All students who are qualified for the IB Diploma Program will be automatically enrolled at the start of 11th grade.

IB Diploma Program - Pursuing an IB & BPCS Diploma

IB Course Program - Pursuing a BPCS diploma through IB Classes

Students must meet the qualifications listed below. If they meet those qualifications, entry to IBDP is required. Students with an extenuating circumstance can request an opt-out through their academic counselor for principal approval, but it should be noted that we only offer IB classes in 11th and 12th grade.

Qualifications:

● At the start of 11th grade, the student must have earned the following credits:

○ 4 English

○ 4 Global History

○ 1 Government

○ 1 Economics

○ 2 Algebra 2

○ 2 Living Environment

○ 2 Chemistry

● Additionally, they must have passed or earned Exemptions in at least 3 Regents exams (Algebra 1, Living Environment, and Global History)

11th & 12th Grade Program

● 6 IB Classes, as outlined in the

requirements on page 6

● Theory of Knowledge Class

● Participation in CAS and the Extended Essay

● Required to complete all Internal & External Assessments for each class

Students who do not meet qualifications for IBDP will be automatically enrolled in our BPCS program.

11th & 12th Grade Program of Study

● IB Language & Literature (English) and IB History of the Americas are required

● Students may take IB Spanish or Mandarin if appropriate, or may take Spanish levels 1-4 or Mandarin levels 2-4, if appropriate

● Students will take IB Math, unless they have not earned two credits in Algebra 2.

● Students will take IB Science, unless they have not earned two credits in Chemistry ● Students can opt to take an IB group 6 course or to take a study hall so long as they have met all other BPCS graduation requirements

● Theory of Knowledge

IB Course Candidates

Students do not need to enroll in the entire IBDP to take IB courses. IB courses in each subject area are available to all 11th and 12th grade students. Criteria for specific IB classes are detailed in the Course Description section of this catalog.

Students who enroll in an IB class as a Course Candidate, must complete the required hours of study, the Internal Assessment, and sit for the External Assessment at the completion of the course to receive an official IB certificate.

All students in IB courses will take a final exam during the IB exam period. Although it is highly recommended that all students enrolled in IB courses take the official IB External Assessment, students may opt to take an exam set by their BPCS teacher. Students who take this option will not receive an IB Certificate for the course.

Students pursuing an IB Diploma must complete a course in each of the following six IB Subject Groups. (Students who do not wish to pursue an Arts class may double up in another Subject Group.)

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature (English)

Group 2: Language Acquisition (World Language)

Group 3: Individuals and Societies (Humanities)

Group 4: Sciences

Group 5: Mathematics

Group 6: The Arts

At least three of these courses must be taken at the Higher Level (HL). Additionally, at least four courses, including all HL courses, must be studied over two years. Students who do not earn a 65% in year 1 of classes required for graduation may be asked to withdraw from the full Diploma Program. The IB mark for each course ranges from a 1-7 and is a combined score of both an internally-graded/ externally-moderated “Internal Assessment” and an externally-graded “External Assessment.” In addition to the 6 IB courses, students must complete Core Requirements, which include hours in CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service), an Extended Essay (EE), and an inquiry-based course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

To earn the IB Diploma, students must do the following:

➔ Earn a minimum of 24 total points

◆ At least 12 points from HL courses

◆ At least 9 points from SL courses

➔ Complete CAS requirements

➔ Earn at least a D in TOK and EE