{"id":1860,"date":"2020-03-02T10:31:11","date_gmt":"2020-03-02T10:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www5.milwaukee.k12.wi.us\/school\/pulaski\/?page_id=1860"},"modified":"2026-02-24T15:54:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T15:54:08","slug":"diploma-programme","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mps.school\/pulaski\/academics\/diploma-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"IB Diploma Programme (DP)"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” locked=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” module_class=”page-intro” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a comprehensive two-year international college-preparatory curriculum.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Casimir Pulaski High School proudly offers one of Milwaukee\u2019s only IB Diploma Programmes.<\/p>\n

Students prepare for college and career, problem-solving and community-building through progressive coursework in six subjects and the Diploma Programme Core. Through the Diploma Programme (DP) core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research, and undertake a long-term \u201cpassion\u201d project reflective of the IB learner profile.<\/p>\n

Students may be full IB diploma candidates or take select IB courses as certificate candidates. Successful completion of an IB course\/exam may lead to college credit.<\/p>\n

DP Subject Areas<\/h2>\n

Our teachers understand Diploma Programme and Common Core State Standards<\/a> and are experts in connecting and teaching these frameworks across six subjects.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Language and Literature” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Students closely examine texts across a variety of media to better understand how language and literature molds and is influenced by identity and culture.\u202fStudents will gain this understanding through the study of meaning and how it\u2019s created in various forms of communication. Books, articles, and documentaries present opportunities to analyze literary theory, strengthen media literacy skills, and more.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Language Acquisition” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]The main emphasis of Pulaski\u2019s modern language courses is on the acquisition and use of the Spanish language in a range of contexts and for different purposes and to promote an understanding of another culture through the study of its language.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Individuals and Societies” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]In our global politics course, students explore concepts like power, equality, sustainability, and peace. Students learn about abstract political concepts through real-world examples and case studies. Global politics draws on social sciences and humanities disciplines so students can engage with different perspectives and approaches to politics. By understanding our changing world, students become aware of their responsibilities as active global citizens.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Sciences” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]In our sports exercise and health science course, students focus on anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition. Students develop a deeper understanding of each concept, applying what they have learned to the study of sports, exercise and health in the 21st century and addressing the international dimension and ethics related to both the individual and global context.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Mathematics” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Students develop a new appreciation for mathematical concepts and principles in our Applications and Interpretation course. Application problems are engaging and hands-on, from calculating the arch of a baseball in flight to designing a swimming pool. Students strengthen their logical, critical, and creative thinking skills; and practice and improve upon their powers of abstraction and generalization.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Visual Arts” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]A thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with, and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”30px||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

DP Core<\/h2>\n

Through the Diploma Programme core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research, and undertake a long-term \u201cpassion\u201d project reflective of the IB learner profile.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Theory of Knowledge (TOK)” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Students research and discuss real-world topics, asking themselves, \u201cHow do I know that?\u201d Students see where their knowledge comes from, how it is created, and try to become active participants in learning rather than passively accepting what they are told. TOK curriculum and class discussions emphasize asking good questions, using language carefully and precisely, supporting ideas with evidence, arguing coherently, and making sound judgements.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Extended Essay (EE)” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Students investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to an IB subject. Students receive advice and guidance from a teacher or essay \u201cadvisor\u201d with expertise or experience on the EE topic\/DP subject. Three mandatory reflection sessions take place to help guide the topic and provide feedback on ideas. Students research and write this 4,000-word essay from January of junior year to January of senior year.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Creativity, Activity, and Service Program (CAS)” open_toggle_text_color=”#2B2B28″ open_toggle_background_color=”#EBEBEB” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_color=”#1C4587″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” open_icon_color=”#1C4587″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#2B2B28″ title_level=”h3″ title_font=”Open Sans||||||||” title_font_size=”22px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_css_toggle_icon=”position:relative;||padding-right:14px;||” border_width_all=”0px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The Creativity, Activity, Service or \u201cCAS\u201d program asks students to demonstrate attributes of the IB Learner Profile in real and practical ways, to grow as unique individuals, and to recognize their role in relation to others. Students will develop skills, attitudes, and dispositions through a variety of individual and group experiences that provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and express their passions.<\/p>\n

CAS is organized around three strands.<\/p>\n