On April 15th, 2024, Westbury High School officially became 1 of 11 public schools on Long Island to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme (DP) is a curriculum framework designed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) for WHS scholars in the last two years of high school. Diploma Programme scholars study six subjects (three at standard level and three at higher level) over two years and complete three additional core requirements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), extended essay and at least 150 hours of CAS—Creativity, Activity and Service tasks outside of the classroom. In addition to these requirements, scholars must earn a minimum of 24 points out of a possible 45 points on the final assessments which are externally marked and moderated by the IB, in order to receive an IB diploma.
Scholars at Westbury High School will have two pathways to take IB DP courses. They can engage in the full IB Diploma Programme over the last two years of their high school journey. They will also have the opportunity to take the “IB Experience” pathway, allowing scholars to take one or more IB classes “a la carte” to earn course certificates without completing CAS or the extended essay. Scholars are also able to take TOK as a single course elective.
Westbury High School is implementing the DP to help scholars with pre-university preparation. IB is highly regarded by leading colleges and universities worldwide for its challenging curriculum and for predicting scholars’ success in higher education. Furthermore, IB Diploma Programme courses are eligible for college credits at most colleges and universities worldwide. The teachers will inspire DP scholars to tap into their critical-thinking skills and personal passions to focus on one area for in-depth study — one child at a time, in Westbury’s commitment to educating scholars in an environment in which they will develop a life-long love of learning and successfully engage in a rapidly changing, interconnected global community.
WHS IB Coordinator, Koriene Petrelli proudly states, “I would like to thank our Westbury scholars, community, faculty, administration team along with our Board of Education and superintendent of schools for embracing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme on our journey to world class status. Congratulations!!!”
