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THE NEWMAN SCHOOL

The Newman School offers the International

Baccalaureate Diploma to eligible students entering

the eleventh grade. The IB is widely recognized and

considered to be an international passport to higher

education, as its strengths are based on the best

practices of educational systems worldwide. It is a

comprehensive two-year program that encourages

critical thinking, research skills, time management,

and service as part of the learning process.

In 1963, the International Baccalaureate Organization

(IBO) was formed in Geneva. The various syllabi

and set of examinations created in the six years that

followed met and exceeded the expectations of national

education ministries and departments. Since the IB

was so closely linked to Oxford University, widespread

credibility was derived from that association alone.

Candidates for the IB Diploma study a range of subjects

and take courses in six areas: Native Language,

a Second Language, Individuals and Societies,

What is the IB?

Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and Computer

Science, and the Arts. Students must also submit

an Extended Essay (a 4,000-word research project),

complete a course on the ways of knowing (Theory of

Knowledge), participate in a physical activity, create

something new, and take part in community service.

The Programme culminates in a written and oral

examination period, and final grades are based on

achievement on both the exams and course grades.

Recognition

Universities around the world continue to promote

the Programme due to the high level of preparation

for post-secondary education exhibited by IB

graduates. Earning the Diploma has proven to be

an advantage in the admissions process because it

is a clear sign to the officers that a student is

self-motivated and capable of following a rigorous

course of study. Course credit is often granted and

the student is frequently eligible for advanced

placement in the curriculum.

A WORLD SCHOOL

The IB Program is a challenging 2-year program

that places serious demands on a student’s time and

energy. Entry into the IB Diploma Programme is

made in consultation with the school, student, and

family, and is open to highly motivated students with

strong academic, time management, and study skills.

Prospective students must complete an application

form by January of their sophomore year.

Prerequisites for entry to the program include a

“B” average in previous and current courses of study,

the recommendation of teachers and the approval

of the Dean of Studies and the IB Coordinator.

Specific IB courses may also have additional

requirements. For non-native English speakers,

the following English language levels are possible

pre-requisites: SLEP score of 55 or above; TOEFL

score of 550 (computer-bases TOEFL score of 213);

or a score of 79-80 on the Internet-based TOEFL.

Given the different options amongst IB courses of study

it is not always possible for a student to transfer into the

The Newman School’s IB program after completing the

first year elsewhere. Any students who are allowed to

transfer must arrange for all internal assessment work

to arrive at The Newman School Admissions Office

by August 24th.

The International Baccalaureate Organization’s

maintenance of its high standards is in great measure

due to its system of external examinations administered

by the examinations office in Cardiff, Wales, under the

direction of IB headquarters in Geneva. IB students

around the world take identical exams on the same day in

various subjects. The form of assessment for each subject

is defined by the specific performance criteria for that

subject and may consist of some or all of the following: essay

and short answer questions, document and data-based

questions, multiple choice objective tests, and oral exams.

Upon completion, the papers are dispatched immediately

to examiners around the world. All Newman IB students

also receive school grades in the same fashion as students

not enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme. Both the

10 point Newman scale and the 7 point IB scale are

weighted 1.0 for Diploma courses.

Eligibility Assessment

Grade 10

English 10

Geometry/Trigonometry

Chemistry

Spanish 3 or French 3

American History

Art

Pre-Course Sequence

Grade 9

English 9

Algebra 2

Biology

Spanish 2 or French 2

Global studies

Art

IB Learner Profile

We hope that students who participate in IB programs

develop to become:

Inquirers: Who acquire the skills necessary to

conduct purposeful, constructive research.

Thinkers: Who exercise initiative in applying

thinking skills critically and creatively to make

sound decisions and to solve complex problems.

Communicators: Who receive and express

ideas and information confidently in more than

one language, including the language of

mathematical symbols.

Risk-takers: Who approach unfamiliar situations

without anxiety, have confidence and

independence, are courageous and articulate in

defending things in which they believe.

Knowledgeable: Who have spent time in school

exploring themes with global relevance and

importance, and have acquired a critical mass

of significant knowledge.

Principled: Who have a sound grasp of the

principles of moral reasoning, integrity, honesty

and a sense of fairness and justice.

Caring: Who show sensitivity towards the

needs and feelings of others and have a personal

commitment to action and service.

Open-minded: Who respect the views, values

and traditions of other individuals and cultures and

who are accustomed to seeking and considering

a range of points of view.

Well-balanced: Who understand the importance

of physical and mental balance and personal well-being.

Reflective: Who give thoughtful consideration to

their own learning and who analyze their personal

strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.

In addition, IB Diploma candidates must meet the

requirements for Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the

Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Biology (HL)

Chemistry (HL)

Environmental Systems (SL)

Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science

Math Studies (SL)

Mathematics (SL, HL)

Group 6: The Arts

Visual Arts (HL) or, another course chosen

from Groups 2-5, taken as an elective.

IB Diploma candidates must take a total of 6 IB courses,

one from each of the groups below. At least 3 courses

must be taken at the Higher Level (HL).

Group 1: Language A1

Native Language (HL, SL)

Group 2: Second Language

Spanish A2, Spanish B (SL)

French B (SL)

English B (SL)

Group 3: Individuals and Society

History (HL, SL)

Economics (HL)

Environmental Systems (SL)

Coursework