IB Diploma Parent Meeting Wednesday September 9, 2015

The Basics of the Diploma Programme The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts. This is illustrated by a hexagon with the three parts of the core at its center. In order to complete the Diploma Programme, candidates must study one subject from each of the six groups. Candidates must also complete the three areas of the core.

Some Important IB terms Higher level (HL) – a course which covers a subject more in depth with a greater amount of teaching hours Standard level (SL) – a course which requires fewer overall teaching hours Candidate – an IB Diploma Programme student Paper – an IB test Pre-DP student - a 9 th or 10 th grade student who is online to joint the Diploma Programme during their junior year Internal Assessment (IA) – An project or lab report that is completed over a sustained period of time with assistance from a teacher(s)

The IB Curriculum Outline Candidates must take 3 courses at the higher level and 3 courses at the standard level. If a student is not enrolled in IB Art or IB Music for their group 6 class, they may take another selection from groups 1-4.

The extended essay has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest, and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at the university level. The interdisciplinary theory of knowledge (TOK) course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. Participation in the school’s creativity, action, service (CAS) programme encourages candidates to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports, and community service work. The programme fosters students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena. The Core of the Hexagon

IB Assessment During their junior year, students may test in either one or two standard level subjects. In all IB courses, assessment is conducted both internally (by the classroom teacher) and externally (by IB examiners from around the globe) Because of the greater degree of objectivity and reliability provided by the standard examination environment, externally marked examinations form the larger share of the assessment for most subjects. IB assessments and cumulative final grades for IB courses are scored on a scale from 1-7. Extended essay and ToK are graded on a scale of A (highest) to E (lowest)

Richwoods IB Exam Results May 2015 Session *See handout

What is needed to achieve the IB Diploma? A candidate must complete CAS. The Extended Essay, and the Theory of Knowledge course must be completed with a grade of at least D in both. Candidates must achieve 24 total points from all IB subjects. Candidates must achieve a total of at least 9 points in 3 SL subjects and 12 points in 3 HL subjects. A candidate cannot receive a score of 2 on any HL exam, or a score of 2 on more than one SL exam. If a candidate does not complete the requirements for the IB Diploma, they will be issued a “certificate of results”

Richwoods IB Student Numbers Pre- DP Freshmen Sophomores - 57 IB Diploma Programme Juniors - 55 Seniors - 40

College Acceptance Credits Preparation

Just a few of the schools attended by 2015 IB Diploma graduates from RHS include…. Washington University in St. Louis University of Iowa University of Illinois Northwestern University of Minnesota Yale Texas A&M University University of Alabama Boston University