What Is The IB Program?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is an internationally recognized course of study for highly motivated 11th and 12th grade students.  Currently, the program is offered in over 800 secondary schools in nearly 100 countries.  To earn the IB diploma, students must pass examinations in 6 subject areas, write an extended essay of some 4,000 words describing an independent research project, complete 150 hours of creative, action, and service activities (CAS), and take part in a critical thinking seminar called Theory of Knowledge.  This rigorous, comprehensive curriculum offers an integrated approach to learning while exposing students to a diversity of viewpoints in hopes of fostering tolerance and intercultural understanding.

Students who take IB courses without fulfilling the requirements of the full diploma program may earn certificates for passing exams in selected IB courses.

This is the first I've heard about the International Baccalaureate.  Where did it originate and why?
Founded in the 1960's, the International Baccalaureate Organization grew out of a necessity to create a common curriculum and university entry credential for the sons and daughters of diplomats, ambassadors, and other internationally mobile families.  When schools not serving the international community began to recognize the quality of an IB education and the esteem of its diploma, they adopted the program.

Today, IBO is based in Geneva, Switzerland and is administered by the International Baccalaureate Curriculum and Assessment Center in Cardiff, Wales.  The organization employs educators around the world to revise curriculum, evaluate student achievement, and provide teacher training and other educational services to member schools.

What are the advantages of taking the IB curriculum?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is possibly the most distinguished academic credential a high school student can earn.  Those who complete this program enjoy a competitive edge in admission to any college or university in the world.  The reasons are clear:

How is IB different from Advanced Placement?  Is one better than the other?
The IB is a comprehensive program that requires students to demonstrate knowledge and skills through internal and external assessments in six interrelated academic areas.  Schools that are authorized to teach the IB curriculum must be equipped to teach all subject areas plus provide ample opportunity for students to participate in sports, theater productions, and community service. AP, on the other hand, offers over 30 different courses form which students are allowed to pick and choose.  Typically, students take only a few AP courses in their area of strength; rarely do they take two years of challenging courses from all areas of the humanities and sciences as is required of IB students.

While neither program is better than the other, each has a different aim.  Students whose main interest is gaining college credit will probably choose to take AP courses, although many IB courses prepare student for the IB exam as well and students can take specific IB courses for college credit without becoming engaged in the full diploma program.  Students who plan to pursue a career with an international outlook or who wish to attend college in another country will choose IB.  Additionally, students who hope to attend selective institutions may receive preferential admissions consideration as well as course credit, and may even receive advanced standing.

Why should I encourage my child to take IB courses?

Studies done since  the 1980's indicate that students who succeeded in the IB program had higher SAT scores and higher grade point averages then their classmates.  Besides the depth of learning that students gain in IB courses, the program forces students to learn to manage time and they acquire solid research, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

Also, students who complete this course learn the value of  an education that extends beyond the classroom.  The international perspective of IB and the CAS activities enable students to gain a world view and a sense of commitment to the local community.

 

What preparation in high school does my child need to succeed in IB?
Students wishing to enter the IB programme should take courses which are honors or Advanced Placement (AP) during their freshman and sophomores.

I understand that schools must be approved by the International Baccalaureate Organization in Geneva, Switzerland before they can offer the IB curriculum.  Has Capistrano  Valley High School received authorization to teach the IB curriculum?
Schools that apply for membership in the IB organization must undergo a rigorous selection process that takes several years. Capistrano Valley High School was approved by the International Baccalaureate Organization in April 2005 and will offer a complete IB curriculum starting in August 2005.

IB sounds interesting, but my child planned to enroll in Capistrano Valley High School's ATMS Program.  does the pre-IB curriculum leave room in students' schedules for the ATMS courses they need if they decide to continue in the ATMS Program in eleventh and twelfth grade?
The ATMS program fits well with the IB programme and students in the ATMS program will be well prepared for IB.

 

Will students get help with the Extended Essay?

Yes. The junior IB/AP teachers will help each student select a topic and a supervisor to work with to advise them on the content of the paper. They will help students develop research questions and a research plan. The senior IB/AP teachers will work with students to help keep them on schedule to complete the paper with all required parts by the deadline.

 

Is the Extended Essay difficult?

Most students should find that writing the essay is not difficult after having completed the research, and the research should not be difficult because it will be in an area of personal interest. A ten-to-twelve-page essay, written in sections, is equivalent to only three “regular” essays; with a full year to work on the project and with the help of at least three adults, it’s not really that hard.

 

Can I take the IB/AP English class even if I’m not a diploma candidate?

Absolutely. Any student serious about maximizing chances for success at college should give it a try. We’ll encourage full diploma enrollment , but students not enrolled in the full diploma program may still take the IB or AP exams.

 

If I take the course, do I have to take the exams?

 

Yes for IB and your choice for AP.  However, we strongly encourage you to take the exams, CVHS has a good pass rate on AP and your chances of passing are high.

 

Will the work load be so hard that I might lower my GPA?

We won’t make it impossible for you to get an “A” or a “B” in these classes; we want you to succeed. There is rigorous work without question, but the pace and difficulty is not as demanding as a traditional AP English class because IB English is a two year program. Even if your grade does drop a bit, colleges recognize that IB and AP courses are more rigorous, and they respect your willingness to take on an academic challenge.

 

If I‘m not an IB Diploma candidate, do I have to take both years of an IB course?

No. We’ll encourage you to do so, of course, but you can give the course a try in your junior year without committing to continuing in your senior year.

 

Who typically undertakes the IB diploma?

Most students are highly motivated, have strong academic preparation and have goals that include attending

top tier universities and colleges.

 

Will I be able to take an AP exam?

In many cases the courses are designated IB/AP.  In this case you will be able to take the AP exam.  Unlike IB courses in which you must be enrolled, The College Board does not require you to actually take an AP course to take the exam.

 

Can I use team sports or participation in drama for CAS hours?

Yes, of the 150 hours required you can use many school activities for fulfillment of your CAS hours.  In fact many community service projects can also be used.