International Baccalaureate

Diploma Program

What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma?

• A pre-university diploma and international admissions credential

• Utilizes international standards

• Based on an integrated curriculum

• Infused with international mindedness

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

*The IB Diploma Program is designed for highly-motivated high school students with time management skills aged 16-19.*9th and 10th grade students take prerequisites to prepare them for the IB/DP program which begins in their 11th grade year.*Students fulfill the requirements of the state’s educational guidelines due to the rigor of the IB program.

Why do IB?

The IB Program:Sets expectations-for students, parents, schoolRequires reading for analysis, interpretationRequires analytic writing-lots of writing (including science labs and math projects)Prepares students to carry strong academic load;

specifically develops real time management skillsAllows(requires) students to see interconnections

among subjectsSolves colleges’ biggest problem……………

Colleges’ Biggest Problem

• Unprepared studentsOf all students who begin college each year:50% of Caucasian students do not complete a bachelor’s degree65% of Hispanic students do not complete a bachelor’s degree73% of African Americans do not complete a bachelor’s degree

From College Board Research/utulsa.edu

IB Hexagon

Group 2: Modern Foreign

LanguagesClassical Languages

Group 1:Language A1

Group 5:Mathematics andComputer Science

Group 6: Arts

Group 4:Experimental

Sciences

Group 3:Individuals

And Societies

Extended EssayTheory of Knowledge

Creativity, Action Service

International BaccalaureateDiploma Requirements

• Take three higher level (HL) and three standard level (SL) courses

• One course from groups 1-5, and a 6th subject– Higher level

• 240 hours• Exams taken in senior year

– Standard level• 150 hours• Exams taken in junior or senior year

– Complete central elements (Extended Essay, CAS, Theory of Knowledge)

• English A1 Higher Level

• Spanish B Standard Level

• History of the Americas Higher Level

• Psychology Standard Level

• Biology Higher Level

• Math Standard Level

• Visual Arts Standard Level

SHHS Course Offerings

IB English

• In-depth discussion on literary criticism, which gives students “lenses” to view literature.

• More time to discuss multiple aspects of each literary work, such as author’s style, the artist’s role in society and cultural perspectives.

IB History sequence

• Recommended Pre-requisites: Modern History, AP World History or Euro 1 & 2

• 11th and 12th grade: History of Americas

• Partnered with IB English during same period; either 45 min/day or 90 min alternating days.

IB History

• Studies History of Western Hemisphere including Latin American History with particular attention to Mexican history.

• Requires the students to develop an original historical essay on selected topic.

• Extensive reading of texts and research for class projects.

IB Math sequence

• Pre-requisites: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2

• 11th grade: Statistics - Fall; Adv. Algebra/Trigonometry - Spring (possibility of a 1 day/week after school 2 hr. seminar)

• 12th grade: IB/AP AB Calculus (all year)

IB Math

• A rigorous challenging mathematics curriculum that engages critical thinking skills and creative thought.

• Teaches the student to recognize patterns, make generalizations and communicate mathematics clearly to others. Students become experts in a wide variety of mathematical disciplines.

IB Biology

• In depth study and analysis of a relevant science topic chosen by the students, evaluated in a variety of ways, including community forum.

• Scientific labs require students to do all planning procedures.

• Unique in depth studies of biological subjects such as human physiology and neurobiology and behavior with latitude to change options as needed to improve program.

IB Spanish

• Offers the students the opportunity to express what they have learned in other subject areas in another language.

• Students study world literature written by Spanish speaking authors.

• Students speak in target language exclusively and learn to speak in the target language by the end of coursework.

IB Spanish sequence

• 9th grade: Spanish 1& 2• 10th grade: Spanish 3 & 4• 11th grade : IB Spanish SL 1 & SL 2

• Exam will be in Spring of Junior year

IB Visual Art

• Allows more freedom and the ability to develop an artistic personality.

• Allows students with artistic abilities to tap their creative minds and become a self-driven artist.

• Students are expected to develop their own projects based on their research of artists and styles.

IB Diploma Core Requirements

• CAS (Creativity, Action, Service)– Enhance personal and

interpersonal development through experiential learning.

– In order to be meaningful, activities should continue throughout the program.

– A school staff member is responsible for working with the student to develop their plan.

IB CAS Requirements

• Creativity – Arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking.

• Action – Physical Exertion that contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

• Service – Unpaid voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student.

• Should be continued on regular basis for at least 18 months to receive IB diploma.

IB Theory of Knowledge

• A unique class that connects all of the areas of knowledge together to show how knowledge is interrelated.

• Challenges the student to investigate why they know what they know and how to evaluate that knowledge in an objective and global society.

• Shows how knowledge flows through the four ways of knowing, and teaches the students to become good consumers of information.

IB Diploma Core Requirements

The Extended Essay

– 4,000 words (maximum)– Written on a topic of special

interest and expected to be at the university level of research

– Topic will come from one of 22 subjects

– Essays are sent off to be scored.

Qualities of IB Diploma Students• Fluency in two languages

• Self confidence with university text and materials

• Capacity for independent/group research and study

• Cultivated critical and creative thinking abilities with well-developed communication skills

• Ability to complete a challenging and rigorous course of studies

• Compassionate concern for others

• The IB program connect schools with a unity of purpose, not a uniformity of practice.

Research on the impact of IB programs

© IBO 2003

IB students outperform their peers on state assessments.

IB Diploma students have higher acceptance rates to colleges.

IB Diploma students perform better in post-secondary education than their peers.

IB standards are aligned with best practice in education and support effective teaching practices.

IB has a positive impact on the culture of a school.

Advantages with an IB Diploma

Preparation for college course workPriority Admissions to many

collegesAdvanced Placement CreditOpens Doors to Scholarships at

CollegesBuilds confidence &pride

Getting Into College

“There is no secret to getting in, deans say. Stop looking for a gimmick. Tune out the hype. Study hard. Take the toughest curriculum that you can. The heart of the application is-and always has been-one’s academic preparation.”

• Maura Singleton, UVA Magazine Fall 2006

Education Week Had This To Say About the IB Program:“It may be the best kept secret in high

school reform,” said Barmak Nassirian, the associate executive director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, in Washington. The IB Program , he said, is generally regarded as “the gold standard of high school curriculum in admissions circles.”

Education Week, March 29, 2006

Any questions?Contact Information:

Jack Leonard IB Coordinator

leonardj@jcschools.org Or

423-232-2190 ext. 2012

Thank you for attending.