English, math, science, social studies) as well as an IB course in a world language and an IB elective course. In addition to these academic requirements, IBDP juniors and seniors complete 3 additional IB core requirements (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, Creativity-Activity-Service) in order to earn the IB Diploma.
The IBDP Coordinator monitors the progress of full pre-IB and IB students from 9th through 12th grade, offering support and guidance regarding the students’ program of study.
IBDP students may have some summer assignments before 11th or between 11th and 12th grade, including the Extended Essay and possibly some readings and individual enrichment.
"Partial" IB Program Participation
Students who elect not to pursue the IB Diploma may still pursue IB scores in individual subjects. They may mix-and-match these courses with AP and Dual Enrollment courses (as available) at BPHS. We often refer in an unofficial way to this as “partial” IB Program participation (indicating that the student is tailoring challenging coursework to his/her own interests and strengths rather than fulfilling requirements for the full IBDP). Students who complete individual IB courses are working toward earning a Certificate of Results for each subject they complete. They do not complete the core requirements required of full IBDP students.
9th and 10th grade students who want to take individual IB courses will take honors courses in those subjects, as available.
Students pursuing IB Certificates of Results in individual subjects may begin their IB coursework in 11th grade.
The IBDP Coordinator does not monitor the progress of students pursuing individual IB subjects. These students work with their counselors to ensure that the correct sequence of course for each subject is being followed; however, the IBDP Coordinator works closely with the counselors to ensure that students are supported for success in individual IB subjects.
For more info, see brochures below.
