International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

IB Informational Parent Meeting Agenda: 1. Welcome & Purpose 2. IBO and Diploma Program facts 3. Implementation of Full IB Diploma Program 4. Essential elements of an IB Full Diploma 5. Possible DP Scenarios and Paths for Baldwin Students 6. Benefits of an IB Full Diploma or IB Certificates 7. What Colleges and Universities have said to us 8. Q&A

IBO Facts The IBO works with over 3968 schools in 140+ countries to offer the three IB programs to nearly one million students: Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program(MYP) and Diploma Program (DP). Baldwin School is the first school in Puerto Rico to offer all three IB programs. The Diploma Program, started in 1968, as an international pre-university course of study that leads to examinations. It is designed for students in the final two years of high school. The IB DP curriculum has been recognized for its alignment with college and university readiness standards.

The Diploma Program The DP curriculum aims to develop in students the ability to reason for themselves, rather than merely accumulate facts. It aims to enhance awareness of our common humanity, to encourage a sense of social responsibility, and to prepare students for higher education. It allows students the freedom to pursue their own needs and interests within a framework of a properly balanced education.

Why IB?

Baldwin School & IB Mission Statements Baldwin School is an independent, not-for profit, non-sectarian, college preparatory, English language school whose mission is to offer a curriculum, which emphasizes in-depth learning in a nurturing environment; challenging students to become life-long learners, creative thinkers, problem solvers, effective communicators, ethical leaders, and culturally aware citizens who will have a positive impact on our diverse world. 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.

The DP Essential Elements Standard Level and Higher Level courses in 6 subject areas CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge course

The DP Subject Areas and Course Offerings at Baldwin School Group 1- Language and Literature A Spanish and English SL/ HL Group 2- Second Language B French SL/HL and Spanish Language B SL Spanish ab initio Group 3- Individuals and Society History HL/SL Psychology SL Economics SL

DP Subject Areas and Course Offerings Group 4- Experimental Sciences Biology HL/SL Physics SL Chemistry SL Environmental Systems and Societies SL Group 5- Mathematics Math Studies Math SL/HL Group 6- Arts Visual Arts SL /HL

Pamoja Online Courses IB DP online courses will also be offered through Pamoja Education. Students may choose to take one Pamoja online course that is not offered at Baldwin. Some of the online courses that Pamoja offers include: French ab initio Mandarin ab initio Spanish ab initio Business Management SL/HL Economics HL/SL Information Technology in a Global Society SL/HL Philosophy SL Psychology HL Film SL

What are higher level and standard level courses? HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding, and skills at a higher level. Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours (over two years). Each student pursuing the full diploma will take three (maximum four) Higher Level courses and three Standard level courses. Students who take Higher Level courses will be expected to start school at 7:35 A.M. on some days.

Full IB Diploma or DP certificates? Full IB Diploma Six DP Subjects 3 HL/ 3 SL Extended Essay TOK 3 semesters 150 hrs. CAS External and Internal Examinations IB Diploma if all requirements are met Baldwin Diploma DP certificates Five or Six DP subjects TOK 1 year ( 11th grade) Varied SL and HL coursework 150 hrs. of CAS Internal examinations in all subjects External exams for certificates (all Baldwin students will be required a minimum of one certificate course) Baldwin Diploma

Sample Coursework James the Scientist (Full Diploma) Language A English SL Language A Spanish HL Biology HL Chemistry SL Math HL History SL Extended Essay in Biology 150 hours of CAS 3 semesters TOK Eli the Linguist (Full Diploma) Language A English HL Language A Spanish HL Environmental Systems SL Math Studies SL History HL French SL Extended Essay in Spanish Literature 150 hours of CAS 3 semesters TOK Jon the Artist (*Certificates in subjects of choice) Language A HL* Language A Spanish SL Chemistry SL Math SL Psychology SL* Visual Arts HL* 150 hours CAS 1 year TOK Tina the Active Leader (*Certificates in subjects of choice) Language A SL English Language A Spanish SL * Environmental Systems SL Math Studies SL Economics SL 150 hours CAS 1 year TOK

Sample Student Schedules

Sample Student Schedule

How is the IB Diploma Awarded? The IB Diploma is awarded to candidates who earn a total of 24 points or more in their examined subjects out of a possible 45 points. 7 max. points for each of the six courses examined (42) 3 max. Points for CAS,TOK and Extended Essay * all conditions and provisions established by IB must be met ex.: No grade of 1 or 2 on HL courses, no grade of 1 in Standard level courses, no grade of D in TOK etc. (See Student Handbook)

Example Diploma Scores Student A Higher Level Classes 7,6,7 Standard Level Classes 6,6,6 = 41 points Excellent IB Diploma TOK/EE 3 Student B Higher Level Classes 5,6,4 Standard Level Classes 4,5,4 = 29 points Pass IB Diploma TOK/EE 1 Student C Higher Level Classes 2,6,6 Standard Level Classes 3, 5,6 = 30 points No Diploma Awarded( 2 at HL not accepted) TOK/EE 2

What is CAS? CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service activities. This part of the program promotes education of the whole person. The CAS program encourages students to engage in artistic pursuits, sports, and community service, fostering their appreciation of life outside the academic arena. Students will devote approximately 150 hrs to CAS activities over the two year diploma program. All Baldwin students regardless of whether they are pursuing a full Diploma or not will participate in the CAS program.

