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International Baccalaureate
The Diploma Programme is a signature pathway to graduation at St. John's Academy Shawnigan Lake for Grade 11 and 12 students
The curriculum contains six subject groups and a common core composed of three independent components.
This programme is represented by a hexagon in the centre of which are the three components of the common core.
Students study six subjects that they choose from those available in the six subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at the Higher Level (240 teaching hours per subject) and the other three at the Intermediate Level (150 teaching hours per subject).
The three core components – Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) – are compulsory and form the central axis of the Diploma Programme philosophy.
The core curriculum includes three compulsory courses:
Extended Essay
The extended essay an independent, student-directed piece of research culminating in a 4,000-word essay. It
provides students with the opportunity to research a topic that interests them, while also familiarizing them with independent research and the type of academic writing that will be expected of them at university.
Theory of Knowledge
TOK is an interdisciplinary course designed to develop an integrated and coherent approach to learning by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines and by encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
Students reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
CAS
Participation in the International Baccalaureate's Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) component encourages students to take part in artistic, sporting, and community service activities, thereby fostering knowledge and self-reflection.
