The IB Diploma programme is aimed at average to good students with a strong work ethic:it is not a qualification only accessible to the highly talented, but its rigorous standards and sizeable workload do require a great deal of commitment, organisation and initiative.

In 2009, five Year 12 students undertook the full diploma programme at Nga Tawa. They undertook the IB subjects of English, French, History, Geography, Biology, Mathematics, and Music. They are also studied Theory of Knowledge, and obtained their Creativity, Action and Service requirements.

Additional courses may be offered in the future subject to sufficient numbers choosing it.

Courses are taught during the usual school day, with the exception of Geography and Theory of Knowledge where some classes are taught in the evening.

Where there is sufficient overlap, IB students can also be assessed for Level 2 or 3 NCEA credits. However, the focus for these students is the IB diploma and NCEA assessment will only be offered if it does not require additional work to what they are already doing.