Welcome to the I.B. @ Mac.Rob!
This portal page is designed for Year 10 students considering the I.B. Diploma as a course of study in their Senior Years. Year 9 students interested in learning more about pathways at Mac.Rob are also welcome to browse its contents.
The I.B. Diploma Programme (DP) is offered at Mac.Rob as an alternate course of study to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Students who elect to enrol in the I.B. Diploma at Mac.Rob complete the I.B. programme in Years 11 and 12 instead of the VCE.
If you would like more information about the I.B. Diploma, please contact Mr. Shungo Sawaki, the I.B. Coordinator; Ms. Shreya Rowe, the I.B. Administrator; or Ms. Amber Munro, the Careers & Pathways Leader.
What is the I.B. Diploma?
The International Baccalaureate (I.B.) is an internationally recognised programme of education for students in Years 11 and 12. Recognising service and the importance of a holistic approach to student learning and development, the programme offers a broad, personalised “learner-centred” education, fostering international understanding and preparing students for life beyond school.
In Year 11, students undertake Year 1 of the I.B. Diploma.
In Year 12, students undertake Year 2 of the I.B. Diploma.
The I.B. Diploma is a rewarding alternative to VCE, and provides equally viable pathways to higher learning. There is no detriment to students pursuing the I.B. over the VCE.
I.B. Diploma Curriculum
The I.B. Core Curriculum comprises three components: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). All three are compulsory requirements of the course, and all students must take them.
To satisfy the Diploma requirements students, are required to also complete six subjects of study. Students must select one subject from each of six subject Groups:
Language and Literature: Subjects in this group aim to develop a student’s lifelong interest in language and literature, and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression.
Language Acquisition: Subjects in this group focus on the acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes while, at the same time, promoting an understanding of another culture through the study of its language.
Individuals and Societies: Subjects in this group support students in developing a critical appreciation of human experience and behaviour.
Sciences: Subjects in this group explore concepts, theories, models and techniques that underpin each subject area and the scientific method.
Mathematics: Subjects in this group develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles.
The Arts: Subjects in this group foster critical, reflective and informed practice, help students understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts, explore the diversity of arts across time, place and cultures, and express themselves with confidence and competence.
In addition to selecting six subjects of study, all students must study three subjects at the standard level (SL) and three subjects at the higher level (HL). Not all subjects are offered at the Higher Level.
I.B. Subjects at Mac.Rob:
Language and Literature
Literature and Performance
French
Japanese
History
Psychology
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations
Visual Arts
Theatre
Music
Is the I.B. right for me?
The International Baccalaureate 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 organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
The I.B. programme encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
The I.B. Diploma embodies the Mac.Rob value of “growth”, and is an academically challenging and balanced programme for senior students. It embraces a particular type of learning and educational structure that is best suited to students who are self-motivated, have strong time management skills, and are comfortable approaching and solving open-ended tasks.
The I.B. Diploma challenges students to excel not only in their studies but also in their personal growth.
Students best suited to the I.B. are:
Self-motivated, and don't require explicit direction to start and complete tasks.
Good time managers, and are able to manage their study, work, and rest time effectively.
Comfortable approaching open-ended tasks that may have many different ways of solving them.
Stimulated by challenges and are comfortable learning new things.
 Invested in their personal growth as both learners and citizens of the world.
How to enrol in the I.B. @ Mac.Rob | 6 Easy Steps.
STEP 1.
Visit the I.B. @ Mac.Rob pages on the Portals.
Year 9 and 10 students and families are encouraged to visit the I.B. page of the Student and Family Portals, where they can learn all about the I.B. Diploma programme, what it involves, and how to enrol. Families should make sure that they explore the I.B. Handbook thoroughly for information about the curriculum, check the timeline for important enrolment dates and deadlines, and make sure their child makes a time to speak with an I.B. Champion so that they can hear first-hand what it's like to experience the I.B. from the perspective of a student and a teacher.
STEP 2.
Attend the I.B. @ Mac.Rob Information Night.
