IB Diploma programat St. John’s International School

March 8th, 2010

Evelyn ArmstrongJonathan Jones

Agenda for today: The IB Diploma ProgramIB Diploma RequirementsBilingual diplomaDiploma/CertificatesC.A.S.Q & A

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The IB Diploma Program is: • Academically challenging• For students aged 16 to 19 • Prepares students for universities• Taught over 2 years• Develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring

students

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The IB Diploma Program requirements:

The Extended Essay (about 4000 words):

• Opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest

• Independent research and writing skills expected at universities.

• Advised to be written in one of the 6 core subjects (chosen by the student)

• Recommended: 40 hours of study and writing time

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The IB Diploma Program requirements:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Stimulates critical reflection on knowledge and experience:

• Explores the base of knowledge across all disciplines

• Develops the ability to analyse evidence

• Encourages an appreciation of other cultural perspectives

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The IB Diploma Program requirements:

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

Helps to become responsible and compassionate citizens:

• Creativity includes arts activities and implementing service projects.

• Action includes participation in sports and taking part in local or international projects.

• Service are community and social service activities. Examples are helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals and working with refugees or homeless people.6

• One subject from each of the six groups

• At least three but not more than four taken at higher level (HL)=240 teaching time

• Others at standard level (SL)=150 hrs

The IB Diploma Program requirements:

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Group 1 – Language A

Students first or native language (2 choices):- Literature, or- Language and Literature• Good writing and oral skills• International perspective

through world literature• 7 languages taught at St

Johns• Other languages private

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Group 2 – Second Language

Language ab Initio Language B• Ab Initio: Little or no

previous exposure to the language

• Language B: 3 to 5 years study at high school

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Group 3 – Individuals and Societies

Study of human history, behavior and environmental issues:• History• Economics• Business and Management• Philosophy• Geography

Group 4 – Experimental Sciences

Develops practical laboratory skills and collaborative learning: • Biology• Chemistry• Physics• Design Technology• Environmental Systems and

Societies

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Group 5 – Mathematics

Four courses to fulfill the requirements of various universities:• Mathematical studies• Mathematics SL • Mathematics HL• Further mathematics

(exceptional math student’s extra option in group 6)

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Group 6 – The Arts / Electives

Emphasizes creativity, allowing adaptability to different cultural contexts:• Visual Arts• Theatre Arts• Music• Second subject from groups

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IB Diploma program—grading system

• The IB Diploma is externally assessed• Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7• The IB Diploma can be awarded if the candidate has at

least 24 points• Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay can add

up to 3 points for a maximum of 45 points• Additional requirements:

– CAS must be completed successfully– A passing score for TOK and EE

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Bilingual diplomaAt St John’s, the bilingual diploma will be awarded to candidates fulfilling this criteria:

• Two languages in group 1 – Each language must have a grade of 3 or higher

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Diploma vs. certificates• Students are encouraged to take the most challenging

programme at which they can succeed• Students may choose to take IB classes only in areas of

their strength• Those who elect to take fewer than six subjects are

awarded Certificates and do not have to take CAS or TOK

• Students can choose to take one to two SL subjects after year 1 (anticipated candidate)

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Questions?