1. Welcome to International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) at Westchester Academy for International Studies

2. IB Mission & Learner Profile
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
Reflective
The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

3. What will your student gain in IB
Sense of accomplishment;
Preparation for college-- time management skills and writing skills;
Higher College admissions rates;
College course credit or advanced standing for IB exam scores;
Lifelong learners, critical and compassionate thinkers, global citizens!

4. The Curriculum

5. Classes offered at WAIS
Literature– English, Spanish, German
Language Acquisition—German, French, Spanish, Italian
Individuals & Societies—History
Experimental Sciences—Biology
Chemistry Physics
Mathematics—Math Studies
Mathematics
The Arts—Music, Theater, Visual Arts

6. The Six Groups Students choose one subject from each of the six groups
However, instead of taking a class from the Arts, a student may take a second language or a second science
Classes are taken at SL—standard level or at HL—higher level

7. Higher Level or Standard Level?
240 hours of teaching over two years
Includes a study option not taught in Standard Level classes
Standard Level
150 hours of teaching over one or two years

8. Higher Level or Standard Level?
At WAIS, both HL and SL classes are taught over two years
Language A and History are taught at HL
Students choose their third HL class their senior year.

9. Internal Assessments
Classes have an Internal Assessment. Assessments can be research projects, oral presentations or essays. These are graded by the IB teacher, then moderated by IB. This counts for 20-30% of the student’s IB score for a subject.
IAs can consist of Oral work Research Laboratory work Investigations Performances

10. External Assessment
In May of their senior year, students have External Assessments… in other words… their IB Exams. These are mailed to IB Examiners all over the world to be graded. This is the other 70-80% of their IB score.
There are various types of tasks Essay Structured problems Short answer Data or text response questions Case study questions Multiple choice—part of the science exam

11. The IB Core Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge Creativity, Action,
Service

12. Extended Essay No more than 4,000 words
Acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities
Gives the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest
An opportunity to add breadth by selecting a topic not studied in one of the classes
A way to deepen studies by selecting a topic in one of his or her courses

13. What is involved?
The essay may be written in one of 25 or more subjects,
IB recommends students spend about 40 hours private study and writing time

14. Extended Essay at WAIS
WAIS juniors will begin working on their Extended Essay in the Fall semester, meeting with Mrs. Camano.
Juniors will have the opportunity to work in the Rice University Library beginning in January of their junior year.

15. Extended Essay Topics vary widely
Past essay topics at WAIS…
To what extent did Siyaad Barre’s regime turn the Somali drought of 1991 into a severe famine?
The effects of Tibetan yoga on the quality of life of breast cancer patients.
An in-depth study of acting techniques and their application to character development.
An exploration of the Canadian and British health care systems – what can the United States learn?
Nanotechnology’s role in 21st century Astronautics

16. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Encourages Students to…
Critically reflect on knowledge and experience by examining different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge
Examine the grounds for moral, political and aesthetic judgments
Appreciate other cultural perspectives

17. The Whole Person… Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
Students become responsible, compassionate citizens
Students learn by doing as a balance to academics; they reflect on their learning and growth as individuals
WAIS CAS Coordinator…
Ms. Janet Smith

18. Creativity, Action, Service
Creativity: Arts activities, also creativity shown in designing and implementing service projects
Action: Participation in individual and team sports, also could be taking part in expeditions, local and international projects
Service: Community and social service activities, helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals, working with refugees or homeless

19. How does a student earn the IB Diploma?
Complete Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS
Complete all internally assessed work required by IB
Take all six IB courses and all six exams
Achieve a cumulative score of 24 (IB exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 7). Minimum score is 24; maximum score is 45

20. How WAIS can help you and your student
Updated information booklets for student/ parent reference… Extended Essay Guide, Two-year timeline…
WAIS website—IB page
Teachers, guidance counselors, and staff as advocates for student success…
IB Diploma coordinators dedicated to student success and program effectiveness…
Administrators dedicated to ongoing program development…

21. Managebac Management system to keep track of IB classes and Core.
Contains a calendar of major IB activities and events.
Can follow your student’s progress in the Diploma Programme.
me to be added to your student’s account.

22. Want to know more? To learn more about the IB Diploma Programme, go to
There is a section for parents.

23. Sources IBO January 2002 Powerpoint
J.E.B. Stuart High School, Falls Church, VA Powerpoint
IBO website
Diploma Programme Extended Essay Guide 2013