Diploma Programme

Diploma Programme: Latest Developments

By Tristian Stobie, Head of Diploma Programme Development

The Diploma Programme session in the Regional Conference in Costa Rica focused on developments in the Diploma curriculum. One development discussed related to the new language structure for groups 1 and 2 will be introduced [for first teaching] in 2011 and first examinations in 2013. Group 1 will be redefined to include proficient speakers of the language, irrespective of whether or not it is their mother tongue. A new language and literature course is going to be introduced. Another development considered was the world studies extended essay option which is currently being piloted. This gives students the option to focus on local issues with global significance from an inter-disciplinary perspective. Teacher and student support material are being produced by the IB in collaboration with Harvard University. A new document: The Diploma programme: from principles to practice has been written and will be published on the OCC in May 2009. This document provides guidance on the effective implementation and development of the programme as a whole in schools.