The IB Diploma Program

Currently, Good Counsel offers the following IB Diploma subjects:

In addition to coursework, these additional Diploma requirements are required:

• Theory of Knowledge, or TOK, is a two-year interdisciplinary seminar which challenges students to think across traditional lines of thought, and essentially to ask, "What do we know, and how do we know it?".
• The Extended Essay, a 4000-word piece of supervised; original research selected by the student in an area of particular interest is begun in TOK class during the Junior year, and completed in TOK class during the Senior year.
• Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) is a 150-hour requirement completed over two years that allows students to plan and reflect meaningfully on their extra-curricular activities inside and outside of school, including, but not limited to athletics, arts, work and service.

While it is recommended that students have completed the Pre-IB course of studies, all students are eligible to apply to the IB Program during their sophomore year. Applications are available each year in December and are due at the end of January. Students are notified of the results of their application in March.

We seeks to extend every opportunity for students to enter and succeed in the IB Program. Generally, students will be successful as diploma candidates if they reflect the following criteria:

• A high level of personal motivation and organization
• Strong grades in Honors Pre-AP/IB courses and high grades in standard college prep courses
• Participation in activities, athletics, and service
• Favorable recommendations from the faculty
• Superior conduct and attendance
• Family support