Understanding the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Mr Seef

Understanding the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Mr. Seef Marsden: IB DP Coordinator

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Aims to develop in students: • • • Critical thinking and sound judgement Responsibility for their own learning A shared academic experience An understanding & respect for other cultures Education of the whole person

What qualities make for a good IB Diploma candidate? • • • Intelligent and interested. Academically able. Highly motivated and resilient. Hard working. Embody the IB Learner Profile. IB is about creating balanced adults prepared to contribute to a better world.

What are the advantages of taking the IB Diploma courses for BISI students? • Academically rigorous study • Broad-based and balanced curriculum • Internationally recognised qualification • Excellent preparation for College / University

The IB Curriculum 6 options Most assessed by Examination and course work 3 subjects at Higher level 3 subjects at Standard level 3 core components

Languages Group 1. • English Literature. • English Language & Literature. At HL and SL

2 nd Language Group 2. • • • French B HL and SL. German B HL and SL Self Taught Language A Spanish B Spanish Ab Initio SL French Ab Initio SL 2 x Language A = Bilingual Diploma very sort after by some

Individuals and Societies Group 3. • • • History Economics Psychology Geography Business and Management • Environmental Systems and Society ESS • Sports, Exercise and

Experimental Sciences Group 4. • • Biology Chemistry Physics Environmental Systems and Society ESS • Computer Studies.

Mathematics Group 5. • Higher • Standard • Studies

Arts and Electives Group 6. • Visual Arts • Theatre • Music Or • 2 nd Science Or • 2 nd Individuals and Societies

SL or HL • Standard Level is 150 hours of teaching and usually 2 exams • Higher Level is 240 hours & 3 exams • Some subjects are Standard Level only (Spanish ab initio, Environmental Systems)

Core components Theory of Knowledge • How do we know what we know? Extended Essay • An 4000 word in-depth study on an academic topic that engages students in independent research Creativity, Action and Service • 100 -150 hours across 3 areas

How are these assessed? Internal Assessment activities (20 -40%) • Marked by BISI teachers • Externally moderated by the IB Examinations (60 -80%) • Externally set and marked by IB • Three weeks in May (Mocks in January) • Up to 3 examinations per subject

Formative assessment • • • Regular assessment as part of class learning Three phase preparation for final exams: Class based, exam week, Mocks Feedback from IB informs future teaching IA reports Exam scripts returned Students and teacher know where they are, know where they are going and know how they get there

IB Diploma courses • Normally between 4 and 6 IB courses • HL or SL • No To. K or EE • common IB certificate awarded • High School Diploma (BISI). Gains access to US universities. HL courses can earn Year 1 credits Increasingly recognised in UK, gaining access to foundation (Year 0) courses.

IB Diploma.

Full • • IB Diploma Programme requirements 6 courses with 7 points for each subject 3 Higher Level (240 hours each) and 3 Standard Level (150 hours each) To. K + EE = 3 points (100 + 40 hours) CAS (no points but compulsory) Total 45 points available Minimum 24 points for Diploma. • With disqualifications e. g. 2 points in one HL, or 2 SLs, fewer than 12 in all HLs An E in To. K or EE

Class of 2017 results • 43 Highest Score. • 100% above 30 marks. • 34 Average Score. • 30 Average world score. • 9 the different countries where BISI students were accepted to a university course.

The essential components of success • • • Finding the right course combinations… at the right level… that will challenge each student… to achieve their potential… and allow extra-curricular opportunities… which, combined, are the key to the door of the next chapter of their lives!

What can parents do to help? • Support your child with resources, space and encouragement • Encourage a structured amount of home-based studying: 2 -3 hours a night, 5/6 hours a weekend • Encourage good study habits, including planning and preparation, revision and organisation. • Understand the demanding workload of the IB Diploma, and the demanding level of difficulty of each component course.

Important. • Remind them about the importance of Academic Honesty. • Engage in discussion about what your child is learning. Having them explain it to you, while you ask questions, is the surest way to embed their learning. • Support your child with positive reinforcement and encouragement. The IB DP is demanding and difficult. It requires family commitment

The IB DP dividends • The key to the doors of universities and colleges around the world, especially • UK, Europe, USA, Canada Just as importantly: • The toolkit to succeed once you are there: • Independent learning • Academic research and writing • College-level knowledge and understanding

Meet your student’s HOD’s