SHS IB Diploma Programme Regulations
Please note that all referenced documents and links are available on the SHS IB Diploma Programme website (open to all) and in the IB Testing Google Classroom (current testing students only.)
The IB Programme at Sumner High School offers a comprehensive rigorous course of study designed to prepare students for a quality and fulfilling university education. The primary objective of the IB Program is to provide students with a balanced, integrated curriculum in all academic areas. The Sumner High School IB Team is fully committed to supporting students throughout their experience, recognizing that they are stepping up to an academic challenge that requires a high level of commitment.
Students who excel in the IB Diploma Programme demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and develop the discipline necessary to succeed in college. The student who elects this course of study is responsible for the commitment made to its rigors and to personal accountability and self-sufficiency. It is essential that both parents and students are fully aware of the workload this program requires of them. All parties must recognize that IB is an academic commitment with real consequences in terms of time, effort, and focus. The rewards will be apparent: the IB mission of “Education for Life” describes a program that develops responsibility, creativity, and character. It also develops, and requires, commitment. IB Diploma candidates can play sports, but rarely all three seasons. They can work part-time, but they must use discretion. They can and should pursue those hobbies and interests outside of school that enrich adolescence. The key is balance. Please help your child stay on an even keel, provide perspective and a patient ear as your student works through the program. You will see remarkable growth.
Questions of any kind are welcome and can be addressed to Monica Swigart, SHS IB Diploma Programme Coordinator. Monica_Swigart@sumnersd.org or 253.891.5500 ext. 561.
Students: Please initial by each statement indicating that you have read and understand the statement.
Commitment to the programme:
____ I recognize that registering for an IB course is a year-long contract. I recognize that I will be challenged and am committed to accepting that challenge, and that IB classes will require daily homework preparation and a commitment to focused learning at a rapid pace.
Late work:
____ I understand that timeliness is particularly important in IB classes due to the pace of instruction and that no assignments will be accepted after the assessment related to that assignment has been administered, at a maximum grade of 70-75% (at teacher discretion,) or meeting standard, as implicit in exceeding standard is an expectation of timeliness.
Internal Assessments:
____ I recognize that I must submit in good faith all Internal Assessments in order to earn a score for any given IB course.
Required Components:
____ I recognize that I must submit all required components for any given IB course in order to earn a score for that course. These components range from site-based External Assessments like the English Written Assignment to the Portfolio for Film or Art.
Excellent Attendance:
____ I recognize that the code of conduct within all IB classes is comparable to college level expectations: excellent attendance, high productivity and respectful and consistent support of others throughout the learning process. Students with absences greater than 10 in a semester may be transferred to an online course with advanced classes designed for students who are unable to attend class regularly.
____ I am aware that excellent attendance during the spring prior to examinations is particularly important, as candidates who do not fully participate in review sessions consistently have not earned the IB Diploma.
Academic Honesty:
____ I recognize that per the SHS IB Honor Code, cheating of any kind will result in loss of opportunity to take IB examinations, and may result in removal from the program and notification to the IBO. All IB internal assessments and significant written assignments (teacher designated) require a Turnitin.com plagiarism report to be submitted with the assignment. Ask in the Writing Center if you need help uploading your assignment.
Fees and costs:
____ I recognize that there are fees associated with sitting for the IB examinations which enable the student to earn college credit for their courses. Sitting for IB examinations is optional, but are required by colleges in order to receive college credit. Costs currently include a one-time $164 registration fee and subject area examination fees of $113.00 per exam for the May 2015 examination session.
____ I understand that once I have registered for an IB exam, I am responsible for the associated fees, WHETHER OR NOT I SIT FOR THE EXAM, as a signed promissory note is required for a payment plan.
____ I recognize that eligibility for a reduced fee is available if I am eligible for free and reduced lunch. However, I must sit for the registered exam in order to receive the reduced fee.
____ I recognize that IB examinations cannot be rescheduled. The only exception to that is if I am participating in a competition at an international level.
FULL DIPLOMA STUDENTS ONLY
CAS
____ As a Full Diploma candidate I recognize that CAS is an integral part of earning the IB Diploma and that all CAS components must be completed in order to earn the Full Diploma, i.e., at least 150 hours of documented extra-curricular activities in creativity, action, and service, with at least one significant collaborative project that is sustainable, of a significant duration and addresses at least two of the three CAS components. I understand that CAS activities and reflection are submitted through ManageBac.com, a record-keeping site. I further understand that I am held accountable to CAS benchmarks through my advisory grades as CAS is a required component to meet the Washington culminating portfolio graduation requirement. Questions can be addressed to Mrs. Peters, CAS Coordinator
Extended Essay
____ As a Full Diploma candidate I recognize that I must independently complete a significant research project/paper in order to earn the Full Diploma. I understand I will be guided through the research process in advisory and I will be held accountable to benchmarks through advisory grades. The EE process begins in the junior year, with research instruction and time for the research process. I understand I am required to have a final, documented meeting with my EE supervisors, turn in a bibliography (list of sources) and an outline in order to earn a passing grade for junior year advisory. Questions can be addressed to Mrs. Gosselin, EE Coordinator.
Theory of Knowledge
____ As a Full Diploma candidate I recognize that completing the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is a requirement for completing the Full Diploma. The TOK class meets weekly for a 90 minute seminar. I understand that I may miss only a maximum of three classes a year. Questions can be addressed to Mr. Slater, TOK Instructor.
Earning the Diploma
____ I recognize that in order to earn the IB Diploma, I must earn a total of 24 points with no score of 1, no more than two 2s with at least 12 points coming from my HL courses. I further understand that I must not earn an N (non-submission) for anything and I must pass the EE and TOK with at least a D.
Maintaining Full-diploma Status
____ I recognize that per RCW 28A.230.122, in order to pursue the IB Diploma, I may waive certain classes that would otherwise be required for graduation. These waivers can only be granted to me if I pass all of my IB courses, submit and pass all of my Internal Assessments, submit all required components for each course, and sit for for my exams in May of the testing year.
____ I recognize that detailed information about maintaining my full-diploma status at SHS is fully explained in the document Compliance at SHS with RCW 28A.230.122https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BMHewxku57TDKWjUG7D6nZ6c0jM6l24JTU_DLaK4oNg/edit
Fine Art Credit
____ As a Full Diploma candidate I recognize that even though a fine art credit is not needed for high school graduation, a fine art credit is usually required for 4-year college admission and must be earned before June of the senior year.
IBO General Regulations
____ Please indicate receipt of the IBO General Regulations which are reviewed annually in advisory
class. These regulations are posted on our SHS IB website at
______________________________________ __________________________________
Student name: printed Student signature
_______________________________________ __________________________________
Parent Name and Signature Date