IB Diploma vs IB Course Candidates

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is an academic program designed to help you prepare for college by exposing you to advanced coursework with an international perspective in multiple subject areas. Sole responsibility of operating the school and the implementation and quality of teaching the IB program rests with John W. North High School. We have IB courses in English, Spanish, Chinese (through class of 2027), History, Economics, Math (3 levels), Chemistry, Biology, Theater, Vocal Music, and Instrumental Music.  The courses help you become a balanced learner and will challenge you by making you think and reflect critically, care about your community, and engage collaboratively with your peers. There are end of course exams that you can take (similar to AP, but the exams are structured a bit differently) that can allow you to earn college credits.  The award of the IB diploma and IB Diploma Program course results is the sole prerogative of the IB and not the school.  The exams are scored on a 1-7 scale, with a 4 being a passing score.  Most colleges and universities will grant credits for passing scores on exams, and some may require a minimum score of a 5 on Higher Level exams to receive credit in a particular subject area. You can typically see how a college awards credits for both AP and IB exam scores on their websites.  There is normally a search feature that can help you see their policies.

IB courses do not begin until 11th grade. The 9th and 10th grade courses help you meet high school graduation requirements and college entrance requirements.  They also help you get ready for the IB courses you want to take. There are two options for participating in the IB program at North in 11th/12th grades: the IB Diploma or IB Course(s)/Certificate. See the handout or video that details the diploma vs certificate route and ask questions if you are unsure what might be best for you!  Generally, IB students should be earning good grades in their academic courses in 9th and 10th grade in order to be on target for success in the IB courses in 11th and 12th grades. If you are taking honors or AP classes now, you are likely set up to take one or more IB courses in 11th and/or 12th grades.

You can be an IB student and also be in AVID or in student government or in theater, band, a sport, etc. The IB Diploma can also be done while being in AVID or a sport, etc., but you typically will only have room for one elective during the junior and senior year as a diploma candidate. So, you cannot be a diploma candidate and take USL + a sport period during the day + AVID... you probably will have to just choose one in addition to the IB Diploma. If you are in an academy, then you cannot be an IB Diploma candidate, but you can participate in one or possibly two IB courses during 11th and/or 12th grades.

If you attend North HS on a transfer for participation in IB, then you MUST take at least one IB course during your junior/senior year. This can be ANY of the subject areas (English, Math, Economics, History, Music, Theatre, Spanish, Chinese, Chemistry, Biology). 

IB Diploma

 IB Courses

IB DIPLOMA COURSES PROGRAM

Students may participate in International Baccalaureate even though they are not interested in earning the full Diploma.  The IB diploma courses program (certificate program option) allows students to select one or more areas of study based on their interests and abilities.  After taking an appropriate course(s), students take the IB examination(s) and receive a certificate(s) based on their performance.  Course candidates do not have to write an extended essay, meet the CAS requirement, or take the Theory of Knowledge course. This is ideal for students who want a challenging academic experience but also wish to devote a great deal of time to a job, athletics, music, or other interests.  This program also meets the needs of students who are stronger in some subject areas than in others.  Universities have varying policies regarding the awarding of credits for successful completion of IB exams and the IB Diploma (see their websites for more specific information). Generally, the IB Diploma is regarded as the most challenging pathway available to a high school student.  Completing one or more IB courses/exams is similar to completing one or more AP courses/exams.

IB courses are available in all subject areas offered for the IB Diploma: English HL, Spanish SL, Chinese SL (through class of 2027), Economics SL, Biology SL/HL, Chemistry SL/HL, Math Applications and Interpretation SL, AP Calculus/Math Analysis Approaches SL, Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL, Theater SL/HL, Music SL/HL (instrumental or vocal music)

IB Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled: They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded: They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring: They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others.  They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers: They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced: They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007