HENRY WISE WOOD HIGH SCHOOL

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1 HENRY WISE WOOD HIGH SCHOOL HOME OF ARTISTS, SCHOLARS AND CHAMPIONS Coordinator's message: It is a well-known fact that IB students are among the top achievers in post-secondary institutions. Past IB students have repeatedly emphasized how well they were prepared for the numerous challenges they faced during their post-secondary studies. The success stories from our former students are a testimony to the quality of this Programme and all who are involved in it. The IB Programme at Henry Wise Wood is now in its fourteenth year of examinations and I am pleased to report that it has been very successful and our programme is still expanding as we have added in the past three years Theatre IB and Math Higher Level. The May 2012 IB exams produced excellent results with a school average of 5.80 points (out of a maximum of 7) compared to a world average of This is an increase in school results while there was a decrease in world average. Although learning is not solely about marks, more and more universities including our own University of Calgary are awarding scholarships, early admission and course credits based on predicted grades for Full Diploma students. Universities are more than ever aware of the expanding IB Programme and are taking a proactive approach in the recruitment of IB students due mainly to the lobbying from our regional IB associations (ABIB), the IBO and students academic performances. Henry Wise Wood is part of the IB family of 1,056,000 students at 3,474 schools from 144 countries. Join us for a great educational experience! I hope that we at Henry Wise Wood can help you find the challenges you need. Thank you for considering Henry Wise Wood as your school of choice. We look forward to working with all students who enter the IB Programme as either a Diploma or Certificate candidate. Best wishes for a successful year in your program of studies F. Fortin IB Coordinator Henry Wise Wood High School. Tel , loc. 2142

2 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What are the advantages of taking an IB Programme (gr.10 prep to gr IB? The benefits of being in an IB Programme are considerable. IB courses are exceptional in their advanced preparation for post-secondary studies. They exceed Alberta Education standards and allow for a smoother transition to post-secondary studies. Most universities will credit Higher and Standard Level classes. Policies do vary, so students need to contact each university they are interested in to obtain their updated recognition policies. IB does have a web site ( where this information may also be accessed. Essentially students in the IB Programme will: be focussing on skill development benefit from enrichment be working with like-minded peers explore the international perspective be involved in a well-rounded program experience fewer transition problems from high school to university have increased access to scholarships have access to advanced placement (credits) have advanced knowledge to increase their GPAs for post-graduate studies 2. Can I automatically carry on from HWWPre IB into the IB Programme? Following completion of HWW s Preparation for IB, students will be selected to enter into the formal IB Programme if they: demonstrate a solid understanding of a subject area exhibit a positive work ethic, commitment to their program and continue to be highly motivated have full parental support receive a positive recommendation from their subject teacher 3. What is the difference between IB and AP? The IB Programme is a worldwide rigorous two year pre-university program of studies that provides students with advanced university credits with a balanced education to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility(with some exceptions). It also promotes international understanding and involvement. Only an IB authorized school can offer the IB Programme. Teachers are trained and take IB sanctioned workshops. AP is American based where courses are generally locally developed to meet a national standard set by mainly multiple-choice exams sold to schools.

3 4. How are IB students assessed? In general, 75% of an IB subject mark is external (exams and essays) and 25% is school based (coursework). In May of their Grade 11 and 12 year, students around the world are assessed by IB subject examinations. Most examinations involve multiple testing sessions. The papers are sent out by courier for external marking and moderation. IB students also write Alberta Diploma exams at the end of either January or June. 5. What is the commitment and workload for an IB student? The IB Programme poses challenges in timetabling and staffing. While changes in students program can be made from year to year it is expected that students will complete the courses they have chosen and taking the IB exam is mandatory. IB is a rigorous program in which students can gain credits for post-secondary institutions or have an advantage in getting a good GPA. As a result this poses challenges for students in time management. Students have to be committed as the workload exceeds that of the regular Alberta program of studies. Each subject teacher s course outline will provide you with the expectations for their respective course. 6. Will my grades be lower in the IB courses? IB students receive grades that reflect their progress according to IB standards and Alberta Learning requirements. Because IB students are working to succeed in two curricula, their marks in some cases may not be as high as in a regular program. Therefore, when these marks are entered into records that reflect their performance by the criteria of Alberta Learning, the marks are adjusted to reflect the progress in these curricula. This process is called Standardization, and it takes place when circumstances warrant them. Thus, IB students are not placed at a disadvantage in applying for university entrance, scholarships, etc. 7. Will I have a life if I am in the Diploma Programme? Each individual is different and each will find ways to balance school and home life. In the past many students have been able to still participate in sports, band and all sorts of other activities. IB students are usually very involved in school life. If you are concerned contact your IB Coordinator or a Guidance Counsellor.

