Policy on Registration for External IB and AP Exams

In addition to the educational benefits and increased credibility of an externally assessed exam, it is important that JIS as an institution report accurately to universities the courses students have taken. The IB or AP designation is significant information and many universities assume that if the IB/AP course is listed on the transcript the external exam will be taken. Therefore, it is mandatory for all students enrolled in an IB or AP course to register for and sit the external exam in May.

Approximate costs for each program are approximately $160 per IB subject and $200 per AP subject. Registration occurs in October while payment occurs in November before the May session in which the student will sit the exam(s).  Changes or cancellations made to exam orders after the Nov 15 deadlines will result in additional fees.

If a student does not register for the external exam they may be required to move to a suitable alternative course at the end of the semester. If there is no such alternative and the student remains in the IB or AP course, the course title will be changed on the student’s transcript to remove the IB or AP designation. For example, “IB H2 Physics” would simply become “Physics.” Additionally, a student not sitting the external exam would be required to write a JIS year-end exam instead and submit any  additional projects as determined by the subject teacher. 

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (DP)

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) provides a rigorous university-level curriculum and assessment for courses in the final two years of high school.

IB Courses may be taken individually for IB Certificates or as part of the full IB Diploma Program (DP). The IB DP is widely recognized and highly respected by colleges and universities all around the world. Students who complete the IB Diploma Program or Courses/Certificates may be granted credit or allowed to take more advanced courses in many colleges and universities.

To earn an IB Diploma, a student must successfully complete the Core of the DP as well as the required distribution of Courses. The three elements of the IB DP Core are:

1. The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) component,

2. Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) experiences, and

3. The Extended Essay (EE).

The Course distribution requires one course each in the following Groups:

1. Studies in language and literature

2. Language acquisition

3. Individuals and societies

4. Science

5. Mathematics

6. The Arts (or a second course in one of the above groups)

Descriptions for each of the subjects on offer from the IB can be found on this link under "Diploma Program Subject briefs"

Three of these courses must be taken at the Higher Level (HL) and three at the Standard Level (SL). 

Four Higher Level courses: While typically not necessary for university entry, students at JIS can self-advocate for the right to take four HL courses rather than the standard three. Students choosing to exercise this right, should be aware that this is a significant increase in workload. 

JIS offers the following IB Courses in each Group (subject to sufficient enrolment). Courses are offered at both the HL and SL levels unless otherwise noted.

AP Capstone Diploma Program Courses

AP Seminar  (25101y)

One year – 1 credit

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: No prerequisite for students wishing to take AP Seminar in Grade 11 or 12; students wishing to take AP Seminar in Grade 10 must have recommendation from either G9 English or Social Studies teacher.

Note: G10 students can not take this course alongside AP Modern World History

AP Seminar is a college-level, skills-based course focused on student-directed research, writing and oral presentations. Students will explore a wide variety of source material of different types and disciplines. Students practice reading and analyzing a variety of sources, learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments; skills with immediate and long-term applicability for university and beyond. (Adapted from AP Resources at www.collegeboard.com).

AP Research  (25102y)

One year – 1 credit

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: AP Seminar

Building upon the fundamental research, writing and presentation skills forged in AP Seminar, AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question. Students further the skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address their research question. Students create and maintain a year-long portfolio that documents their ongoing reflections upon their process. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4000–5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation including a public oral defense. (Adapted from AP Resources at www.collegeboard.com).