The International Baccalaureate [IB]Program - South Hills High School

1. The International Baccalaureate [IB]Program- South Hills High School “We are now at a point where we must educate our children in what no one knew yesterday, and prepare our schools for what no one knows yet.” – Margaret Mead “We cannot wait passively upon the statistical play of events to decide for us which road the world is to take tomorrow.  We must positively and ardently take a hand in the game ourselves.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

2. What is IB? • 4136 schools around the world • Over 2300 Diploma Programme schools • The US is growing faster than anywhere in the world. • Recognized around the world. • 2+ year certification process • Is it for South Hills? • Check out http://www.ibo.org/diploma/

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4. Introduction • Goal: to provide information regarding the implementation of an International Baccalaureate Program at South Hills High School.

5. IB Learners strive to be… Inquirers- They develop their natural curiosity. Knowledgeable- They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. Thinkers- They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively. Communicators- They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively. Principled- They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. Open-minded- They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. Caring- They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. Risk-takers- They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. Balanced- They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. Reflective- They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience.

6. IB Mission Statement… • The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. • To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. • These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

7. Program Description • IB was generated on principles in response to the needs and growth in the world after WWII. It was founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland to provide rigorous academic standards while promoting international understanding and perspective. • Students involved in it gain valuable experience and knowledge that increases opportunities for success in college. Also, students gain an international perspective that helps them compete in an ever-expanding and complex global economy. The IB Diploma is recognized worldwide as an elite accomplishment and the curriculum is considered the gold standard for high school curriculum. • While our current Advanced Placement program provides rigor, the IB program focuses on the whole student in all major academic subjects and on extra-curricular interests and assessments are both internal [done here on campus and graded here according to pre-set standards] and external [sent to Cardiff, Wales, UK and beyond].

9. Program cont’d… • The IBDiplomaProgramme is a two-year program, which provides 11th and 12th grade students with advanced courses in six academic areas. It is awarded to students who pass internal and external examinations in these sixareas, complete a course of study in the Theory of Knowledge, create an Extended Essay reflecting independent research/analysis, and who create and participate in 150 hours of Creative, Action, and Service (CAS). • To obtain an IB diploma [in addition to the HS diploma] students must complete one IB class in each of the six groups represented by the hexagon groups and the three core requirements. • For in-depth understanding in select groups, students must choose three, but no more than four to study at a higher level (HL). These higher-level courses will meet for TWO years. • Students will fulfill the six-course requirement with standard level courses (SL) varying from one to two years in length. Students will also complete the core components of the hexagon: TOK, EE, & CAS. • Fees: Per Candidate Registration - $145 [on-time initial fee] • Per Subject Fee [including TOK] for assessments, internal and external - $100 • Total for one in each group + TOK is $845 [over two years] • Fees change with annual notice and we will keep you up to date

10. Curriculum, Core Components • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) This course will meet for approximately 130 hours over the course of the two-year IB program. The TOK encourages students to think critically about knowledge itself, and to develop the capacity to respond to questions such as how do I know what I know? The focus of the course is the student as knower. • Extended Essay (EE) The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000 word paper. It provides practical preparation for the kinds of undergraduate research required at the college level and an opportunity for students to engage in an in-depth study of a topic of interest within a chosen subject. • Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to academic studies. Creativity includes a wide range of arts activities, as well as the creativity students demonstrate in designing and implementing service projects. Action includes not only participation in individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects. Service encompasses a host of community and social service activities.

11. What are we looking at? Course / Level / Group • English A Literature HL [1] maybe SL? • French B HL/SL [2] • Spanish B HL/SL [2] • Business & Management SL [3] • History - Americas HL [3] • Chemistry HL [4] • Biology SL [4] • Math SL [5] • Math HL [5] • Theatre SL [6] • Visual Arts HL/SL [6]

12. Where do our students fit? • Inclusive system, but rigorous! • Energized & Enthusiastic! • Motivated! Committed! • Personal and Academic development at a whole new level! • Worldwide perspectives and learning communities [peers from everywhere]! • Experience college-level classes in a positive nurturing environment over a two-year span!

13. Sample Schedules • There are many paths that students may take to complete the requirements of the IB Diploma. Individual interests and math and foreign language level should guide individual choices. Due to the current offerings, students must follow these guidelines when developing their two-year plan. • IB English HL and IB History of the Americas HL both years • One class from each of the other 4 groups: • foreign language • science • mathematics • arts and electives[with some options to go elsewhere in the hexagon] • 2-3 SL classes • 1-2additional HL classes • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) • More close counseling and watchful eyes through Coordinator.

14. AP to IB… Similarities • Rigorous • College credit awarded based on performance • External assessments that include writing and test scores Differences • Internal assessment as well as external assessment that cross various spectra • External assessments contain little if any multiple choice questions • CAS, TOK and EE • Projects and lessons • Policies [Honesty, Language…]

15. Frequently Asked Questions • What about colleges? • They are eager to attract IB students • … developed independent research and study • Global thinkers… • Social cooperation to complete tasks • College Credit? • Yes! Depending upon the college/university [similar to AP but tends to get more] • Will students have a life? • YES!!! Rigorous though it is, it is also enlivening and nurturing. • Your questions???