IB Diploma Programme Information about the Diploma Zhuhai International School

Our agenda this evening: 1. Diploma basics 2. Course structure in general 3. The ‘Core’ – Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Creativity Action Service (CAS) 4. Standard and High Level subjects 5. How the DP is scored 6. Course structure at ZIS 7. Pathways to our DP 8. Assessments types 9. Rules for gaining the Diploma 10. Succeeding in the Diploma – What needs to happen now? 11. Tertiary course counseling, selection and application process Please ask any and all questions as we go....

1. DP basics A 2 year course (the last 2 years) Recognised everywhere, transferrable More holistic (limited specialisation) More ‘rigorous’ and challenging

2. DP Course structure

2. Course structure 6 subjects, plus the ‘Core’ Must do 2 Languages, a Science, a Math, a Humanities Can do Arts, another Science or Humanities or Language

3. The ‘Core’ Extended Essay (EE) Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Creativity Action Service (CAS)

4. Standard & Higher Level subjects Of the 6 subjects, there needs to be 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level subjects A HL subject is more difficult and involved than a SL subject, and requires more contact hours

5. How the DP is scored Each of 6 subjects has a maximum of 7 The EE and ToK Essay combine for a maximum of 3 6 x = maximum score of 45

6. The DP at ZIS

7. Our DP and your academic pathway

8. Assessment types 1. Formative assessments, used at the start and during a topic or unit. which do not count towards Diploma scores but provide guiding feedback and preparation. 2. Summative Assessments, used during or at the end of a unit or topic, which do not count towards Diploma scores but provide guiding feedback and preparation. These are marked by our teachers 3. Internal Assessments (IA) which do count toward the final Diploma grade. These are marked by our teachers, and moderated by an IB Moderator

Internal Assessments (IA) Some subjects have specific IA tasks, others have a range of tasks that form a portfolio. Some subjects have one large IA task, others have many smaller ones. oral ‘commentary' in languages case study in business laboratory work in the sciences investigations in mathematics exhibitions If there is a difference between the teacher and the Moderator of 2 grades then the work is marked by a second IB Moderator.

9. Rules for gaining the Diploma An even effort across all subjects is needed to gain a Diploma To look at the rules for gaining a Diploma it is easier to look at the reasons why one will not be awarded. When a Diploma is not awarded candidates will receive one requirement code.

A reminder – How the DP is scored Each of 6 subjects has a maximum of 7 The EE and ToK Essay combine for a maximum of 3 6 x = maximum score of 45

There are 20 in all, but here’s a few Candidate’s total points are less than 24. A grade of 1 Two or more grades of 2 Grade 3 four or more times. CAS requirements not completed A grade of E on either EE or TOK essay

There are 19 ‘requirement codes’ These codes apply to all diploma (and retake) candidates.  Candidate’s total points are less than 24.  A grade N has been awarded for one or more subjects, theory of knowledge or the extended essay.  A grade E has been awarded for both theory of knowledge and the extended essay.  There is a grade 1 awarded in any subject and level.  CAS requirements have not been completed.  Candidate is guilty of malpractice.  Grade 3 has been awarded four or more times.

These codes apply to diploma (and retake) candidates with 24 to 27 points inclusive. 8.There is one or more grade 2 awarded at higher level. 9.Grade 2 at standard level awarded two or more times. 10.Candidate has registered for three higher level subjects, and gained fewer than 12 points on these. 11.Candidate has registered for three standard level subjects, and gained fewer than 9 points on these. 12.Candidate has registered for four higher level subjects, and gained fewer than 16 points on these. 13.Candidate has registered for two standard level subjects, and gained fewer than 6 points on these.

These codes apply to diploma (and retake) candidates with 28 points or more. 14.Grade 2 at higher level awarded two or more times. 15.Grade 2 at standard level has been awarded three times. 16.Candidate has registered for three higher level subjects, and gained fewer than 11 points on these. 17.Candidate has registered for three standard level subjects, and gained fewer than 8 points on these. 18.Candidate has registered for four higher level subjects, and gained fewer than 14 points on these. 19.Candidate has registered for two standard level subjects, and gained fewer than 5 points on these.

10. How to ensure you gain your Diploma Know what’s coming - subject term and yearly planners Know your key dates Attend after-school sessions Make study groups See teachers out of class time Read widely (not just the minimum) Visit IB student forums & Diploma help sites Use your Study Spares as the precious minutes they are

10. How to ensure you gain your Diploma Create a workable and effective Study Schedule: ‘Chunks’ of time, rather than endless time Real breaks, that are timed Build in Reading Time, including Reading for Understanding Designated work area, distraction-free Write it up, get it reviewed and keep it public

11. The subject selection process The subject selection process… Let’s hear from the subject teachers….

Group 1 Teachers Mrs Van Hesteren (English) Mrs Li (Mandarin)

Group 2 Teachers Mrs Li (Mandarin B) Mrs Liang (English B)

Group 3 Teachers: Mr Woods – Business & Managemnet Mr Verniere – Environmental Systems & Society Economics – Pamoja Education

Group 4 The plan… Let’s hear from the subject teachers….

Group 5 Teachers: To be advised (Mr Woods)

Group 6 Teachers: Mrs Sue Castle – Visual Arts

11. I (sort of) know what I want to do at University/College Go to Open Days Visit websites Find out course requirements, application process, closing dates, extra requirements, such as language tests

I don’t know what I want to do at University/College! Do some thinking and get some advice…Family, Teachers….? Friends ? Online career quizzes: Australian Government Job Outlook: rquiz.aspx What course is right for you: joshua/what-major-is-right-for- you/index.php# Career planner quiz: tests/career-quiz/ Career – abilities quiz: bilities_quiz.html Careers test: Jobs guide (Canada): rket/ojf/findoccupation.asp

University recognition and Diploma score requirements A good place to start – the IBO’s University recognition portal: International Parents students group Netherlands: Harvard University application process

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The true benefit of earning the IB Diploma is intrinsic in nature. The change that occurs within a student academically and personally while pursuing the Diploma produces far greater personal growth and satisfaction than the Diploma itself.

What does indicate? Grade 1 = very poor Grade 2 = poor Grade 3 = mediocre Grade 4 = satisfactory Grade 5 = good Grade 6 = very good Grade 7 = excellent

The role of the EE and ToK Essay in gaining the Diploma