INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE AT IVANHOE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. An Introduction to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme For Students and Families

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE AT IVANHOE GRAMMAR SCHOOL An Introduction to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme For Students and Families

2 The International Baccalaureate Organization Mission Statement The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) 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 IBO works with schools, governments and international organisations 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. By Sinead Kershaw-Ryan Class of 2016

3

4 HOW DOES THE IB DEFINE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION? The International Baccalaureate (IB) chooses to define "international education" according to the following criteria. Developing citizens of the world in relation to culture, language and learning to live together Building and reinforcing students' sense of identity and cultural awareness Fostering students' recognition and development of universal human values Stimulating curiosity and inquiry in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of learning Equipping students with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, individually or collaboratively, and to apply these skills and knowledge accordingly across a broad range Education for international mindedness values the world as the broadest context for learning, develops conceptual understanding across a range of subjects and offers opportunities to inquire, act and reflect. Since its founding, the IB Diploma has become a world-wide symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. There are now approximately 3018 schools involved in the Diploma Programme. There are 67 schools in Australia with 16 of these in Victoria.

5 Olivia Leyden Class of 2016 writes about her IB experience - Although the International Baccalaureate is undoubtedly challenging, I found the course to be highly rewarding. The IB allows students to develop a set of skills that are useful for more than merely completing their final examinations: the skills I gained in time management, self-directed learning and research have prepared me brilliantly for further study and life beyond school. The IB also fosters an environment of support amongst students. During the IB program, there is always the sense that you re all in it together, a sentiment that extends not only among the Ivanhoe IB cohort but internationally too. In addition, I feel that it the IB provided me with both a holistic and well-rounded education, due to the wide range of subjects studied and the IB s extra requirements. The program has a global focus, and components such as CAS allow students to take on community and service roles. Similarly, Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay allow students to explore areas in which they have a genuine interest. A Few Hints from Class of 2015 Students Tara and Ruby W H A T W E N O W K N O W A N D W H A T Y O U M I G H T F I N D U S E F U L EVERYTHING is of equal importance Everything that you learn, will be on the syllabus and this means it could be a potential exam question Try not to become too overwhelmed by the fact that it s a two year course- you do come out the other side in one piece Treat the IB as an experience

6 INTRODUCTION The IB Diploma is a two-year program to be completed in the final years of secondary schooling, and aims to prepare students for university study and global citizenship better than any other certificate. The IB Diploma Programme is a broad and balanced, yet academically demanding, program of study that promotes the development of: critical-thinking and reflective skills research skills independent learning skills intercultural understanding Students who are awarded the Diploma have demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of the mastery of the subject content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world. SHOULD YOU DO THE IB AT IVANHOE GRAMMAR SCHOOL? If you wish to study at a university and you are interested in: being prepared in the best possible way for success in your university course, a sound comprehensive curriculum, a curriculum recognised locally, nationally and throughout the world for both breadth and depth in academic studies reading and writing and can do both to a high standard activities that encourage a sense of adventure, self-discipline and social responsibility then the answer to the question is, Yes the IB is for you! By IB Student Kylie Yao Class of 2016

7 THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME The IB Curriculum Model shows the six learning groups including continuum of education. Approaches to teaching and learning are included in the inner circle to demonstrate the Diploma Programme s commitment to teaching and learning. The watermark of the world indicates that much learning for the Diploma Programme takes place in the global context. ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DIPLOMA To be eligible for the award of the IB Diploma, you have to: choose one subject from each of five groups (1 to 5), ensuring breadth of knowledge and understanding in Studies in Language & Literature (Group 1), Language Acquisition, (Group 2), Individuals & Societies (Group 3), the Sciences (Group 4) and Mathematics (Group 5). Student may choose either a subject from The Arts (Group 6) or a second subject usually from Individuals & Societies or Sciences. complete three of these at Higher Level, and the remainder at Standard Level satisfactorily complete the following Core requirements: Theory of Knowledge Extended Essay Creativity, Activity, Service The Extended Essay (EE) asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Activity seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service with the community offers a vehicle for a new learning with academic value. The three strands of CAS enhance students personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enable journeys of self-discovery.

