Here are the IB courses offered at Northwest:

  • Studies in Language and Literature: English HL
  • Language Acquisition: French SL, German SL, Latin SL, or Spanish SL
  • Individuals and Societies: History of the Americas HL, European History HL, or Psychology HL
  • Sciences: Astronomy SL, Biology SL, Biology HL, Chemistry SL, Computer Science SL
  • Mathematics: A&A SL, A&A HL, A&I SL
  • Sixth Subject (elective): Visual Art SL/HL, Second experimental science, Psychology SL/HL, History HL 

 

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Students who participate in the IB Diploma program may choose to do so in two ways: course candidate or diploma candidate.  

Course Candidates:   

Course candidates choose up to five IB courses to take.  We encourage students to take at least two IB courses.  Course candidates are responsible for all assessments, including the IB examination administered at the end of the course.  

Diploma Candidates:

Students who wish to be full diploma candidates must take at least six IB courses, one from each of the following areas: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts.  If a student doesn’t want to take an art course, the sixth course can be another elective.  Diploma candidates must choose 3-4 higher-level (HL) courses and 2-3 standard-level (SL) tests. 

The IB Core: Only Diploma Candidates complete the following components.  

The Theory of Knowledge course

The Theory of Knowledge course (TOK) is the cornerstone of the IB program. TOK is a seminar course organized around concepts of knowledge taught in the six IB core subjects. Key components of the course are oral discussion, defense of ideas, and critical thinking. TOK explores questions of philosophy and the origins of knowledge. It is offered during seminar. Many students see this class as one of the perks of the program.

Creativity Action and Service 

Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) is a core element of the diploma program designed to enrich students’ personal and interpersonal development. Through CAS, students engage in experiences beyond academics, promoting growth in creativity, physical activity, and community service. CAS helps students become well-rounded individuals with a global outlook and a commitment to making a positive difference.   

Extended Essay

The extended essay (EE) is a core element of the IB Diploma program.  This component challenges students to research a topic of interest, work with a mentor of choice, and create a long essay.  

Exam Fees:

  • Course students: Exam fee $123/exam paid the year the student tests
  • Diploma students: Two installments of $369 each. One junior year, one senior year.  There is no additional fee for CAS or the EE.  

Please note: Students enrolled in IB courses will complete both the Internal Assessment section of the class AND the end-of-course exam. 

Internal Assessment Due Dates: 

At the beginning of each year, IB teachers work together creating a calendar to ensure deadlines for Internal Assessments, CAS, and the EE do not overlap.  This calendar is posted on the IB Canvas Module for each IB course and distributed to Senior IB Diploma Candidates.  

There will be very few exceptions to these, so please talk with your teacher earlier rather than later about issues or problems .