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DP (grades 11-12)

The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging program that prepares 11 and 12 graders for the academic rigor of university studies and beyond. It’s a holistic programme that aims to develop students with excellent breadth and depth of knowledge who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. The IB Diploma Programme is offered to students aged 16-19 (11th and 12th grade). 

The students can choose between being full Diploma candidates or Course candidates. IB learners are often seen as avid inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers; they are knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced, and reflective students. The program is delivered over two years and has been recognized by many of the world’s leading universities. NOVA offers a variety of subject choices in each of the subject groups. Course offerings may be subject to change, and an updated chart of offered courses can be found in NOVA’s IB handbooks website.

Diploma candidates select six courses at an either higher or standard level in each of the six groups, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, experimental sciences, and mathematics. 
Additionally, the program has three core requirements for obtaining the Diploma: the Extended Essay (EE), the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and the Creativity, Activity, Service program (CAS). 


Theory of Knowledge

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a 3-semester course where students engage in purposeful inquiry into the different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge. TOK aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases – whether these biases are retained, revised, or rejected. By connecting the various academic subject areas and enabling the student to develop skills to transcend them, TOK provides coherence for the student. 

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is an individual research project that students take over the course of three semesters. By choosing a topic in a subject area they are particularly interested in, students complete a rigorous research project culminating in a 4,000-word essay under the guidance of the subject mentors.

Creativity Activity Service

CAS is an experiential learning program in which students design projects and engage in experiences related to Creativity, Activity, or Service. As part of the CAS program, students are encouraged to set personal goals, develop planning and organizational skills, and reflect on their out-of-class experiences and impact on the community.