8 HOW IS WORK ASSESSED? The International Baccalaureate (IB) assesses student work as direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the Diploma Programme courses. Diploma Programme assessment procedures measure the extent to which students have mastered advanced academic skills in fulfilling these goals, for example: analysing and presenting information evaluating and constructing arguments solving problems creatively. Basic skills are also assessed, including: retaining knowledge understanding key concepts applying standard methods. In addition to academic skills, Diploma Programme assessment encourages an international outlook and intercultural skills, where appropriate. All subjects have an internal component and an external component. The internal component varies from subject to subject and could involve the development of portfolios, essays, oral presentations etc, and the external assessment component in most subjects is the examinations in November of Year 12, unless a student anticipates a subject, in which case the final examination would be in November of Year 11. Criterion-based assessment is used for all subjects and each subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). Each grade represents a range of marks that varies slightly from subject to subject and year to year. As a very rough guide marks of around 80 to 100% fit into the 7 grade band. Up to three additional points can be gained on the performance in the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, whilst CAS must be completed satisfactorily. The award of the Diploma requires a minimum of 24 points (with a maximum of 45 points). TOK/ EE A B C D E A B C Failing condtion D E Failing condition The following failing conditions apply: CAS requirements have not been met. Candidate s total points are fewer than 24. An N has been given for theory of knowledge, extended essay or for a contributing subject. A grade E has been awarded for one or both of theory of knowledge and the extended essay. There is a grade 1 awarded in a subject/level. Grade 2 has been awarded three or more times ( or ). Grade 3 or below has been awarded four or more times ( or ). Candidate has gained fewer than 12 points on subjects (for candidates who register for four subjects, the three highest grades count). Candidate has gained fewer than 9 points on subjects (candidates who register for two subjects must gain at least 5 points at ).

9 IB SUBJECTS OFFERED AT IVANHOE GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR # Group 1 Studies in Language & Literature Language A1 English A Literature Chinese A Literature Nominate 1 subject here: (First Language) Group 2 Language Acquisition Language B & English B French B Japanese B Nominate 1 subject here: ab initio Indonesian ab initio Business Management Nominate 1st and 2nd Preference here: Group 3 Individuals and Society Economics History 1 Psychology 2 Biology Nominate 1st and 2nd Preference here: Group 4 Sciences Chemistry Physics 1 Sport, Exercise & Health Science 2 Mathematical Studies Nominate 1 subject here: Group 5 Mathematics Mathematics Standard Level Mathematics Higher Level Group 6 The Arts (& electives) Visual Arts Music or Another subject from Groups 3 or 4 Nominate 1st and 2nd Preference here: 1 2 Subjects offered at Standard Level () only, have next to the subject. All other subjects are offered at Higher or Standard Level. # Actual subjects taught in a particular year will depend on demand and resources.

10 GETTING INTO UNIVERSITY Why do universities value IB students? IB students are prepared for academic success. IB students are more likely than others to enrol in and graduate from selective higher education institutions. Based on their experiences, IB students possess a broader range of skills that enhance their ability to adapt and contribute to university life. IB students demonstrate a level of emotional and intellectual maturity for managing the demands of challenging coursework and make meaningful contributions. They have extensive experience doing independent research and presenting what they have learned through presentations, papers and other projects. They think critically and draw on diverse perspectives that reflect an international outlook. Participation in the IB Diploma Programme shows that students have excelled in multiple and diverse academic challenges and is a strong predictor for success in university. Although most Ivanhoe Grammar School IB Diploma graduates choose Australian universities, they can gain admission to universities throughout the world. Some colleges and universities offer advanced standing or course credits to students with strong IB results. In Victoria, IB students are assigned a Notional Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score awarded on the basis of their Diploma results. This is the same ATAR that VCE students achieve. The Conversion Table varies year to year and is primarily determined by analysis of General Achievement Test (GAT) results achieved by IB students and VCE students doing similar subjects. Most universities have defined equivalent IB prerequisites for their courses (see the Careers Counsellor, for further details) Passing IB Diploma Score (including bonus points) Combined Rank (Notional ATAR)

