IB Diploma Programme
    
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| Frequently
Asked Questions |
Contrary
to popular belief, IB students are not selected solely on marks. A
successful IB student is one who: can work independently, is a good
student, has a desire to learn, has varied interests, and has the stamina
to stand up to a rigorous academic program. What
is the IB Learner Profile? What
are the advantages of enrolling in an IB Programme? Students who have completed the IB Programme have commented that this program has provided them with the skills necessary for success at the post secondary level. IB Diploma graduates possess a willingness to learn, enhanced research and time management skills, and an increased level of global awareness. The IBO uses a variety of phrases to describe these traits and abilities: “learning how to learn”; “life-long learners”; “critical and compassionate thinkers”; and “informed participants in local and world affairs”. Will
IB allow me to be accepted into university or college programs? Colleges
and universities readily accept students who have performed well in their
examinations. Many colleges and universities have developed their own
recognition policies which include the provision of scholarships for IB
graduates. Also, many campuses provide credit for IB courses. For example,
St. Mary’s University provides diploma graduates with 30 hours advanced
credit (a full year) on the basis of a 30 point score on their overall IB
Diploma. See http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/
for further details on individual campuses. IB assessment standards are internationally established and are consistent from year to year. Students are assessed both internally and externally. Internal assessments generally account for 20%-50% of a final grade, depending upon the subject. Students are assessed externally following the two year teaching period. Also, there are common external assessments for TOK students. The internal assessments are different for each course and the percentage allotted is different for each course. Students
are scored on a 1-7 scale in each of their six subjects with a further 3
points available based on completion of TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS.
A minimum of 24 points must be achieved for the IB diploma. Students write
IB exams in May and exam results are available in early July. If
I am accepted into the IB Diploma Programme, do I have to stay in it? No.
There will be specific exit points for students should they choose
to leave the program within the two years.
Credit will be awarded for successful completion of IB courses. Yes.
The amount will depend on the number of courses you take. The challenge is in the quality of the
assignments and the extent to which students engage those assignments. Time
management is a key component to success in this program. The nature
of the homework emphasizes the development of independent and critical
thinking skills. Will
I have time to participate in extracurricular activities? Yes. Involvement in other activities such as sports, student government, clubs, theater, music, community events, is at the heart of the IB philosophy. Such activities are incorporated into the Diploma Programme through the “CAS” (Creativity, Action and Service) component. |