When do I apply to enter the IB program? If you have taken all the advanced course work needed your Freshman and Sophomore years, you will apply at the end of your sophomore year to enter the IB Diploma Program. Mrs. Gorka will come talk to the Advanced Chemistry classes in the spring.
Which advanced classes should I be taking as a 9th and 10th grader to be ready to enter the IB program as a Junior? The recommended advanced program is Advanced English 9, Advanced English 10; French or Spanish 1,2 and/or 3; Adv. Biology 9/10, Adv. Chemistry 10/11; Geometry, Algebra 2 or FST; in addition if you are interested in art, you should take drawing, and painting classes. An additional class that is important to get done your 10th grade year is Advanced US History.
What are the requirements for receiving an IB Diploma? A student going for a full IB diploma must take IB courses in 6 different areas (English, Second language, History, Science, Math and a 6th area like art). They will complete internal assessment activities in the class, and take an external exam over the material in May of their Senior year. They will also complete an extended essay of at least 4000 words in a subject of their choosing between their Jr and Sr years. Additionally they will reflect upon Creativity, Action and Service activities over an 18 month period. Finally they will take a class the second semester of their Junior year and the first semester of their Senior year called the Theory of Knowledge.
What if I am just taking a couple IB classes? A student taking IB Psychology, Spanish 4, French 4, Intro to Calculus, Pre-Calculus or Calculus during their Junior or Senior year could take an IB exam those classes. Juniors are limited to 2 exams whereas Seniors could take 6 exams. Seniors that have taken two IB classes in one subject such as IB European History and then IB Modern World History can take the History exam. This is also true of Biology (IB Biology and IB Anatomy and Physiology) and Physics. IB Junior English and IB Senior English would make you eligible for the Literature exam your Senior year. Registration for exams occurs during October of that school year. Payment for exams happens in early November. The student will need to complete an Internal Assessment in the class (or as a separate project in the case of math), and then an external exam in May of that school year. The exams happen during the school day, so the student will need to prearrange their absence prior.
WHY should I take an IB Exam? Studies have shown that students who take a class where they know they will have an outside examination learn in a better and different way. Universities and Colleges acknowledge this and will reward students with a high enough score (usually a 5 on a 1-7 scale) on their IB exam with college credits. Please check the main IB website to check if your college gives credits for IB exams (see link below).