Seneca Valley High School PHILOSOPHY Program Brochure Four Year Planning Guide Planning My Four Years Template myib Plan for Juniors/Seniors Seneca Valley High School Information from School Website One Pagers about Each IB Course, written by the teachers
An Overview of the IB Diploma Programme The International Baccalaureate Organization s Diploma programme is designed for motivated students. The programme has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment and innovative teaching style. These give IB diploma candidates access to the world s leading universities. Grades on assessments reflect attainment of set standards that are applied equally to all IB schools. The programme was born of an attempt to establish a common curriculum and valid university entry credentials for students moving from one country to another. It has developed into a worldwide recognized rigorous curriculum accepted in universities worldwide. Benefits of the IB program Encouragement of lifelong learning Interdisciplinary instruction that fosters internationalism A rigorous & balanced academic program that transitions students to university and college Higher university and college acceptance rates for IB applicants than for total population applicants Opportunities to earn university and college credit and advanced standing at worldwide institutions Increased scholarship and grant opportunities Formally trained IB administrators, teachers, guidance counselor, and media specialist. IB MISSION STATEMENT The International Baccalaureate Programme aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world though intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. Mr. Marc Cohen, Principal Ms. Jeannie Awono, IB Coordinator Jean_A_Awono@ mcpsmd.org Phone: 301-353-8014 www.senecavalleyhighschool.com
The IB Diploma Programme @ SVHS The IB DP is an academically challenging and balanced two-year programme of education with final examinations that prepare students, in grades 11 and 12, for success at university and in life beyond. SVHS suggests courses for 9 th and 10 th graders that will help them prepare for the IB DP. It is possible for students may choose to complete a Career Academy Pathway concurrently. SAMPLE SEQUENCE OF COURSES Grade 9 Honors English 9 AP NSL Gov t or Honors US History Spanish or French (level appropriate) Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra 2 Honors Biology/Chemistry/Physics (choose 1) Technology or Fine Arts Physical Education Grade 10 Honors English 10 AP NSL Gov t or AP US History Spanish or French (level appropriate) Honors Algebra 2 or Honors Pre-Calculus Technology or Fine Arts Honors Biology/Chemistry/Physics (choose 1) Health and Elective Grade 11 IB English Lit 1 or IB English Lang/Lit 1 IB History 1 IB Spanish or French Appropriate (IB) Mathematics IB Science Theory of Knowledge 1/Extended Essay IB Film, IB Art, IB Music or option* Grade 12 IB English Lit 2 or IB English Lang/Lit 2 IB History 2 IB Spanish or French IB Science (or elective) Appropriate (IB) Mathematics Theory of Knowledge 2/Exam Prep IB Film, Art, Theatre, Music or option * Visit www.senecavalleyhighschool.com for more information about each of the IB courses and IB/Academy pathways. Students study courses selected from each of the Six Subject Groups Group 1 Studies in Language & Literature Students study literature or combined language and literature in English from a variety of periods and genres. Group 2 Language Acquisition Students study advanced French or Spanish with an emphasis on communication and culture. Group 3 Individuals and Society Group 3 includes courses in the human experience. Most students study History of Europe and the Middle East. Other options include Business, Psychology, and Environmental Systems in Societies (ESS) and Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS). Group 4 Experimental Sciences Group 4 subjects include biology, chemistry, physics, ES&S, and Sports, health and exercise science. Students study and become familiar with experimental laboratory techniques. Group 5 Mathematics Group 5 subjects include a mathematical continuum to accommodate students of all levels. Students develop logical and creative thinking skills and learn an integrated mathematical skillset. Group 6 The Arts In Group 5 courses, students gain an understanding of the arts and learn to express themselves artistically. We offer Film, Music Theory, Theatre, Dance and Visual Arts, upon class enrollment. Hallmarks of the IB Diploma Programme Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Critical reflection on how we know and what we know. Develops awareness of cultural perspectives and biases. Allows for connections to be established between disciplines. Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) A framework for experiential learning, involving students in new and active roles. Develops awareness and a sense of responsibility towards the community. Extended Essay (EE) Research and topic development, on a topic of student interest. Provides excellent preparation for independent study at university level. SVHS IB Programme Guidelines To be most successful in the IB diploma program students should be self-motivated, with good time management and love to read. Once in the IB diploma program, students must maintain a high level of academic achievement and positive attitude.