Frequently Asked Questions about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program* at Science Hill High School

 

*application pending

 

 

Who is eligible for the IB program?

            The IB Diploma Program is for juniors and seniors in high school.  All IB courses will be taken during those two years; however, students who are considering the program will need to take certain “pre-IB” courses as freshman or sophomores.  Students in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade who are considering IB should make an appointment to talk with their counselor prior to spring registration.

 

What are the criteria for students to get into the IB program?

            Any student who wishes to will be able to participate in the IB program.  The program is academically challenging and will require dedication, discipline, and motivation on the part of the student.  Students are strongly encouraged to discuss the program with their counselor.

 

Will students who participate in the IB program meet all of the Tennessee requirements for graduation with a diploma?

            Yes.  Courses required for the IB program will either fulfill course requirements for the state of Tennessee, or count as elective credits.

 

What are the differences between the IB Program and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program?

            While both IB and AP are considered academically challenging programs, there are some differences in philosophy, requirements, and examinations.

            IB courses are designed to be interdisciplinary and interconnected.  They are taught with a holistic approach.  To receive the IB diploma, students must take classes in the six designated academic areas.  Students also are required to complete a Theory of Knowledge class, an extended essay of 2,000 - 4,000 words, and at least 150 hours of creativity, action, and service (CAS).  The IB program requires achievement across-the-board in a variety of disciplines.

            AP classes are designed to be taken as stand-alone courses, not necessarily formally linked to one another.  Students may choose to pursue only those classes that are in disciplines in which they already excel.

            IB course credit is awarded to students based on at least three sources of data: written papers, oral presentations, or lab activities completed for the class, graded by the teacher, then submitted to the IB Organization for additional grading; teacher evaluation of each student’s potential grade on examinations, and the score received on the IB exit examination.  Students are required to take the exams if they take the course.

            AP course credit is based upon student’s performance on exit examinations provided by the College Board which oversees the AP program. Students may take AP courses and choose not to take the exam.

            Both AP and IB exams are administered in May of each school year with scores being released in July.  Both are also accepted for college credit at many universities.

 

Will students be able to take both AP and IB courses?

            Yes.  Registering for AP and/or IB classes is a choice made by the student.  Students may, for certain classes, receive both AP and IB credit after completing the appropriate exit examinations.   Students are encouraged to discuss course selection with their counselor.

 

What if a student starts the IB Program and then does not want to continue?

            Students who decide that they no longer wish to participate in the IB program will simply not register for future IB courses.  No other paperwork is needed.

 

Will students be able to take individual IB courses without working toward the IB Diploma?

            Yes.  Students taking individual IB courses will receive a certificate and it will be designated as an IB course on the transcript.  GPA will be calculated using the same point credit as AP courses.

 

In what ways will participation in IB impact a student’s time?

            The academic requirements of the IB program are demanding.  It will require making choices about electives, balancing extra-curricular activities, and possessing good time management skills.  Students will need to be able to prioritize tasks and follow through on completion of assignments in a timely manner.

 

What are the benefits of participating in the IB program?

            Students who participate in IB courses will benefit by:

-        an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills;

-        practice and encouragement in independent inquiry;

-        a focus on oral and written expression;

-        an emphasis on understanding cultures throughout the world;

-        fluency in a second language;

-        the high regard for IB course work by college admissions officers;

-        awarding of college credit by most universities;

-        increased success of IB students in post-secondary schooling.

 

What should I do if I have more questions?

            You can find more information at the IB website: www.ibo.org .  You may also contact Dr. Selene Hardin, IB Program Coordinator, at 423-232-2192 ext., 4645 or at her office in the 9th grade building. Her email is: hardins@jcschools.org .

You may also contact one of the high school counselors. 

 

SDSH: January 2007