IB
@ PMSS
EMPOWERING PMSS IB STUDENTS
Get the full run-down on your options, receive advice from those who know what you're going through, and make the most of the sweat, blood and tears you're putting into your education.
THE BIG PICTURE
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What is IB?
International Baccalaureate
IB stands for International Baccalaureate. What does that mean, you ask? Well, if we're going to be cliche and quote dictionary.com, then it means "an internationally recognized programme of study, comprising different subjects".
The IB Programme was originally designed for diplomats' kids so they could receive an education with curriculum and standards that wouldn't change when they moved. While you might not be the son or daughter of a diplomat, by enrolling in the IB Programme, you can receive the same high-quality standardized education. You also get to be a part of a global community of students who want more than just A's.
The IB Learner Profile
There are 10 things that students of the IB Programme strive to be:
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Inquirers - people who aren't afraid to ask questions or investigate
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Knowledgeable - not to be confused with being able to memorize lots of facts
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Thinkers - people who evaluate, reason, and consider
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Communicators - people who can express themselves effectively (not to be confused with public speakers)
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Principled - having a clear idea of who you are and what you value, and sticking to those values
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Open-minded - being able to see things from many different perspectives, even if you don't necessarily agree with them
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Caring - people who are concerned about the feelings and needs of people around them
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Risk-takers - people who aren't afraid to step out of their comfort zone to try new things and make a difference
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Balanced - people who have their priorities in order and are willing to compensate in order to keep them in order
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Reflective - people who keep the past in mind and learn from mistakes
If you can show that you are striving to be these things in your work (especially your CAS reflections), you will go far!
Is IB right for me?
A few questions you should ask yourself before applying for the IB Programme or before continuing from Pre-IB to grade 11 and 12 IB:
What value do I place on my education? Is it a priority?
IB is very much about maximizing your education and preparing you for post-secondary endeavors. But, IB at its core is looking to expand your horizons and broaden your knowledge base. If either of these appeal to you, then IB could be a good choice!
Do I enjoy learning and am I willing (and able) to put lots of time and effort into my learning experience?
If you pursue an IB diploma, you will be expected to juggle many different courses at once and your success in these classes is often related to how much time you put into individual studying.
"[Students] who struggle in school or have serious extracurricular commitments, such as playing a varsity sport or singing in a competitive choir, may not have the requisite time or energy for IB."
-Gail Robinson, What is International Baccalaureate?
In what direction do I want my future to go? Would doing IB help me achieve the goals I have placed for myself?
If you are planning on attending a post-secondary institution, IB instills many skills that will lead to your success there.
What are my values? Am I willing for these to be challenged?
"Another factor to consider is the IB curricula's emphasis on asking questions and searching for answers — no matter how controversial the subject. Questions on every imaginable topic — from global warming to gay rights — will be up for debate as teachers challenge students to ask questions and research their answers. As topics arise, the only rules are that questioning is okay and that students seek not only answers but to understand the cultural biases that exist in competing arguments. It’s all in the pursuit of IB’s mission to teach students that, 'other people, with their differences, can also be right.' To some, these class discussions may seem politically charged or they may touch on points that are at odds with a family’s belief system."
-Gail Robinson, What is International Baccalaureate?
How do I learn?
"In an IB class, [you are] less likely to take notes during teacher-led lectures and more likely to work on individual or group projects with the teacher facilitating. IB classes tend to be academically challenging, requiring students to take initiative, organize and complete projects, and speak in front of their classmates. Students who thrive in a demanding environment and like having options (like picking research topics and choosing how to present what they learn) would probably do well in IB."
-Gail Robinson, What is International Baccalaureate?
IB Certificate or IB Diploma?
Our school's Course Selection Packet for 2013-2014 explains this best:
"Ideally students will choose to complete the entire IB Diploma which requires one of each of
the following IB courses - Studies in Language and Literature (English), Language Acquisition (French, Spanish, Japanese or Mandarin) Individuals and Societies (History, Geography, & Economics), Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Mathematics (Math Studies, Math Methods), and the Arts (Visual Arts, Music) or an additional choice from the previous five groups. The IB Diploma also requires the Theory of Knowledge course and the completion of an independent 4000 word research essay, as well as a commitment to at least 3 hours weekly of creative, active and service endeavors (CAS) throughout grades 11 and 12. Some students will find that the individual IB Diploma courses better meets their personal, educational and career goals. These students choose only the IB subjects that best meet their personal learning needs and complete other graduation and post secondary requirements in ‘regular’ classes."
Grades 9 and 10 (aka Pre-IB or IB Foundations)
From our school's Course Selection Packet for 2013-2014:
"Each IB Foundations course will include the material required for the BC Dogwood programme course, but because of the selected nature of the students, the learning environment will be distinctly different and more emphasis will be placed on higher level skills including research, writing, problem-solving and working in cooperative groups. The grades in IB Foundations courses are adjusted to reflect the same achievement levels required for BC Dogwood courses. Thus students will not be penalized through lower marks by taking on the challenges offered by the IB Foundation courses. Grade 9 and 10 students accepted into the program will be expected to undertake the entire set of courses leading to the Diploma program in grades 11 and 12. Individual adjustments are possible but the program requires a commitment to diploma completion in most cases. Students are welcome to apply to the program in grades 10 and 11 but a significant advantage will be gained by
successful completion of the Foundation courses from grade 9 on."
To learn about specific IB Foundations Courses...
Grades 11 and 12 (aka IB Diploma Programme)
This diagram is a visual way of showing you what you'll learn in the IB Programme.
The learner profile at the centre is surrounded by the core which consists of:
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TOK (Theory of Knowledge)
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EE (Extended Essay)
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CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service)
From the core come the 6 groups:
1. Studies in Language and Literature (English)
2. Language Acquisition (2nd Language)
3. Individuals and Societies (Social/Human Sciences)
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. The Arts
Through all these things, the hope is that you will gain an overall international-mindedness.
It's OK if this doesn't make sense at first; it is pretty complicated!
To learn about specific IB Courses, take a look at these pages:
