International Baccalaureate Program Eastridge High School IB Information Night January 25, 2016 Candace Black, IB Coordinator

Please make sure you have this handout to follow along with the presentation.

Meeting agenda Welcome & introductions What is the IB Program? Curriculum & course offerings Assessments & diploma requirements Why should you consider the IB program? Getting into the IB program Resources for more information The next step…

The IB Program The IB is a world-renowned organization which aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. There are 3,490 IB World Schools in 144 countries across the globe with 50,000 IB-certified teachers and over 1,064,000 students aged from 3 to 19 years. Eastridge High School became an IB World School in 2007 with the first set of IB Diploma students graduating in Since then, we have had 77 students participate in the Diploma program.

The IB program? The IB Diploma Program is designed as an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepares students for success at college and life beyond. The program is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. Students may enroll in the full IB diploma program (take all IB classes) or take individual IB courses to earn IB certificates.

Who is the IB learner? Although gifted learners do well in the IB program, the primary characteristic that determines success is MOTIVATION! IB Learners strive to be: Inquirers We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life. Knowledgeable We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. Thinkers We use critical thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. Communicators We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups. Principled We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. Open-minded We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience. Risk-takers We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. Balanced We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives— intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live. Caring We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us. Reflective We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We world to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

The IB curriculum structure IB Diploma Program candidates study seven courses per year during their junior and senior years, which culminate in written, oral, and performance assessments.

The IB curriculum structure IB organizes the curriculum in a circular diagram, divided into 6 course groupings. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics.

The IB curriculum structure The 6 th subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5. At least three and not more than four subjects are taken at higher level, the others at standard level. The final IB course is Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

Course Eastridge Group 1: Language AEnglish Literature A1 (HL) Group 2: Language BFrench B, Italian B, Spanish B (SL) Group 3: Individuals & Societies History of the Americas (HL) Business & Management (SL) Psychology (HL) Group 4: Experimental Sciences Biology (SL & HL) Environmental Systems & Societies (SL) Group 5: Mathematics Mathematical Studies (SL) Mathematics (SL) Group 6: The Arts Dance (SL & HL) Music (SL & HL) Theatre Arts (SL & HL) Visual Arts (SL & HL)

Course planning grid

Assessments

Most courses have a test given in May of the senior year, called Paper 1 and Paper 2. Language course (English & foreign languages) have speaking & writing components. Arts courses (Dance, Music, Theatre & Visual Arts) have a performance component. History courses have a written component, Science courses a lab component and Math courses a project.

Coursework & final examinations CAS – Creativity, Action & Service Theory of Knowledge course Extended Essay Requirements of the Diploma Program

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is an extracurricular component of the program, the goal of which is to educate the whole individual while cultivating an enlightened and compassionate citizenry. Students are required to participate in extracurricular activities that strengthen their creative skills, community involvement, and physical development (approximately 150 hours over the course of 2 years).

Requirements of the Diploma Program Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary class that is designed to foster critical thinking while giving students an opportunity to understand and reflect on the interrelationship of knowledge gained in the classroom. The essential question is “how do we know what we know”?

Requirements of the Diploma Program The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word paper describing the results of an original research project. The EE offers students the opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest while learning the research and writing skills required in college.

Why should you consider pursuing the IB Diploma? IB = the IDEAL preparation for college

Admission into the IB Program We believe that IB courses should be available to any highly-motivated student interested in the program. Students wishing to pursue an IB Certificate in an individual course need only the recommendation of their teacher or counselor to register for the class.

Admission into the IB Program Entrance into the Eastridge IB Full Diploma Program is open to any interested students who are committed to putting forth the effort to be successful. There is no application.

Admission into the IB Program A student should discuss their desire to pursue the IB diploma with their parent(s)/guardian(s) and then with their school counselor (Mrs. Dibble, Mrs. Goossen, Mrs. Healy or Ms. Marchetta).

Admission into the IB Program It is recommended that incoming juniors meet the following requirements: Successful completion of freshmen and sophomore courses with an 80% GPA or better. Completion of graduation requirements including: Health Sequence of World Language courses (French, Italian, Spanish) Chemistry

Admission into the IB Program Students and parents who wish to discuss the program in depth may do so by setting up a meeting with Ms. Black to discuss the specific requirements of the program, the need for motivation, the student's goals, the options that a student has in the program, and any specific concerns on the part of parents or students. office: )

Admission into the IB Program We encourage all students to consider if the IB Diploma program is for them. If a student decides that the IB program is not for him/her, he/she can easily transfer to Regents level courses (after a few weeks or between junior and senior years). The reverse is not true.

Admission into the IB Program The East Irondequoit Board of Education has committed to fully funding the IB program. Students pay no fees to participate or earn their diploma.

The next step… Discuss your desired program of studies. Set up a meeting with me for more information. Talk to a current IB student to get their perspective. Schedule an appointment with your counselor to choose your courses for next year.

Resources for more information Candace Black, IB Coordinator Eastridge HS – room W17 (585) (office) School website: IB website:

Ask the experts Some of our current IB students are here on a panel to answer all of your questions! Questions?

Thank you for attending!