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Suggested Core Academic Four Year Plan for Full Diploma Students Families should use teacher recommendations as a guide & ask Ms. Awono or the counselor for help in selecting courses for full IB Diploma students. Subject Area 9 th Grade 10 th Grade 11 th Grade 12 th Grade Studies in Lang/Literature (Group 1) Honors English 9 Honors English 10 IB English Literature (1) or IB English Language & Literature (1) IB English Literature (2) or IB English Language & Lit (2) IB English Exam info: Take IB English both 11 th and 12 th grades. The exam is in the 12 th grade year. Must follow same course both years. Language Acquisition (Group 2) (depends on level; placement tests are available to help determine proper placement) French 1, 2, 3 or 4 Spanish 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Honors suggested at levels 3 and 4) Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1, 2, or 3 French 2, 3, 4 or 5 Spanish 2, 3, 4 or 5 (Honors suggested at levels 3 and 4 level 5 is automatically honors) Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2 or 3 Honors French 3, IB French 4, 5 or 6 Honors Spanish 3, IB Span. 4, 5 or 6 IB French 4, 5, 6 or 7 IB Spanish 4, 5, 6 or 7 IB World Languages Exam info (typically tested in 12 th grade): HL option recommended for students in levels 5 or above SL option recommended for students in levels 4 or above ab initio option recommended for students in level 3 as senior NOTE: Individual students should seek teacher recommendation. Individuals and Societies (Group 3) 1 year Options* Choose for either 11 th OR 12 th grade AP NSL Government or Honors US History AP US History or Honors NSL Gov t IB History 1 Or MWH and choose one other Group 3 class from list below: IB Business Management* IB Psychology* IB Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)* IB World Religions* IB History 2 and/or IB History Exam info: Take IB History both 11 th and 12 th grades. The exam is in the 12 th grade year. IB Business Management* IB Psychology* IB Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)* IB World Religions* Experimental Sciences (Group 4) Honors Biology Honors Chemistry or Honors Physics IB Science Exam info: The exam is in the last year of the course. HL option must take IB Biology for 11 th and 12 th grades SL options take 1 course either 11 th or 12 th grade: IB Chemistry IB Physics IB Sports, Health and Exercise Science IB Environmental Systems in Societies (ESS) One of the following courses: Honors Chemistry or Honors Physics IB Chemistry SL* IB Physics SL* IB Biology HL year 1 IB Environmental Systems SL* IB Sports, Health and Exercise Science* *1 year course (taken either in grade 11 or in grade 12) One of the following courses: Honors Chem or Honors Physics IB Chemistry SL* IB Physics SL* IB Biology HL year 2 IB Environmental Systems SL * IB Sports, Health and Exercise Science* (*1 year only; either 11 th or 12 th ) OR No science course Mathematics Algebra 1 or (Honors) Geometry or (Honors) Algebra 2 or IB Math Studies SL or IB Mathematics Standard Level (Group 5) (Honors) Geometry or (Honors) Algebra 2 or (Honors) Pre-Calculus or or AP Calculus or AP Statistics (Honors) Algebra 2 (Honors) Pre-Calculus Statistics & Math Modeling (SAMM) or IB Math Exam info: Take either Math SL or Studies in 11 th or 12 th gr. IB Math Studies / IB Mathematics SL The Arts (Group 6) Fine Art Course (MD req) Band, Orchestra, Chorus Technology (MD req.) Or Fine Art Course / IB Art and Design 1 or Technology (MD req.) Band, Orchestra, Chorus Band, Orchestra, Chorus IB Group 6 Exam info: HL options Film, Visual Arts (need 11 th and 12 th grade classes) SL options Music (needs Music and performance 12 th grade) Film, Visual Arts or Dance (2 year courses) OR do a second Group 2-5 course in lieu of a group 6 course. IB Film 1 IB Theatre 1 (pre-requisite: Theatre 1) *or permission from the teacher IB Dance 1 IB Art and Design 2 SL or HL IB Music SL + Music Course IB Film 2 SL or HL IB Theatre 2 SL or HL IB Dance 2 Theory of Knowledge (ToK)** **grades 11-12 PE (make sure to get your PE requirement of 1 credit completed.) MCPS pre-ib Connections Approaches to Learning (1 semester) Suggested opposite Health Theory of Knowledge/Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge/IB Exam Support To be eligible to earn the IB Diploma, six IB courses (3HL & 3SL) are needed, one in each group or, in place of a Group 6 course, a second course in any group 2-5 class may be taken. The IB Core (ToK, EE & CAS) must also be completed. Jeannie Awono, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator 301.353.8014 Jean_A_Awono@mcpsmd.org
My preferred name is and this is Name: Student ID: Cell phone: Fill in the IB DP Graphic with the courses that you plan on studying, please note HL/SL choice. Also, please note the year(s) (11 th / 12 th ) during which you re taking the course.