the international baccalaureate diploma programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Rockville High School

The Mission Statement of the International Baccalaureate

Organization

• The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

• The IB encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right

History of the IB Programme

• created in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland

• established a common curriculum and valid university entry credentials for students moving from one country to another

• developed to emphasize critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of points of view

Benefits of IB to Students, School and Community

• Students are engaged in a comprehensive, challenging interdisciplinary curriculum

• Students are encouraged to think and act as world citizens

• Teachers implement IB philosophy and teaching practices in their non-IB classes

College Recognition of IB

• Many universities grant sophomore status for students with IB Diplomas

• Many universities guarantee admission for students with IB Diplomas

• All nine campuses of the University of California now award 30 hours of credit to any IB student who earns an IB diploma with a score of 30 points or higher

College Acceptance Rates

IB Rates• University of MD – 89%• University of VA -70%• Johns Hopkins – 69%• Carlton College – 89%• Cornell University – 51%

Average Rates• University of MD – 44%• University of VA -38%• Johns Hopkins – 35%• Carlton College -34%• Cornell University – 29%

IB Students are…

• Inquirers• Thinkers• Communicators• Risk takers• Knowledgeable• Open-minded• Reflective• Principled• Well balanced

About the IB Diploma Programme

• The IB Diploma Programme is a two year course of study which allows students to fulfill the requirements of an internationally recognized rigorous course of study.

• The IB Diploma Programme offers a broad and balanced curriculum in which students are encouraged to apply what they learn in the classroom to real world issues and problems.

IB Subject Groups

• Group 1 – Language A – literature courses in a student’s first language (English)

• Group 2 – Language B – courses which promote the acquisition of a second language (French/Spanish)

• Group 3 – Individuals and Societies – the study of human experience and social environments and institutions (Social Studies)

• Group 4 – Experimental Sciences – courses that demonstrate knowledge, methods and techniques of science (Biology/Chemistry/Physics)

• Group 5 – Mathematics and Computer Science – courses designed to develop logical and creative thinking in mathematics (Math Methods/Math Studies)

• Group 6 – The Arts – courses that emphasize the making of art and expression in the arts (Music/Art)

IB Subject Groups

Core Requirements

• Theory of Knowledge – designed to explore questions about different sources of knowledge (perception,language, emotion, reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical, historical) (TOK 1 and 2)

• Creativity, Action, Service – participation in artistic activities (creativity), sports, expeditions, or local/international projects (action), and community or social service projects (CAS – 150 hours required)

Core Requirements

Core Requirements

• Extended Essay – a 4000 word, in-depth, independent research assignment on a topic of special interest designed to prepare students for research at the college level

IB Assessment

• The IB Diploma Programme is criterion based; each student’s performance is measured against well defined levels of achievement. Grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards that are applied equally to all IB schools.

• Diploma candidates select one subject from each of the six subject groups. At least three are taken at higher level (HL), representing 240 hours of instruction (2 years). The other courses are taken at standard level (SL), representing 150 hours of instruction (1 year).

IB Assessment

• IB is a complete program with exams in all disciplines.

• IB assessments include written exams, oral examinations, lab notebooks, research papers, portfolios of work

• IB exams are 80-100% written essays, not multiple choice

• Students may also take AP exams in IB subjects when curriculum matches

How to Prepare for the IB

RECOMMENDED GRADE 9 Sequence of Courses

Pre-IB English 9Spanish or French (appropriate level)

Pre-IB History 9Appropriate Mathematics (honors geometry or Algebra 2

with analysis)Honors Biology

Technology or Fine ArtsPhysical Education

How to Prepare for the IB

RECOMMENDED GRADE 10 Sequence of Courses

Pre-IB English 10Spanish or French

AP NSL GovernmentAppropriate Mathematics (Algebra 2 with analysis or Pre-

Cal)Honors Chemistry

Technology or Fine ArtsHealth and Elective

Grade 11 and 12 Diploma Programme Options

Within the SIX SUBJECT AREAS, students will develop schedules appropriate to their individual interests and needs. Including:

3 HL courses• IB Language A / English HL - required

• IB History HL - required

Other HL Options include:

• IB Biology (HL)

• IB French (HL)

• IB Spanish (HL)

• IB Visual Arts (HL)

3 SL courses from the following options

• IB Physics (SL)• IB French (SL)• IB Spanish (SL)• IB Psychology SL)• IB Information Technology in a Global Society

(ITGS) (SL)• Visual Arts (SL)• Mathematical Studies (SL)• Mathematics (SL)

IB core requirements:

• Theory of Knowledge 1 and 2 (ToK)

• Extended Essay

• Creativity, Action, Service Hours (CAS)

Additional Information

Deborah Wilchek

IB Coordinator, Rockville High School

Deborah_Wilchek @mcpsmd.org

301-517-5595

Visit the IBO web site

www.ibo.org