IB Programs Main Page → Diploma Programme
The IB Magnet at Richard Montgomery high school is a four-year IB experience, which includes the Middle Years Programme in grades 9 & 10, followed by the Diploma Programme in grades 11 & 12. Students in the IB Magnet at Richard Montgomery are IB Continuum students, receiving the full benefit of IB teaching and learning during their years at Richard Montgomery. For more information about the IB Middle Years Programme, please visit our IB MYP page. The final two-year International Baccalaureate programme designed for students in grades 11 and 12 is the IB Diploma Programme. Additionally. While not all students who attend Richard Montgomery are in the four year Magnet, all RM students are eligible to participate in the full Diploma Programme offered at the school.
The IB Magnet at Richard Montgomery High School
The IB Diploma Programme Model
IB students complete a program of education which emphasizes high academic standards, international mindedness and develops learning skills that will last a lifetime.The breadth and balance of learning is achieved by the course of study required. To earn an IB Diploma, students must take courses and assessments in six subjects areas. In addition, they are required to complete the core of the program, which represents a cohesive element designed to cultivate the whole-student. Through study and reflection about the Theory of Knowledge, the process of writing the Extended Essay, and participation in activities that focus on Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), students learn about themselves through a personal lens which cultivates a philosophy of lifelong learning and the development of a twenty-first century skill set. The cultivation of these skills are the IB's Approaches to Learning.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2002, 2007, 2011
The IB Diploma CORE
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
The study in TOK is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate. TOK explores the assumptions and values on which the various subject disciplines are based as well as their limitations. It encourages students (and teachers) to reflect critically on various Ways of Knowing (experience, reason, emotion, etc.) and Areas of Knowledge (such as subject disciplines), and to deliberate on the role that knowledge plays in a larger society and in these contexts. It encourages students to become conscious of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity and intricacy of knowledge, and to recognize and appreciate the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.
Extended Essay
This is a substantial piece of independent research (4,000 words) on a topic of the student's choice from a wide range of subject areas and supervised by a member of the school's staff. The emphasis is on original research, careful analysis and academic rigor. More information can be found on our RMHS Extended Essay page.
Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS)
In order to provide a balance to their academic studies, and to provide for the well rounded development of imaginative, fit and compassionate young people who leave school ready and able to participate in the life of a wider community, students are required to complete a CAS program, which includes a series of self-selected experiences where the student explores the areas of Creativity, Activity and Service. Students reflect on the experiences they select, and how they apply to themselves as IB learners, both in the academic and personal sense. More information can be found on our RMHS CAS page.
RMHS International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme FAQs 2025-2026
How many IB classes do I have to take?
Seven total classes including IB English, IB World Language, IB History, IB Science, IB Math, IB Elective, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK); some classes are 2-years, others are 1-year in length
Can I self study for an IB exam?
No, self-study is not permitted for any IB exam. You must be registered for the course to take the test!
Are all HL courses 2 years?
Yes, but IB Math is the one exception where you take IB Precalc HL→AP BC Calc→IB Math Analysis HL (so it’s a 3-year sequence)
Which SL courses are 2 years?
IB Biology SL, IB Chemistry SL, IB Physics SL, IB Film SL, IB Theatre SL, and IB Visual Arts SL are 2-year courses
What are the requirements for IB World Languages?
Students in IB Chinese/French/Spanish 5 or 6 may take the IB SL exam
Students in IB Chinese/French/Spanish 6 or 7 may take the IB HL exam
Students in IB Chinese/French/Spanish 4 may take the SL ab initio exam IF they are seniors
Do I have to take TOK for the IB Diploma?
Yes, you must take TOK (2 semesters) in 11th grade and TOK (1 semester) in 12th grade
What is CAS?
CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, and it is the ‘service learning’ component of the IB Diploma Program. Each quarter, students must engage in one CAS experience demonstrating creativity, physical activity, and/or service. Students must complete written reflections upon completion of the CAS experience
How do I earn the IB Diploma?
- Take the required classes and take the exams for all classes
- Score 3 or higher (out of 7) on each exam
- Average 4 or higher on HL exams
- Earn 24+ points on your combined exam scores
- Complete 6 or more CAS experiences (with reflections) over the 2-year period
- Complete a CAS project
- Complete the Extended Essay
- Complete the TOK Exhibition and TOK Essay
When can I take IB exams?
IB exams occur in late-April and May; 11th graders may take a maximum of 2 IB exams and 12th graders may take up to 6 exams; 9th and 10th graders are not permitted to take any IB exams
What IB classes are offered at RMHS?
First Language: IB English Literature HL; IB English Language & Literature HL
Language Acquisition: IB Chinese SL; IB French SL/HL; IB Spanish SL/HL (or ab initio)
Individuals & Societies: IB History SL/HL; IB Economics* SL; IB Global Politics* SL; IB Philosophy* SL; IB Social & Cultural Anthropology* SL; IB Business Management* SL
Experimental Sciences: IB Biology SL/HL; IB Chemistry SL/HL; IB Physics SL/HL; IB Environmental Science* SL; IB Sports/Exercise/Health Science* SL
Maths: IB Math Analysis & Approaches SL/HL; IB Math Applications & Interpretations SL
Arts: IB Film* SL/HL; IB Theatre* SL/HL; IB Visual Arts* SL/HL
*Indicates IB Elective course
Who do I contact for more information?
The IB Office (room 200)
Amanda Trivers: Amanda_M_Trivers@mcpsmd.org