Understanding IB at Vandegrift High School
The IB Student
The IBDP is designed for highly motivated students who are intrinsically invested in their own learning. These students are driven to help others in the community and the world around them.
The Benefits of IB
IB requires extra work and a commitment to academic excellence, while allowing students to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities and clubs including band, athletics, drill team and many others!
Small class sizes allow for more tailored instruction and unique learning opportunities
The VHS IBDP offers the opportunity to bond and build long-term relationships with peers through shared learning experiences in "a school within a school" environment
The Advantages of IB
The IBDP is recognized and respected by leading universities throughout the U.S. and the world. The IB Diploma is a distinguishing factor in the college admissions process, and the curriculum's focus of writing and critical thinking prepares students for success in a university setting.
24 hours of college credit at Texas public universities is available with an IB Diploma (Texas Education Code [TEC] §51.968, 2005)
IB "At a Glance"
THE BASICS
3 HL + 3 SL + CORE
6 total IB courses required; one course each from group 1 - 5; can take a course from group 6, or can substitute a course from group 2, 3, or 4 to fulfill 6th course
3 (no more than 4) at the Higher Level (HL); all HL courses taught over 2 year period
3 (no fewer than 2) at the Standard Level (SL)
some SLs offered over 2 years, some offered in 1 year
can only take max of 2 SL exams junior year
THE CORE
COURSEWORK
ToK - Theory of Knowledge
spring JR yr, fall SR yr
Explore and reflect on the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing
OUTSIDE OF CLASSROOM DEVELOPMENT
EE - Extended Essay
(completed outside of class)
Student chosen topic - 4000-wd research paper
CAS - Creativity, Activity, and Service
Community leadership!
VHS IB COURSE OFFERINGS
Group 1: Language & Literature
English HL (automatic 2 yrs)
Group 3: Individuals & Society
History of the Americas (HOTA) HL
(automatic 2 yrs)
Can opt to test SL if needed
Must take HL to receive required GOVT credit
Psychology SL (1 yr)
Psychology HL
Group 5: Mathematics
Math: Analysis & Approaches SL (1 yr)
Math: Analysis & Approaches HL
Group 2: Language Acquisition (LOTE)
Spanish SL (1 or 2 yr option)
Spanish HL
French SL (2 yr)
French HL
Group 4: Sciences
Biology SL (1 yr) or HL (2 yr)
Chemistry SL (1 yr) or HL (2 yr)
Physics SL (2 year) or HL (2 yr)
Computer Science SL (1 yr) (comp. sci. 1 advanced pre-requisite)
Does not fulfill Texas graduation requirement for science
Group 6: The Arts/Electives
Dance SL (1 or 2 yr) or Dance HL (2 yr)
Music SL (2 yr) or Music HL (2 yr)
Visual Arts SL (2 yr) or Visual Arts HL (2 yr)
Theater SL (2 yr) or Theater HL (2 yr)
IB and AP
AP and IB Academic Pathways - Copy.pdf