Palo Verde International Baccalaureate

Palo Verde: An International Baccalaureate School

Here at our school, we are proud to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for our students.

Welcome to International Baccalaureate!

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepare students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme, has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.

What is IB?

● An internationally recognized program.

● A high-quality curriculum that aims to encourage critical thinking by the study of traditional disciplines while encouraging an international perspective.

● A program designed for the academically motivated student who can function across the curriculum and who has learned to manage time well.

Why do IB?

● It offers academic breadth AND depth,

● Creates independent thinkers who feel prepared,

● A genuinely international qualification,

● Universities recognize it – and give credit for it,

● IB encourages critical thinking,

● Assesses more than examination techniques,

●IB leaners are: open-minded, risk-takers, communicators, thinkers, inquirers, balanced, knowledgeable, reflective, caring, and principled

The IB Learner Profile

Inquirers: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research

Knowledgable: We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines.

Thinkers: We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems.

Communicators: We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways.

Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice.

Open Minded: We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others.

Caring: We show empathy, compassion and respect.

Risk Takers: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies.

Balanced: We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others.

Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience.

The Diploma Programme Consists of 6 Major Groups

Group 1: Language and Literature

Through studies in language and literature, the DP aims to develop a student's lifelong interest in language and literature, and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression.

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Language B courses are intended for students who have had some previous experience of learning the language. They may be studied at either higher level or standard level. Students must choose ONE language.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Studying any one of these subjects provides for the development of a critical appreciation of human experience and behavior and the varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit. History of the Americas and Government are required, while Global Politics is an IB elective.

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Students explore the concepts, theories, models and techniques that underpin each subject area and through these develop their understanding of the scientific method. Traditionally, students at Palo take Biology junior year to satisfy their IB science credit, while some students choose to take Chemistry senior year.

Group 5: Mathematics

The aims of these courses are to enable students to develop mathematical knowledge, concepts and principles, develop logical, critical and creative thinking, and employ and refine their powers of abstraction and generalization. Analysis and Approaches is recommended for students with strong Algebra II skills and an interest in mathematics and sciences after high school, while Applications and Interpretation is for students who have Geometry skills, are more less interested in pursuing mathematics.

Group 6: The Arts

The subjects in the arts allow a high degree of adaptability to different cultural contexts. The emphasis is on creativity in the context of disciplined, practical research into the relevant genres. Visual Arts 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.

The Extended Essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students.

Read about the extended essay in greater detail.

Theory of Knowledge

Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an oral presentation and a 1,600 word essay.

It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.

TOK is part of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, and is mandatory for all students.

Learn more about theory of knowledge. You can also find examples of TOK essay titles and read about how the IB sets deadlines for TOK.

Eric Lo,

Junior Class Representative

"IB has really meant a lot to me as it has helped me build a foundation for my future success. The program has enabled me to be confident in taking on new challenges and understanding my different strengths which have helped me become a better person. It has opened me up to a world of possibilities which is amazing!"

Madison Dwyer,

Junior Class Representative

"IB has inspired me to constantly be challenging myself to try something new. The program encourages you to not only study the details of each subject, but to really understand the big picture of a globalized world. It takes learning to a whole new level, which is incredible!"

Dexter Lim, IB

Senior Council President

What I appreciate most about the program is meeting those who are a part of it. When you’re in the same classes with the same people, you really get to forge some great connections. You’ll meet people from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life. Everyone is their own individual, but you really get to see that in an IB environment as opposed to other classes where you have maybe one or two periods together. By the end of year one you aren’t a class anymore, you’re a family. And that camaraderie is just as beneficial as the time management, presentation skills, and creative problem solving that you’ll learn as well.

Jordyn Selznick, Member of the Senior Class

"I enjoy IB because it not only challenges me as a learner but as an overall person. IB has showed me that with hard work comes patience, growing through the IB program has encouraged me to be a successful person, and I’m thankful for that experience."

Our Guidebook

IB Parent-Student Guidebook 2019-2020 .docx.pdf

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