International Baccalaureate Diploma Part of the PLC experience
IB Mission Statement The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgable and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Life in the 21 st century, in an interconnected, globalised world, requires critical-thinking skills and a sense of international-mindedness, something that International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students learn to know and understand.
PLC Statement of Purpose PLC is a Uniting Church School committed to educational excellence that gives girls confidence to lead purposeful lives and make an active contribution to the common good.
A positive attitude to learning that prepares students for university education.
The Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. The programme is taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world s leading universities. Since the late 1960s, the programme has: provided a package of education that balances subject breadth and depth, and considers the nature of knowledge across disciplines through the unique theory of knowledge course. encouraged international-mindedness in IB students, starting with a foundation in their own language and culture. gained a reputation for its rigorous external assessment with published global standards, making this a qualification welcomed by universities worldwide. emphasised the development of the whole student physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. developed a positive attitude to learning that prepares student for university education. The Curriculum Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5 for specific university requirements. Three or four subjects are taken at higher level (recommended 240 teaching hours), with the others taken at standard level (150 teaching hours).
Second language French ab initio Spanish Language A1 Study of world literature in student s best language English Individuals and societies Economics History Group 1 Group 2 Group 4 extended essay theory of knowledge creativity, action, service Group 3 Group 5 Group 6 Experimental sciences Chemistry Physics Biology The arts Theatre arts Visual arts Mathematics and computer sciences Mathematics standard level Mathematics higher level The Core The programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding. Theory of knowledge is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historic). Creativity, action, service requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one separately. The extended essay is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.
IB Learner Profile Students will develop an understanding of the IB learner profile. The ten aspirational qualities of the learner profile inspire and motivate the work of teachers, students and schools, providing a statement of the aims and values of the IB and a definition of what we mean by international-mindedness. IB learners strive to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective. The Diploma Learner An IB learner is, or will become: Self-motivated and responsible. A critical and creative thinker. Willing to develop global international perspectives. Genuinely concerned for others. Open to new ideas and questions existing ideas. Able to challenge herself intellectually. Able to become an independent and cooperative learner. Good at time management. Organised. Though demanding the Diploma is not an elitist programme for gifted children but is a course of studies for the organised and dedicated student who has a strong desire to learn. Diploma and State Curriculum Diploma students enjoy the same opportunities as WACE (TEE) graduates, with the additional benefits of an internationally recognised education. PLC will still offer the WACE (TEE). By adding the Diploma we are now able to offer a choice of education for our students. PLC will provide advice on WACE (TEE) or Diploma, related to the individual needs and abilities of each student. Diploma and University Entrance The Diploma gives students a genuine transferable internationally recognised qualification that gives direct access to universities worldwide including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale. In Perth UWA, Murdoch, Curtin, ECU and University of Notre Dame recognise the Diploma for university entrance. Diploma results are automatically converted to Australian universities entry equivalents. Staff All teachers complete a Level 1 IB accredited workshop before they are permitted to teach a Diploma subject. Staff receive training at IB workshops, curriculum specific network days and mentor programmes at other IB schools.
Assessment and Examinations All assessment is founded on criterion-based standards, established by the IB, that are the same worldwide. Each subject has two assessment components. Internal assessment This work usually accounts for a minimum of 20% of the final grade in a subject. Teachers evaluate it, then the work is sent to an external moderator to be standardised. Internal assessments typically include teacher evaluation of class work, homework assignments, special projects, oral, practical work and notebooks. External assessment Each subject has a final examination covering the whole two year course. At PLC, the girls will sit these examinations in November. Subjects are scored on a 1-7 scale with a further three points available for theory of knowledge and the extended essay. Students who display good levels of performance across all six subjects and achieve a minimum of 24 points (out of a possible 45) are awarded the Diploma. Q & A What will the Diploma offer? Depth and rigour in a challenging and interesting curriculum. An international perspective where understanding and difference is valued. A sense of self-discovery and social responsibility. Independent thinking, independent learning and research skills. Critical thinking skills. Will it cost more to undertake the Diploma course? Only the cost of enrolment for examinations. All other costs are covered by school fees. How will students enter university? Diploma students receive a score out of 45. This is converted to an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). The ATAR is then used as the basis for Australian university entrance. Do Australian universities accept the Diploma? All universities across Australia. Do Diploma students receive a school report? Diploma students will receive several reports each year at similar times to the other girls. Are Diploma students fully involved with their year group? PLC is committed to the development of young women emotionally as well as intellectually. Diploma students will be fully involved in the activities and social experiences of the Year group and the wider school community. When are the IB results released? Early in January and in time to be used for the first round of Australian university offers. FIND OUT MORE The IB website www.ibo.org/diploma/ www.plc.wa.edu.au Deputy Principal Keith Anderson kanderson@plc.wa.edu.au Head of Senior School Neesha Flint nflint@plc.wa.edu.au CRICOS Provider Presbyterian Ladies College 00447B 14 McNeil Street, Peppermint Grove Western Australia 6011 Telephone: +61 8 9424 6444 Facsimile:+61 8 9424 6466