Year 9 and 10 students interested in pursuing the I.B. Diploma as an alternative to their VCE course of study are invited to attend the I.B. Information Night with their family. The Information Night, held in Term 1 each year, is an opportunity to learn more about the I.B. Diploma, including what the course of study looks like and how it compares to the VCE. Attendees will also be able to hear the experiences of students currently undertaking the Diploma, and speak to coordinating I.B. staff. This event is open to all Mac.Rob students interested in undertaking the I.B., but students in Year 10 are particularly encouraged to attend.
If families cannot attend this Information Night, they can watch a recording of the session and view the presentation slides (linked below).
I.B.@Mac.Rob Info Night
Year 1 in 2025
__________
Thursday, February 29th, 2024
5:00pm - 6:00pm
in the Mac.Rob Theatre
STEP 3.
Book a time to speak with an IB Champion.
Year 10 students interested in undertaking the I.B. are invited to speak with one of Mac.Rob's “I.B. Champions” - an I.B. teacher, current student, or recent programme alumni. This is an informal chat, where they will have the opportunity to clarify any of the information provided at the Information Night.
Teaching I.B. Champions: Mr. Sam Crocket, Mr. Shungo Sawaki, Ms. Shreya Rowe, Mr. Miguel Regalo, Ms. Stephanie Ruth, and Ms. Michelle Pride.
Student I.B. Champions: Danielle Bernardo (Year 12) and Maggie Umbach (Year 12).
I.B. Champions available:
March - April, 2024
STEP 4.
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) Form.
Year 10 students who wish to be considered for Year 1 enrolment in the I.B. Diploma for the following year are required to submit an expression of interest form. Submitting this form indicates to us that they are considering enrolling in the Diploma, and will assist the I.B. coordinators in planning next year's course of study.
Please be aware that the EOI is not a commitment to join the I.B., and does not guarantee your child acceptance into the Diploma. It is important that students complete this EOI by the due date to be considered for intake in the following year.
EOI forms are due:
Friday, May 24th, 2024
STEP 5.
Discuss your child's course of study with an I.B. supervisor.
Once your child's EOI has been received, they will meet with their I.B. supervisor to discuss their suitability for the programme, their proposed course of study, and their future pathway plans. This is an opportunity for students and families to carefully consider the student's learning needs, the educational model provided under the I.B., and whether the program is the right choice for them.
Counselling takes place:
June, 2024
STEP 6.
Finalise your child's Diploma Enrolment Application.
If you, your child, and their course supervisor are satisfied that the I.B. Diploma is the right fit for them, they will be asked to finalise their enrolment application to enrol in the programme. Once this has been submitted, your child will then be officially accepted into the I.B. Diploma for the following year - congratulations!
Once your child's enrolment is confirmed, they'll have the opportunity to select their subjects, and prepare to transition to Year 1 of the I.B. program in Year 11.
Enrolments and subjects are finalised for Year 1 in 2025:
July, 2024
Student Resources
Information Sessions & Videos.
I.B. @ Mac.Rob | Information Night
This Information session is for Year 10 students and families interested in pursuing the I.B. Diploma as an alternative to their VCE course of study in 2025.
In this session recording, learn more about the I.B. Diploma programme, what it involves, and how it compares to the VCE, as well as to hear the experiences of students currently undertaking the Diploma.
Topics covered include:
Acknowledgement of Country | Student MCs
Principal's Welcome | Sue Harrap, Principal
I.B. Values & Vision at Mac.Rob | Samuel Crocket, AP
I.B. Pathways | Tarsha Mautone, Careers Coordinator
I.B. Programme Entry Steps | Shungo Sawaki, I.B. Coordinator
FAQ & Experiences | I.B. Student Speakers
Questions | Samuel Crocket & Mr. Shungo Sawaki
The slide deck from the Information Night, which contains a number of live links to Portals and external websites, is also available to view.
Handbooks & Policies.
IB HandbookI.B. Diploma Handbook
IB Subjects at MacrobIB Subjects at Mac.Rob
CAS HandbookCAS Handbook
Extended Essay HandbookExtended Essay Handbook
Year 10 Assembly | Key I.B. Information (Shared)Year 10 Assembly | I.B. Info
IB Diploma - Australian Post-Secondary Summary 2024.pdfI.B. Diploma Results | 2024
The official I.B. website is a valuable source of information for students looking to learn more about the international benefits of the I.B. Diploma.