AN IB EDUCATION
La Paz Community School is authorized to deliver the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, an internationally recognized pre-university qualification for students seeking a Global Coverage. Compared to AP classes, IB classes and assessments tend to involve more research, writing, and hands-on evaluation over rote learning and standardized tests. The content and skills of the IB Programs allow for our professional educators to teach higher order thinking skills through a meaningful curriculum aligned with the school's core values and principles.
IB LEARNER PROFILE
The IB Program helps individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.
APPROACHES TO LEARNING
An IB education enables students to “learn how to learn”. ATLs provide a common language for teachers and students to reflect and build on the process of learning.
"The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right."
IB PROGRAM AT LA PAZ
Over the course of 11th and 12th grade, the students will take 6 subjects, personalized according to their interests and level, and the three required components or core elements.
Group 1: Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Society
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts
IB Core: TOK, Extended Essay and CAS
Students are also given the incredible option to earn a Bilingual IB Diploma. This diploma is awarded to students who have successfully undertaken specific classes and requirements in a second language, such as: English and Spanish.
THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Classroom teachers and IB examiners work in partnership to ensure that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned and that they are able to communicate. A variety of assessment methods is used to acknowledge both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account differing learning styles and cultural patterns.
The three main components of Assessment
External examinations which are externally marked and each marker is moderated by a mark/remark method.
Tasks which are internally supervised with the guidance of the teacher over a period of time but marked by external examiners
Internal assessment where the candidate's work is marked by the teacher with this marking being subjected to external moderation. The teacher's marks may be adjusted so that international parity is maintained. All courses have an internally assessed component.
Specialized forms of assessment are used in subjects such as Visual Arts, Music and foreign languages.
Examinations tend to form the basis of the assessment for most courses because of their high levels of objectivity and reliability. Internally assessed work usually counts for a minimum of 20% and maximum of 50% of the final grade in a subject. The grading system used by IBO is criterion based, rather than norm referenced. This means there is no fixed percentage of each grade.
Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). Generally each assessment component is awarded marks. The total of the component marks are used to award the subject grade. In order to be awarded the diploma a student must meet defined standards and conditions, including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the three diploma requirements: TOK, the extended essay, and CAS activities. The maximum score of 45 includes three points for the combination of the extended essay and work in TOK.
CORE ELEMENTS
The core elements aim to broaden the students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
Reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.
CAS: CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE
Enhance your connection between self, community, family, and world by completing a project to improve the local community.
EXTENDED ESSAY
Conduct an independent, self-directed research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
PERSONALIZE YOUR EDUCATION
It doesn't matter if they want to be a scientist, a diplomat, an artist, or are drawn to another field entirely, an IB Diploma is highly customizable. In choosing the subjects, the students can emphasize their strengths and passions, and select classes that are novel and adventurous.
GROUP 1: Language and Literature
All La Paz students take Language and Literature in both Spanish and English. These courses expands what the definition of a 'text' is, either literary or non-literary. It allows the student to explore language through its cultural development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature.
Through each course, students will develop:
A personal appreciation of language and literature
Skills in literary criticism using a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres
An understanding of the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts
Strong powers of expression, both written and oral
An appreciation of cultural differences in comparative perspective
An understanding of how language challenges and sustains ways of thinking.
English Language and Lit Presentation!.webmVideo Español A.mp4GROUP 2: Language Acquisition (Pamoja)
The emphasis of the modern language courses is on the acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and purposes while promoting an understanding of another culture through the study of its language.
Students’ can choose from a wide variety of language courses available online, according to their interest and experience:
Language level B: Intended for students who have had some previous experience of learning the language. Each language may be studied at either SL or HL.
Language ab initio: Intended for students who have very little or no experience with the language.
GROUP 3: Individuals and Societies
All La Paz students take Business Management (SL or HL), and they can also choose between Global Politics (SL or HL) or Visual Arts (SL or HL).
These courses provide for the development of a critical appreciation of:
Human experience and behavior
The varieties of physical, economic, and social environments that people inhabit
The history of social and cultural institutions
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT: The course is designed to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of Business Management theories, as well as their ability to apply a range of tools and techniques to real life situations. Students learn to analyze, discuss, and evaluate business activities of organizations from all sectors at the different socio-cultural and economic contexts in which they operate.
GlobalPolitics.mp4GLOBAL POLITICS: The course emphasizes themes of power, sovereignty and international relations, human rights, peace and conflict, and development. Students are expected to conduct research and become politically involved with an issue they are passionate about aligned to the ethical guidelines outlined by the IB.
GROUP 4: Sciences
Students can choose between Biology SL and HL.
BIOLOGY: The sciences are taught practically. Students have opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyze results, collaborate with peers, and evaluate and communicate their findings. The investigations may be laboratory based or they may make use of simulations and databases. Students develop the skills to work independently on their own design, but also collegiately, including collaboration with schools in different regions, to mirror the way in which scientific research is conducted in the wider community.
IB Biology.mp4GROUP 5: Mathematics
Students can choose between Applications and Interpretations (SL and HL) and Analysis and Approaches (SL and HL).
These courses aim to enable students to:
Develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles
Develop logical, critical and creative thinking
Employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization
APPLICATIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS (SL and HL): The course is designed for students who enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics. Those who are interested in harnessing the power of technology, alongside exploring models and enjoying the more practical side of mathematics. Topics include: number and algebra, sets, logic, probability, functions (including trigonometric functions), solid geometry, statistics (up to hypothesis testing), financial mathematics, and introductory differential calculus.
ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES (SL and HL): The course is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in Mathematics or subjects with a large mathematical content at university. It is for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications, with and without technology.
GROUP 6: The Arts
Students can choose Visual Arts SL and HL. They may also select Visual Arts in combination with a second subject in Group 3.
VISUAL ARTS: The course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with, and reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media.
portafolio (1).pdf"Highly selective institutions like Stanford perceive IB students as strongly prepared, capable, ready to take on the challenges of the curriculum that we offer. When we see an IB student's application, we light up."
–Debra Von Bargen, Assistant Dean of Admission at Stanford University
IB and College