international baccalaureate: bringing opportunities to the class of 2014 and beyond…

International Baccalaureate:

Bringing opportunities to the class of 2014 and beyond…

Park High School became an authorized International Baccalaureate World School, December 2009.

This follows two and a half years of hard work and support from students, parents, staff, administration.

Founded in 1968 as a non profit educational foundation

Strong pre-university curriculum Common external assessments Common internal assessments Learner Profile International Mindedness

Background and characteristics of IB:

What does it mean to be an IB diploma student?

Look to the IB learner profile.

The IB learner profile is the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. ibo.org

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers Open-MindedKnowledgeable CaringThinkers Risk-TakersCommunicators BalancedPrincipled Reflective

IB provides opportunities to students in two ways.

Students may take individual IB courses and earn certificates, similar to AP courses.

Students may choose to earn the IB Diploma in addition to the Park High School Diploma.

Recognized by colleges around the world Students improve upon strengths, confront

challenges Learn time management Research and writing in all curricular areas Center of the hexagon

Advantage of the full IB diploma:

The Curriculum

To earn the diploma:

3 HL courses (2 years)3 SL courses (1 year; some

are more than 1 year)Complete center of hexagon

2 trimester course, 1 Jr. year, one Sr. Stimulates critical reflection on knowledge

and experience Questions the basis of knowledge Creates awareness of subjective and

ideological biases Key to understanding other learning

perspectives ibo.org

The center of the hexagon: ToK

Creativity Action and Service (CAS)

CAS takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to academic studies.

150 hours over two years of planning, implementation, reflection

Designing and implementing service projects Individual and team sports Expeditions Local and international projects Helping people with special needs Visiting hospitals Working with homeless

Some CAS examples:

4000 word or fewer, original research essay

Represents research and writing skills expected by universities

Researched and written during junior and senior year

Opportunity to work with a teacher/mentor Opportunity to investigate a topic of

special interest to the student

Extended Essay:

Full Diploma Statistics:

79.4% of students who attempt the diploma earn it

47.5% of IB students who take the SAT earn 1300-1600

23.7% of diploma candidates are recognized by the National Merit program

55% of students who take the ACT earn a composite score of 27-36

U of M: 8 credits for each HL course, 2 for each SL – equals almost one year of college

River Falls: 27 semester credits, however credit award depends upon courses taken

University of St. Thomas: 4-8 credits per IB course; depending upon score and course

Some College/University recognition stats for IB Diploma graduates

How can students participate in the full diploma?

Students should take Geometry in 9th grade, Algebra II in 10th grade.

Students should take a second language, Spanish, French, or German in 9th and 10th grade.

Students should take IB Prep Physical Science or biology in 9th grade.

Questions? Visit ibo.org Contact your student’s guidance counselor Aaron Pozzini, IB Coordinator◦ 651-768-3749◦ apozzini@sowashco.k12.mn.us