4 Information on the International Baccalaureate Programme Area V - Henry Wise Wood High School IMPORTANT Henry Wise Wood High School is an accredited IB school that is authorised to offer the Diploma Programme in the form of the Diploma and course Certificates. Calgary Board of Education IB schools policy and Henry Wise Wood policy states that students who do not take the full Programme (aka Certificate candidates must take the minimum 3 courses that MUST include a Humanities course (either Social or English HWWPIB) in grade 10 and continue in grades 11 and 12 with the minimum two courses for the remainder of their IB Programme. At Henry Wise Wood High School Diploma students have the opportunity to graduate with the maximum 4 Higher Level courses. Applying and requirements Students who wish to gain access to the IB Programme must apply and be registered in our school s preparation for IB (HWWPIB) courses in grade ten and specify their 3 preferences. The program emphasizes skill development and content enrichment to ease the transition into IB. It is expected that successful HWWPIB applicants have a minimum of 80% in the pre-requisite subject and have a strong teacher recommendation. Application forms are available in November and can be downloaded from the IB section on our website ( and from the CBE website ( under Programs and Academic Enrichment. Forms can also be obtained at Henry Wise Wood High School. A student s designated IB Programme is the one in the area in which they reside. Each 5 CBE area has one IB school. To confirm the area in which the student lives, please visit the CBE website under Schools and Areas or consult the application form. Henry Wise Wood is an Area V High School. If your CBE designated school is not HWW you must obtain and include a signed transfer from your designated High School. If the transfer is for an IB school in another area a letter of explanation must accompany the application. These will be considered only after all area students have been processed and if there is still room at the school you asked to be transferred to. Students desiring to enter into HWWPIB should be seeking intellectual challenge and be prepared to complete studies that exceed Alberta Education courses. A strong work ethic and a focus on academics as a priority in their lives are expected. Above all, students should have a strong desire to learn more in their chosen courses. Once students have completed our school s preparation for IB courses and have registered in an IB course, we expect that they complete the course (and take the exam). We emphasize the importance of commitment once a student is in the formal IB Programme to ensure equity and the viability of our program. This means once students will make their official course selection they are locked in until grade 11. Programming compels us to be accurate and stable in the early stages of registration and timetabling. This occurs in March after receiving confirmation of acceptance and upon being invited to the official registration session.

5 THE PROCESS. Students are assessed for acceptance based on a point system that include their individual academic marks, extra-curricular involvement, teacher recommendations and the overall impression as to their answers to questions they have answered on the application. A letter of acceptance/denial is sent home a few weeks after the deadline which can be found on our website. Accepted students must reply with a provided form accepting the placement and regulations. They will then be invited to Henry Wise Wood to a formal registration and to make their course choices. With our assistance once this is done courses are locked in and no changes may be made. TO CLARIFY PLEASE do not apply for IB courses if you have no intention of completing them. You take away the opportunity for someone else. If you accept placement in the IB Programme you will be expected to fulfill your commitment to the program, notwithstanding unforeseen circumstances. Withdrawal from the program/courses will be granted only with the IB Coordinator s consent and/or medical certificate; not because your interest has changed or you are not satisfied with your marks. If you are in a failing situation the IB Coordinator in consultation with teachers and other stakeholders will reassess your program accordingly. ASSESSMENT Students registered in the IB Programme at Henry Wise Wood High School are assessed based on Alberta Education standards to derive their Alberta Education mark and on IB standards to derive their IB mark. Standardised tests and other methods are used to ensure a fair mark is awarded. The idea is that a student s mark will reflect what the mark would be if the student was in a regular program. APPLICATION T.L.C. STUDENTS TLC students are to follow the regular application process in December. They should get their recommendations from their Math and English teachers. Experience has shown us that these courses provide a sufficient sampling of their academic performance to indicate future success in IB. What if an applicant isn t successful? In this particular case an appeal process is in place and works as follows: In the second semester when students take their Science and Social Studies courses it is their responsibility to see the IB Coordinator with their first report card in hand (March) as soon as they receive it. A re-examination of their performance will be taken into consideration to make a final judgement. This is particularly useful for Certificate candidates. Please note that this is the last opportunity to have their application reviewed; no applications/appeals after this date will be considered.

6 Clarification: Since TLC students do more French classes they are expected to take the French B exam in grade 12 after taking French 31. This is mandatory as per IB regulation 8.1 and 8.2 in order to meet the required hours and the proper exam level. THERE ARE 2 CANDIDACY OPTIONS: DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (FULL IB) Students taking the IB Diploma are required to take at least three and no more than four higher-level courses and two or three standard-level courses, one from each of the six groups of courses, of which one is elective (where students usually take 2 sciences). In addition, Diploma Candidates must also write an Extended Essay, complete the C.A.S component and take the Theory of Knowledge class. IB marks are reported on a scale of 1 to 7 (1 being a failing mark, seven being excellent). Students need a minimum of 24 accumulated points out of 45 to obtain a Diploma and no less than 12 points must be from (3) HL subjects. Upon completion of the Extended Essay, the Theory of Knowledge class and the C.A.S. hours candidates may obtain 3 extra points (based on results). Please refer to the general IB regulations on our website for further details. C.A.S. (Creativity, Action, Service) The IB Diploma Programme emphasises the importance of a well-rounded education. Students receive considerable benefits from completion of subject-specific instruction, but also need to realize that they have a responsibility to the community and to those less fortunate than themselves. Therefore, the IB organization, in its pursuit of the education of the whole person, wants students to be involved in activities outside of the classroom. As a result, Diploma candidates at Henry Wise Wood will work with the C.A.S. supervisor to create a personal portfolio of involvement that totals at least 150 hours of involvement over two years starting in September of their grade 11. T.O.K (Theory of Knowledge) Theory of Knowledge is a required course for Diploma candidates. The course examines the origins and validity of various forms of knowledge (ways of knowing). The content comprises the various subject areas of a student s IB education, as well as personal beliefs acquired in and out of school. It also entails critical reflection on what the student claims to know and what others profess as knowledge. In TOK the student discovers that there may not be right or wrong answers but there are standards for judgement and defences of knowledge claims.