11 STUDENT WORKSHEET Examples of programmes Student A, an Arts/Humanities student studies the following subjects and receives: English French B History Biology Mathematics Visual Arts Bonus PTS Student B, a Mathematics and Science student who is studying the following, receives: English Japanese B Economics Physics Mathematics Chemistry Bonus PTS Student C, the Business Studies student who is studying the following, receives: English Indonesian ab initio Economics Biology Mathematics History Bonus Points For students A, B and C, calculate their IB score and convert to a Notional ATAR equivalent: IB Score ATAR Student A Student B Student C Academic honesty in the IB Diploma Programme What is academic honesty? Academic honesty in the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a principle informed by the attributes of the IB learner profile. In teaching, learning and assessment, academic honesty serves to promote personal integrity and engender respect for others and the integrity of their work. Upholding academic honesty also helps to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they acquire during their studies. Academic honesty is an essential principle of the IB s academic programs that enhances the organisation s credibility and position as a leader in international education. As stated in the IB learner profile, all members of the IB community strive to be principled, acting with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. In all their studies for the Diploma Programme, students must demonstrate academic honesty and avoid any form of academic misconduct.

12 ManageBac IB Students use a program called ManageBac which allows students to manage their CAS, TOK and Extended Essay work and allows teachers to monitor a student s work and give them feedback. Communication between students and teachers is improved, as messages can be left. Students can also fill out registration forms for IB Examinations, fill in other forms, which can then be transferred to the IB automatically. Students are given a personal login, which allows them to access the site and upload their work see below for a view of the front page. Students will be given ample instruction on how to use the program.

13 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Why should I study the IB Diploma? If you are interested in learning; if you are interested in getting the best preparation for university if you are interested in studying a world class pre-university qualification, rather than just a local one if you are interested in developing critical and analytical thinking skills that will prepare you really well for university if you are interested in studying across a broad range of areas, yet studying in depth the subjects of your choice, then the IB is for you. Will studying the IB be an advantage to me at university? Yes, absolutely. The IB will help prepare you for university better than many other programmes. For example, the experience of the Extended Essay is excellent grounding for tertiary studies. Also some Faculties, such as the University of Melbourne Faculty of Commerce, can give credit for good results in IB. In past years IB students at the University of Melbourne were excused from first year Macroeconomics because they did very well in their Economics course. Are some subjects scaled up or down like in the VCE? No. Every subject in the IB is regarded as equal. It doesn t matter whether you get a 6 in Higher Level Physics or a 6 in Indonesian ab initio the grades are treated as equal. This means you don t have to choose subjects because think it will be scaled up. You can choose subjects because you re interested in them. Does a grade of 7 mean you get a perfect score? Remember that a grade of 7 does not mean that you got a perfect score. It means that you scored in the highest range of marks. In most subjects this is roughly %. Can I study the IB if I didn t study a language in Year 9 or Year 10? Yes. You can study a beginner s language. Indonesian ab initio is for students who have not studied Indonesian before. Everyone in the class is essentially a beginner with the language. When do I have to choose my Higher Level subjects? You don t need to make this decision until midway through Year 11, with the exception of Mathematics. If students wish to study Mathematics, they must start studying this at the beginning of Year 11. Can you fail the IB Diploma? Yes, it is possible to not achieve an IB Diploma. For example, if you get less than 24 points you do not get your Diploma. You will, however, be awarded an IB Certificate. There are number of other failing conditions. You should speak to Mr P Hodge, IB Coordinator if you are worried about this. Can I get into university if I fail to get the IB Diploma? Few Ivanhoe Grammar School candidates fail to get their Diploma. If you do, it is still possible to get into a tertiary course. In past years we have had such students. In each case, students were able to get into a preferred tertiary course.

14 CONTACT Mr Evan Pearson IB Coordinator Ivanhoe Grammar School Telephone: Or consult the IBO website at NOTES