What is CAS? CAS enables students to demonstrate attributes of the IB learner profile in real and practical ways, to grow as unique individuals and to recognize their role in relation to others. In order to demonstrate these concepts, students are required to undertake a CAS Project. The project challenges students to: show initiative demonstrate perseverance develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving, and decision making.

Examples of CAS Projects Think outside the box and try something new: Start a debate team at school (A) Get involved in a Habitat for Humanity project (A,S) Participate in Model United Nations (A) Volunteer work at summer camps for children with special needs (A,S) Volunteer work at a local animal shelter (A,S) Creating a tutoring program for elementary school children (C,A,S) Design awareness campaigns about environmental/social issues (C,A,S) Get a scuba diving certification (A) Train for a marathon or a new sport (A) Learn to play an instrument, perform at a community event (C,A,S) Etc...

What is an Extended Essay? The extended essay, with an upper limit of 4000 words, gives students the opportunity to investigate in depth a topic of individual interest, and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at the university level. Students choose teachers as their supervisors and spend about 40 hours during the grade 11 spring and summer and the fall semester of grade 12 to complete the essay. This essay is externally assessed.

What is TOK? TOK, or Theory of Knowledge, is a course that explores the nature of knowledge across all disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. The course helps students to think about how they know what they know...full diploma students will take TOK for three semesters, other students will take just one year of TOK ( 11th grade).

Who should pursue a Full Diploma? The IB is a demanding program of study, but well-organized and responsible students are able to do well and still find time to pursue other interests both inside and outside of school. Our MYP program is preparing our students well to undertake the IB Diploma Program.

Who should pursue a Full Diploma? It is also important to note that the School s primary goal is to safeguard our students well-being and developmental growth. We commit to providing an inclusive, nurturing environment through differentiated instruction and a properly scaffolded curricula. Reasonable accommodations are readily made in the DP program to support students through the challenges that are inevitably encountered in their academic, social, and personal growth.

Who should pursue a Full Diploma? A successful IB student: -Loves to learn and is a curious student -Works consistently throughout the two years of study -Makes a study plan for the coming week/month, anticipating deadlines for essays, assignments, etc., and forthcoming sporting and social activities. - Works in surroundings conducive toward thoughtful study -Begins studying sooner rather than later, and in a sustained fashion -Follows up recent class notes carefully and checks for clarification with the teacher to ensure he/she understands what is being taught/learned. Class notes are well organized -Engages in lively discussion and debate with fellow students and teachers -Demonstrates eagerness to ask questions -Submits thorough assignments that are carefully researched, analyzed, and presented -Is punctual to classes and to school

Benefits of the Diploma Program Colleges and Universities recognize the high potential for success of students who have been enrolled in IB DP courses. There is substantial college credit for IB coursework, exams and the completed diploma. Some universities may award up to 1.5 years of college credit (this varies with each university). Scholarships are also awarded in some states to full diploma recipients. The DP program helps to develop skills that prepare students for the rigor of college and professional life: time management skills, organizational skills, writing skills, problem solving and analytical skills, research skills, communication skills, interdisciplinary focus.

College Admissions Officers have said to us about IB: At Washington University, we recognize the academic rigor of IB Diploma courses. They are a great way for us to see that a student is challenging him or herself by taking some of the most demanding courses that the school has to offer. Each year, we will see very competitive applicants who have taken advantage of IB Diploma courses. They can be a great way to help us advocate for our applicants.results from IB Diploma tests can also get students credit here at Washington University, or help them place into higher level classes, or sometimes both! Simply stated, IB is considered an international gold standard. Students who complete the full IB Diploma program are considered to be exceptionally well prepared for college, and our data show that they perform well at Boston College.

College Admissions Officers have said to us about IB: We encourage students to challenge themselves during high school and view the IB program as one that prepares the students very well for college. We ask that the students send us their higher level IB exam results in order to evaluate them for University of Miami equivalency. This list can be found at: http://www.miami.edu/admission/index.php/undergraduate_admission/apply/apibcle p_credits/ib_credit_equivalencies/ Tufts is aware that the IB curriculum, and the full diploma program in particular, is very rigorous course of study that prepares students well for university level work. Completion of the full diploma is recognized by the admissions committee, and can be rewarded with pre-matriculation credit upon enrollment at Tufts.

Next Steps for the Class of 2021 October 2018 Students and parents will receive copies of DP Handbook and Course selection planning sheets to be handed in by November 30, 2018 January 2019 Meetings with parents, students and coordinator to choose IB track and courses: Students should start the process of choosing their personal program by consulting the list of subjects offered. As well as considering their personal strengths in individual subjects, when making course selections students should also take into account their future education and career plans. Students should become familiar with the specific requirements of the universities to which they intend to apply as different universities in different countries have different entrance requirements. March 2019 CAS and Extended Essay Orientation

Q & A

For Further Information: www.ibo.org/myib/digitaltoolkit/files/.../whatisanibedu cation-en.pdf http://www.ibo.org/informationfor/parents/ Call Laura Maristany Director of Studies/ DP coordinator 787-720-2421 ext. 227 * This presentation will be available on the school s website