Curriculum
To achieve an IB diploma, a student must take six subjects, one from each of the following groups: studies in language and literature, language acquisition (a second language), individuals and societies, mathematics, sciences and the arts. The arts course may be replaced by an elective from one of the previous groups, for example a second science course.
Three of these courses must be taken at the higher level (HL), comprising approximately 240 teacher-student contact hours. Three courses must be taken at the standard level (SL), comprising 150 teacher-student contact hours. (Nova Scotia curriculum courses require 110 teacher-student contact hours). Most subjects are taken over two years, but one standard level course may be completed in the Grade 11 year.
Students are also required to fulfill three additional requirements, which are the core of the IB program:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course – An interdisciplinary philosophical course, which stimulates critical reflection on ways of acquiring knowledge. TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives. Each student is required to produce a formal essay and an oral presentation on topics related to the course.
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) – In CAS, students will participate in creative programs, athletics and community service. This will include extracurricular activities offered at Halifax West. Service projects will benefit the school, local and international communities. These activities help students develop self-confidence, initiative, responsibility, concern for others and the ability to work cooperatively with other people. They also provide an important balance to the academic requirements of the IB program.
Extended Essay (EE) – In the extended essay, each student has the opportunity to conduct independent research into a topic of special interest to him or her. This essay is a good introduction to the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. On average, it will take the student 40 hours to prepare and write the extended essay of approximately 4,000 words.
Source IBO website: www.ibo.org
Courses Offered
The following is a summary of the IB Courses currently offered at Halifax West High School. IB Diploma Programme Subject Briefs are available by clicking on the name of the course.
IB Group 1 - Language A1
IB Group 2 - Second Language B
IB Group 3 - Individuals and Societies
History SL in French
IB Group 4 - Sciences
IB Group 5 - Mathematics
IB Group 6 - Arts or Elective
A second course from one of the subject groups, such as the sciences, may be substituted for the arts course
Possible IB Program for a Student Interested in the Humanities
English HL
French SL
History HL
Chemistry SL
Mathematics: applications and interpretation SL
Film HL
Possible IB Program for a Student Interested in Life Science
English HL
Spanish ab initio SL
History SL
Biology HL
Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL
Chemistry HL
Possible IB Program for a Student Interested in Physical Science
English HL or SL
French SL
History SL
Physics HL
Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL or HL
Chemistry HL
Possible IB Program for an Immersion Student Interested in Science
English HL or SL
French HL
History SL in French
Physics HL or Biology HL
Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL or HL
Chemistry SL
Possible IB Program for an Immersion Student Interested in the Humanities
English HL or SL
French HL
History SL in French
Chemistry SL
Mathematics: applications and interpretation
Film HL
IB Diploma Assessment and Graduation Requirements
The IB Diploma Programme has earned an international reputation for standardized, independent assessment standards. The assessment of IB courses includes a combination of internally assessed coursework and standardized examinations assessed by external examiners worldwide. Samples of coursework assessed internally by Halifax West teachers will be sent to independent outside experts, to ensure that international standards are met.
Each of the IB subjects is graded on a 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest) scale. To determine diploma eligibility the marks in each of the six subjects are totaled. The TOK and Extended Essay grades contribute up to three bonus points to a student’s total. In order to receive a Diploma, a student must receive a minimum of 24 points and complete the TOK, EE and CAS requirements.
The Nova Scotia Department of Education has determined that a student who fulfills the graduation requirements for an International Baccalaureate Diploma will also be awarded a Nova Scotia Graduation Diploma.