International Baccalaureate Program at Atlee High School
From the IB Mission Statement IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. IB encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand other people, with their differences, can also be right.
IB Curriculum Framework
The IB Core makes IB a program Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Active involvement with community service, artistic, and physical activities. Theory of Knowledge: an externally assessed course that contrasts ways of knowing in six subject areas Extended Essay: A 4000 word independent research paper in one of the six subject areas
Who can enroll in the IB Program? 9 th and 10 th graders enroll in Pre-Baccalaureate (PB) courses 11 th and 12 th graders enroll in IB courses Complete application in 8th grade year to show interest. PreBac and IB courses are open to all students provided course prerequisites have been met
What is the difference between an IB Diploma and an IB Course student? Full IB Students take full course load plus the IB core - (Creativity, Activity, Service CAS, Theory of Knowledge Course and the Extended Essay). Individual Classes - Course students choose one or more IB courses
Why IB? The Academic Side: the most rigorous course of studies offered by HCPS students learn study skills and time management the IB Core aids in developing well-rounded students potential for college credit based on exam scores IB coursework is a desirable factor in the college admissions process Classes are run like college classes /offer real world experiences for authentic learning.
Why IB? The Fringe Benefits: IB appeals to students who enjoy learning. IB creates an environment that celebrates learning - it is cool to be smart. IB provides a social aspect, a niche. IB kids tend to travel in packs and work in groups. IB teaches students how to work and learn together, how to network and problem-solve, how to reach out to others for help and how to teach others. This happens through academics and through CAS.
Is your child on track? Algebra I completed by end of grade 8 Level 2 of World Language complete by end of grade 8
The PB (Pre-Baccalaureate) Years 9 th Grade 10 th Grade PB English 9 PB English 10 PB History (World History II) PB Biology Geometry or PB Algebra II World Language (level 3 or higher) PE PB Government PB Chemistry PB Algebra II or PB Pre-Calculus World Language (level 4 or higher) Driver s Ed/PE 2 Electives 2 Electives
The IB Years IB English HL A IB World Language SL 11 th Grade 12 th Grade IB History of the Americas HL A IB Biology HL A IB Mathematics HL A or IB Math Studies IB Elective: IB Visual Arts HL, IB Psychology SL, IB Economics SL, IB Film SL, Chemistry SL IB English HL B IB World Language SL IB History of the Americas HL B IB Biology HL B IB Mathematics SL or IB Mathematics HL B IB Elective: IB Visual Arts SL/HL, IB Psychology SL, IB Economics SL, IB Film SL, or Chemistry SL Theory of Knowledge I Elective Theory of Knowledge II Elective
How are IB and AP courses different? IB courses are one or two year courses IB Student must take the IB exam IB teachers are specifically trained to teach IB courses IB courses are assessed internally and externally in several different assessments throughout the course 2+2 = WHY? AP courses are one-year courses AP students are not required to test Students can take an AP exam without taking the AP course AP courses are assessed with a multiple choice and free-response test at the end of the course 2+2= 4
What do colleges say about IB? We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific. -Christoph Guttentag, Director of Admissions, Duke University The rigor of the IB Diploma requirements meets our recommendation for the strongest high school preparation possible in sum, the IB Diploma candidate who has met the challenge successfully receives strong consideration from the William & Mary admission committee. -Allison Jesse, former Associate Dean of Admissions, William and Mary
What do Ivy League colleges say about IB? IB is well known to us as excellent preparation. Success in an IB programme correlates well with success at Harvard. We are pleased to see the credential of the IB Diploma Programme on the transcript. -Marlyn McGrath Lewis, Assistant Dean of Admissions, Harvard University The IB is a first-rate programme, one we are familiar with, and it prepares students well for a university like ours. -Fred Hargadon, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Princeton University
IB Diploma students are attending
Why IB? Atlee has had the longest-standing IB program in Hanover County. Our graduates have gone on to study medicine, work in law, publish articles and books, and work in government and education. Just ask our students!
More Questions? Feel free to contact us anytime: IB Coordinator: Wendy Edelman wedelman@hcps.us IB Counselor: Rachel Wheeler rwheeler@hcps.us