While most students choose to enter the full IB diploma program, it is possible to take just one or two IB courses if that is desired.
It is recommended that students entering the full IB diploma program as Juniors meet the following minimum guidelines.
Minimum 4.0 weighted academic GPA, (4.25 is considered highly qualified) (check this on Aeries)
An advanced level of work in at least three of the following subject areas: English (Honors), Social Science (Honors or AP), Science (Honors or AP), Math (Honors), World Language (defined as being at least two years ahead), or Visual Arts (defined as both taking a visual art AND showing promise in this area).
Have completed at least through French 2, Latin 2 or Spanish 2 by the end of Sophomore year (this is required to meet minimum language requirements by IB)
IB courses are in one of six groups. Listed within each group are the courses Foothill HS currently offers.
Group 1: Studies in Language & Literature
English Literature HL
Group 2: Language Acquisition
French HL/SL
Latin SL
Spanish HL/SL
Group 3: Individuals & Societies
Business Management SL (at IVC-case by case)
History of the Americas HL
Psychology SL
Environmental Systems & Societies SL
Group 4: Sciences
Biology HL
Chemistry SL
Environmental Systems & Societies SL
Computer Science SL (case by case)
Design Technology SL (case by case)
Group 5: Mathematics
Mathematics Analysis & Approaches HL/SL
Group 6: The Arts
Theater SL
Visual Arts HL/SL
Drawing and Painting
Visual Imagery
Students must complete the following to obtain the IB diploma
Complete 3 Higher Level courses and 3 Standard Level courses OR
Complete 4 Higher Level courses and 2 Standard Level courses
Complete one course each from Groups 1-5, and one additional course from either group 2, 3, 4 or 6.
Complete Creativity Activity Service (CAS) hours (120 hours total over 2 years)
Complete an Extended Essay on a topic of their choosing
Complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Note: Minimum score requirements also exist to obtain the diploma.
HL: Higher Level: These are 2 year courses taken during Junior and Senior year.
SL: Standard Level: These are 1 year courses taken during either Junior or Senior year.
Note: Regardless of level, course prerequisites do exist. For example, students must take Spanish 3 before taking Spanish SL.
Some courses at Foothill are also known by another name. These are listed below.
Spanish SL (AP Spanish Language)
Spanish HL (AP Spanish Literature)
History of the Americas HL1 (AP US History)
Psychology SL (AP Psychology)
Environmental Systems & Societies SL (AP Environmental Science)
Chemistry SL (AP Chemistry)
Math Analysis & Approaches HL1 (Pre-Calculus Honors OR AP Calculus)
Theater SL (Advanced Theater Arts)
Computer Science SL (complete the Computer Science pathway)
Design Technology SL (complete the Engineering pathway)