Q: Can anyone take part in
the IB Diploma Program?
A: Yes. All students are welcome! There will be an application
process in the winter of the student's 10th grade year, which includes a written application and interview.
Q: When can a student
start the IB?
A: The IB courses are taken over two years – during 11th and 12th grade. However, in order to be prepared to take the academically challenging courses, it is important that students begin to plan their path from the 9th grade.
Q: Do students receive an
SBS diploma as well?
A: Yes. After successfully completing all requirements of the IB organization, IB Diploma Program students will have earned an IB Diploma and after successfully completing all Stoneleigh-Burnham requirements, IB students will also have earned an SBS diploma. We have structured our course of study to allow students to pursue both diplomas successfully within the traditional 4 year high school experience.
Q: Can a student take
just IB courses and not take part in the full IB Diploma Program?
A: Yes. A student can register to participate in the full IB Diploma Program requiring her to fulfill course requirements and three additional components (extended essay, CAS and Theory of Knowledge), or she can enroll in an individual IB course at the end of which she will pursue IB certificate credit by successfully completing an external assessment. If a student takes a course in order to complete the certificate, her transcript will reflect that she has taken an IB course.
Q: Are exams taken for IB classes?
A: Yes. Students take written examinations in May of their 12th grade year, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assignments and projects in school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners.
Q: How many
courses do I have to take to get the IB Diploma?
A: Six courses are required in addition to completion of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course and Creativity, Action, Service requirement. At least three, and no more than four, courses need to be taken at the higher level (HL). See the hexagon graphic. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5.
Group 1: Primary Language (English SL/HL)
Group 2: Second Language (Spanish SL/HL, French SL/HL, Chinese SL)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies (History HL)
Group 4: Experimental Sciences (Biology HL, Environmental Systems & Societies SL, Chemistry SL)
Group 5: Math (Math HL, Math SL)
Group 6: Arts (Fine Arts HL/SL, Music HL/SL, Dance SL)
In addition to the courses, students must also complete
the following core curriculum elements:
Extended Essay:
The extended
essay, with a prescribed limit of 4,000 words, offers students the opportunity
to investigate a topic of individual interest and acquaints them with the
independent research and writing skills expected at the college level.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK):
The interdisciplinary TOK course explores the nature of
knowledge across all disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural
perspectives.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS):
Participation in the school's CAS program encourages
students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service
work, thus fostering their awareness and appreciation of life outside the
academic arena.
Q: How much does
it cost?
A: At the current time, registration for the diploma program
is $135.00. Each exam taken costs an additional $92.00. We are working on
scholarship money and no student should let the cost prohibit their attempting
the diploma program.
Q: I am an SBS student and I want to take part in
the IB Diploma Program. What do I do now?
A: Let your advisor know of your interest and also email the Academic Dean, Natalie Demers (ndemers@sbschool.org). She will then set up a meeting with you to discuss your academic path
and what courses you will need to take to be prepared for the IB program.
Q: How does the IB Diploma Program compare to the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP)?
A: Both programs offer students the opportunity to be challenged and to engage in college-level coursework. Both programs are considered by college admissions officers to set high academic standards and goals for learning. In both programs, it is the individual student’s motivation and work ethic that will be the driving factors of a successful high school career. Below is a brief comparison of the programs.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
| Advanced Placement
|
- International academic standards
- Exams are externally evaluated by international educators
- Teachers are evaluated, monitored and provided with feedback
- IB teachers are required to participate in intensive training to be certified to teach the IB and are required to participate in on-going professional development
- IB courses emphasize inter-disciplinary thought and exploration
- In addition to exams, the full IB diploma requires CAS (Creativity, Action, Service), an extended essay and completion of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course
- Upon successful completion of the program, a diploma is issued which is recognized internationally | - U.S. academic standards
- Exams are externally evaluated by U.S. educators
- No feedback to teachers other than student test results
- Though encouraged, AP teachers are not required to receive training to teach AP classes
- AP courses are taught in isolation of one another
- Exams are only requirement
- Upon completion of AP coursework, no diploma is issued
|