IB Diploma Programme
A challenging, globally recognized education that prepares students to think deeply, lead confidently and thrive beyond high school.
RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL IB
The IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous two-year course of study for students in grades 11 and 12. At Riverview, students begin building toward the programme during their Pre-IB years in grades 9 and 10 before entering the full Diploma Programme.
DP students pursue challenging coursework across six subject areas while completing the three elements of the DP Core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).
The result is an education designed not simply around academic achievement, but around inquiry, reflection, independence and preparation for college and beyond.
More Than a Diploma. An Education That Lasts.
Academic Challenge
Students complete university-level coursework that encourages critical thinking, research and intellectual curiosity.
A Global Perspective
DP courses encourage students to consider multiple viewpoints, make connections across disciplines and understand their place in an interconnected world.
Preparation Beyond High School
The Diploma Programme develops the writing, research, time-management and independent-learning skills students carry with them into college and beyond.
What Does an IB Student Study?
The IB Diploma Programme combines academic depth with a broad foundation of knowledge. Students study six subjects across different disciplines, developing skills in communication, critical thinking, research, and problem-solving.
Rather than focusing exclusively on one area, students are encouraged to make connections between subjects, explore different perspectives, and discover where their interests and strengths can take them.
01 / STUDIES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Explore literature, language, and communication while examining how stories and ideas shape our understanding of the world.
02 / LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Develop proficiency in another language while building cultural awareness and communication skills.
03 / INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES
Explore history, human behavior, and the social, political, and economic forces that shape our world.
04 / SCIENCES
Investigate the natural world through scientific inquiry, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning.
05 / MATHEMATICS
Develop analytical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and the ability to solve complex problems.
06 / THE ARTS AND ELECTIVES
Explore creative expression or pursue an additional subject in another academic discipline, depending on available courses.
Go Deep. Think Broadly.
IB students balance deeper study in selected subjects with a broad academic foundation.
HIGHER LEVEL (HL)
Explore in depth.
More instructional hours and deeper
exploration of selected subjects.
STANDARD LEVEL (SL)
Build breadth.
Rigorous study across additional disciplines
for a well-rounded education.
Students typically take three HL courses and three SL courses.
Beyond the Classroom: The DP Core
The Diploma Programme is more than six academic subjects. At its heart are three experiences that challenge students to think critically, explore their interests, and put learning into action.
01 / THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK)
How do we know what we know?
Theory of Knowledge encourages students to question assumptions, examine evidence, and consider different perspectives. Through discussion and reflection, students explore how we develop knowledge and how what we know influences the way we understand the world.
02 / EXTENDED ESSAY (EE)
Follow a question. Discover something new.
The Extended Essay gives students the opportunity to investigate a topic that genuinely interests them. With guidance from a teacher, students develop a research question, conduct independent research, and write an academic essay of up to 4,000 words. Along the way, they build valuable skills in research, organization, and academic writing.
03 / CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE (CAS)
Learn beyond the classroom.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) encourages students to grow beyond academics through experiences that reflect their interests and passions. Whether exploring a creative pursuit, participating in physical activity, or contributing to their community, students develop confidence, initiative, collaboration, and a stronger sense of responsibility to others.
RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
IB PROGRAM CONTACTS
Dr. James Minor
IBCP & IBDP Coordinator
Contact Dr. Minor →
Heather Scarpinato
Riverview IB Administrative Assistant
Contact Heather →