The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a comprehensive two-year international college-preparatory curriculum.
Rufus King International High School proudly offers Wisconsin’s first International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) (est. 1978), and we remain one of the only IB-authorized high schools in the district.
Students prepare for college and career, problem-solving and community-building through progressive coursework in six subject areas including written assessments, and the DP Core.
- Students may be full IB diploma programme candidates or take select IB courses as course candidates.
- IB diploma and course-candidate studies take place during junior and senior year.
- Successful completion of an IB course/exam may lead to college credit.
DP Guides
- IB Diploma Program Parent Information
- 15 IB Diploma Terms Parents Need To Know
- King IB Exam Schedule
DP Subject Areas
Our teachers understand Diploma Programme and Common Core academic standards and are experts in connecting and teaching these frameworks across six subject areas.
- Language A-English
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Experimental Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts and Computer Sciences
DP Core
Through the Diploma Programme (DP) core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research, and undertake a long-term passion project reflective of the IB learner profile.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Students research and discuss real-world topics, asking themselves, “How do I know that?” 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.
Extended Essay (EE)
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 “advisor” 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.
Creativity, Activity, and Service Program (CAS)
The Creativity, Activity, Service or “CAS” 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.
CAS is organized around three strands.
- Creativity: Exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.
- Activity: Physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
- Service: Collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need.
According to the IB, the CAS project should involve purposeful and personally challenging activities with measurable outcomes and require long-term consideration, such as planning and reviewing work, and reporting and reflecting on outcomes. Review the CAS Handbook.
DP Assessments
To complete the DP, students submit written examinations and final assessments. Written assessments challenge students to evaluate, reflect on, and communicate how their new knowledge and skills have changed them and can change the world. Learn more about DP assessments and exams.
Universities and colleges tell us they value the rigor and consistency of the DP assessment practice. Assessment scores tell us MPS IB scholars skillfully and consistently demonstrate strong critical thinking and writing abilities.
- External IB examiners mark written exams in each course and marks range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest).
- Assessment tasks are completed in school.
- Assessment tasks may be marked by teachers and then moderated by external examiners or sent directly to external examiners.
- Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their combined results on theory of knowledge and the extended essay.
Final DP Score
The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory CAS participation and receive a passing score on their extended essay. DP scholars can earn a maximum of 45 points.
Assessment is criterion-related, which means student performance is measured against pre-specified assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each subject curriculum, rather than the performance of other students taking the same examinations.