High School Course GuideHigh School Course Guide
2019-2020

IB Logo IB Programme at ISB

Approaches to Learning in IB

ISB offers its students the opportunity to earn a second diploma, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year pre-university education. It involves rigorous academic studies and promotes international-mindedness and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with people from other cultures. Students who do not wish to complete the full IB Diploma Programme are able to enroll in one or more IB courses, each of which receives recognition from IB upon successful completion and contribute to the ISB school Diploma.

The nonprofit IB Organization, founded in the 1960s, grew out of international school efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entrance credentials for geographically mobile students. Beyond these practical considerations, IB programmes promote the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth through all domains of knowledge. The attributes of the IB learner profile express the values inherent to the IB continuum of international education. IB learners strive to be: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk takers, balanced, and reflective.

Full Diploma or Separate IB Courses ?

What is the Difference ?

IB Programme

Full Diploma Candidates IB Course Candidates
Study six subjects:
  • one from each group 1-6;
  • three of which are studies at higher level (HL) and three at standard level (SL). Exceptions may only be made upon application.

Students can study one or more IB subjects, either at higher level (HL) or standard level (SL), as a part of their normal high school program.

All Grade 11 and 12 students may take a maximum of three HL classes. AP classes and PreCalculus count as the equivalent of an HL class for the purpose of enrolment.
Compulsory participation in the ‘core’ of the program:
  • Theory of Knowledge course (TOK)
  • Creativity, Activity & Service programme (CAS)
  • Extended Essay (EE)

Students may also elect to take one or more of the core elements: TOK, CAS and EE.

TOK: sign up on the course selection sheet.
CAS: sign up with the CAS coordinators, Ms. Fournier or Ms. Rueth, by semester one course add/drop deadline
EE: sign up with the EE coordinator, Ms. McRoberts, by semester one course add/drop deadline. (Most IB Core Classes will need to be attended)

Please note: All Core signups (TOK/EE/CAS) for students who are not full diploma are subject to availability.

Students are advised to discuss these options carefully with their counselor, teachers and parents. The IB coordinator is also available for further advice.

All students who study IB courses at the School are required to participate in all IB assessments, including the final exams.

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