7 THE EXTENDED ESSAY The Extended Essay is a required component for the Diploma candidate. The Extended Essay is a 4000 word, independent study of a subject of choice. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest under advisement of a supervisor who must be a teacher at the school. CERTIFICATE CANDIDATES (Partial IB) Alternatively students may choose the Certificate IB Programme (partial) as well as regular Alberta Education curriculum courses. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion for each IB course they complete successfully. Henry Wise Wood mandates the choice of 3 courses in grade 10 that must include a Humanities course either English or Social Studies. The Calgary Board of Education also support IB schools policy that students then can take a minimum of two IB courses in grades 11 and 12 and complete both courses (and pay for/take the exam). THE IB PROGRAMME AT HENRY WISE WOOD H.S. The IB Organization s ( Programme includes subjects from 6 groups. At Henry Wise Wood H.S. we offer the subjects listed below. GROUP 1 GROUP 2 GROUP 3 GROUP 4 GROUP 5 GROUP 6 Language A Language B Individuals and Societies Experimental Sciences Mathematics Arts and Electives Literature (in English) HL French SL French A.I. Spanish SL Spanish A.I. Chinese SL History HL Chemistry HL Biology SL Physics SL Math. SL And Math HL Visual Arts HL Theatre SL and HL Potential candidates have to take the required H.W.W. Preparation for IB classes in grade 10. The actual IB Programme is a two-year programme to be completed in grades 11 and 12.

8 ANNUAL FEES The Calgary Board of Education pays an annual fee (over $12,000.) for each accredited IB school. Candidates are required to pay registration (only once for full IB), exam and courier fees each year. For the yearly registration fee was $189, exams fees were $132 per subject and the courier fee was 65-75$. Anticipated Diploma candidates are exempt from the registration fee in the final year if there is no change of status. Fees are subject to change yearly. Remember IB candidate ID numbers change with each yearly registration. IB AND PROVINCIAL EXAMS All IB courses cover the material required by Alberta Education and all IB candidates will be required to take the provincial Diploma Exams. The Diploma courses are taken over the two years of the IB Programme to prevent students from being overloaded with exams in their grade 12 year. SCHEDULES GRADE 11 GRADE 12 IB Provincial IB Provincial Math. 30 Chemistry 30 (January) (June) Math. SL Math 35 HL Chemistry HL *Biology SL Biology 30 (June) English HL English 30 (January) *Physics SL Physics 30 (June) History HL Social Studies 30 (June) Second language Visual Arts HL Theatre SL and HL (Internal/External Assessment) *Due to timetable constraints students completing the Diploma Programme (Full) may take either Biology I.B. or Physics I.B but cannot schedule both within the regular timetable. Most also take Chemistry I.B. and there is no space for 3 sciences.

9 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MASTER TIMETABLE FOR FULL DIPLOMA STUDENTS Semester 1 Semester 2 Credits GRADE 10 (HWWPre-IB) Credits (5) Science 10 Pre-IB (Chem) (5) Science 10 Pre-IB or Art 10 Pre-IB (Physics / Biology) (5) Math 10 Pre-IB (5) Math 20IB (5) French 10 or 20 Pre-IB or (5) Social Studies 10 Pre-IB (5) Spanish 10 or 20 Pre-IB (3/3) Phys Ed 10 / CALM (5) English 10 Pre-IB GRADE 11 (5) Math 30IB SL or HL (5) Math 31IB SL and HL (5) History 20IB (5) French 30IB SL and Ab Initio or (5) Spanish 20 IB SL and Ab Initio (5) Biology 20IB or (5) Biology 30IB SL or (5) Physics 20 IB (5) Physics 35IB HL (5) Chemistry 25IB or (5) English 20IB (5) Art 20IB or Theatre 20IB SL and\or HL GRADE 12 (3) History 35IB (5) History 30IB HL (5) English 30IB (5) English 35IB HL (5) French 31A IB SL or (5) French 30 Ab Initio or (3) Math 35IB HL (5) Spanish 30 Ab Initio (5) Chemistry 35IB or (5) Chemistry 30IB HL or (5) Art 30IB or (5) Art 31IB HL or (5) Theatre IB HL (5) Theatre HL NOTE: 1. The Extended Essay will be started in May of grade 11 and be completed in grade Theory of Knowledge will begin in grade 11 and be completed in grade C.A.S. hours will be completed during grades 11 (Sept.) and 12.