The Diploma explained

How many subjects must I study?

Over the two years of the Diploma Programme, students must study:

• one subject from each of the six subject groups (or a second subject from Groups 1–5 instead of an arts subject);
• at least three subjects, and no more than four, at Higher Level; and
• the remaining subjects at Standard Level, for a total of six subjects.

In addition, all students must complete the three compulsory core elements — Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service — across the two years.

What does DP assessment involve?

• Internal assessment typically carries around 20–25% of the final subject grade (varying between subjects). Internally assessed projects and investigations are completed at school and moderated externally by IB examiners.
• External assessment typically carries around 75–80% and consists of written examinations, sat at school and marked by IB examiners.
• School-based assessment throughout the course contributes to school reports, the monitoring of progress, and the predicted grades submitted to the IB.

Examinations

Written examinations for most Diploma Programme subjects are conducted in English, though the IB also permits examination in French or Spanish for some subjects. Final DP examinations for the Academy’s cohort are held in the November examination session; some subjects are held in the May examination session as well.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

A course in critical thinking in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know, engaging with the central question “How do we know that?” TOK is studied through a core theme (Knowledge and the Knower), two optional themes chosen from five, and five areas of knowledge (history, the human sciences, the natural sciences, the arts, and mathematics).

• TOK exhibition (internal) — 33%: a curated exhibition of three objects with commentary, marked internally and externally moderated.
• TOK essay (external) — 67%: a 1,600-word essay on one of six prescribed titles issued by the IB.

The Extended Essay (EE)

Independent, self-directed research culminating in a formal piece of academic writing of up to 4,000 words. The essay is normally related to one of the student’s six DP subjects, or may take an interdisciplinary approach combining two subjects, and is completed under the guidance of a supervisor.

Students undertake three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisor, concluding with a short interview known as the viva voce, which checks academic integrity and helps students reflect on their learning.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Studied throughout the programme, CAS engages students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies, providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, accomplishment and enjoyment.

• Creativity — arts and other experiences involving creative thinking, such as multimedia projects, design, music, debating or creative writing.
• Activity — physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, such as team sports, fitness programmes, expeditions or outdoor projects.
• Service — unpaid, voluntary engagement with a genuine learning benefit for the student.

CAS is not formally graded, but students reflect on their experiences and provide evidence of achieving the CAS learning outcomes. Satisfactory completion is required for the award of the Diploma.

Failing conditions

The Diploma is not awarded if one or more of the following apply:

• CAS requirements have not been met.
• Total points are fewer than 24 out of 45.
• An “N” has been given for TOK, the EE, or for a contributing subject.
• A grade E has been awarded for one or both of TOK and the EE.
• A grade 1 has been awarded in a subject.
• A grade 2 has been awarded three or more times (across SL and HL subjects).
• A grade 3 or below has been awarded four or more times (across SL and HL subjects).
• Fewer than 12 points have been gained across HL subjects.
• Fewer than 9 points have been gained across SL subjects.

Global outcomes

As reported by the IB for the November 2025 examination session, more than 3,000 students across Australia and New Zealand and 23,392 worldwide received their DP or CP results (a 6.8% increase over the previous session); a further 202,103 completed the DP/CP worldwide in the May 2025 session, and the alumni community is now 2.7 million across 157 countries.

IB Diploma points and the ATAR

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) publishes an official IB Diploma points-to-ATAR equivalence table each year, which the Academy uses to advise students on their likely ATAR-equivalent outcome. As an illustrative example, the Australian national average DP score for the 2025 session was 34.53 points, which equated to an ATAR of approximately 89.55. The conversion table is updated annually; the current version is available from the IBDP Coordinator or directly from UAC.