The Diploma Program is based on the best educational practices of countries around the world. The curriculum is divided into six required areas of study:

Group 1: English A
Group 2: Language B (World Language)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts (or a second subject from Group 2, 3 or 4)

All Diploma candidates must complete at least three Higher Level (HL, or two-year) courses and three Standard-Level (SL, usually one-year) courses during the junior and senior years. In addition to the IB course work, IB Diploma candidates complete three additional components of the program:

Theory of Knowledge: a two-year blended, interdisciplinary course for grades 11-12 that examines how we understand various forms of knowledge from mathematical, historical, logical, linguistic, philosophical, aesthetic, and scientific perspectives
Extended Essay: Candidates research a topic of their choice within one of the six IB subject groups and then present the results of their investigation in a 4000-word essay.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): Successful IB students are active not only in the classroom, but in the community as well. Students develop a creative project, take part in an extracurricular activity, and become involved in community-service projects. Through CAS, students can share their special talents while developing awareness, concern, and the ability to work cooperatively.

Portage Northern High School