Is the IB Program Right for You?

Are you an 8th, 9th, or 10th grader? Are you thinking about your future at Kenmore West? Maybe the IB program is a good fit for you. The IB or the International Baccalaureate Program is one of many opportunities Kenmore West offers. In the IB program students are taught to be “internationally minded” and touch on many topics other courses do not study. 

The IB program is a two-year program that offers unique classes and course schedules. In the IB program, students will have a block schedule. This is where you have two periods of one class every other day, giving you the opportunity to get more done in one class and develop time management skills that will prove useful in college. In IB there are classes for every student. Each full-course IB student is required to take IB Literature, IB History, as well as TOK (Theory of Knowledge). Each student then gets the choice of what math course they would like to take between two course options that explore different areas of mathematics. Higher-level language classes are also offered for full diploma students. Options of electives are also offered: Physics, Theatre, or Art, as well as the option of two sciences, Biology and Environmental Systems and Society. A full-course student will also be required to complete an Extended Essay and a CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) project both of which allow a student a lot of creative liberties to pick a topic that interests them. It sounds like a lot, but we asked current IB students to tell us about their experience in the program.

Senior Vanessa Tarpy:

I took IB because I wanted to challenge myself. I knew it would be hard and I saw this firsthand from my senior friends who were taking it when I was in 10th grade. They were swamped with work, which isn't everyone’s ideal senior year. But I knew it aligned with everything I had been trying to find in higher-level classes as an underclassman. It kept a language in the schedule and it is an international program, which was and still is a huge part of my academic interests. Without IB and the new and complex topics we talk about in German, I wouldn’t be thinking of majoring in it or even taking a gap year and going there. I have met amazing people in IB that, to be honest, I already knew before, but IB helped me make deeper connections with these people and understand different opinions and perspectives. I also feel that with the size of the classes, which are generally small, they help to create a community. I know from the recent college tours I took that the small colleges I have been looking at strive to make those connections with students and teachers. I already feel like I am a step ahead because, with IB, we are always working together and having discussions with our peers and our teachers. Now, IB is very very hard. It is difficult just like AP classes. It will take a lot of time management and a lot of drive to see it through to the end. You don’t need to know everything you want to do or be a part of when you are a sophomore. I know there is a heavy dislike for IB from our school and it comes with a lot of preconceived notions. Many people hate on it because they hear about it a lot and they know it’s not for them, and that is completely fine! But I know a lot of people who could have pushed themselves to try the program and see how it was but were too scared because of all the opinions surrounding it. My advice would be that if you think IB is for you, just like AP might be for you, come and shadow a class! Sooner than later too! It could really open your mind to what IB might be like for you and what it offers. Kenmore West has some amazing programs that a lot of people overlook and IB is one of them.

Junior Evangelina Greenwood:

For me, this program is all about preparation. Preparing myself for college and the tough assignments, time management, and reflective skills. I feel that within the first quarter, I have learned how to expand my mindset of learning and skills in order to absorb information. I find comfort in my small classes and personalized learning, the environment provides a safe space to ask questions and start discussions. There is value in work ethic and being able to overcome topics that don’t come easy. There is a lot of work and many times I struggle to finish but, what I learn from those experiences drives me to want to comprehend the topics and succeed to a higher level. The engagement of my peers makes me excited to learn and tackle the obstacles. I would suggest this program to any student who wishes to extend their thoughts and knowledge. Going forward I am incredibly happy that I didn’t let the fear and intimidation of this program get in my way of joining. In every class, something sparks my interest and pushes me to become a better student. 

Senior Olivia Viana:

I am a current senior in the IB program and I have loved the opportunity to participate in this program. Not only do you have the opportunity to talk about more diverse topics but overall it is very project-based which I love. IB gives you an amazing chance to get closer to a group of students that you would have most likely not had many classes with. I have also found that I was able to build stronger bonds with my teachers. Not only have I learned so much in IB but I have also made so many countless memories and friends. In IB, I take Applications and Interpretations for my match class which I have found interesting because we are able to look at math from a more practical real-world view. I also take Spanish as my language which has helped me improve my comprehension and speaking skills so much. For my IB elective, I take IB theatre which teaches students about the technical aspects of theatre and how to go about different production elements as well as how the theatre we know now became what it is. For my science, I take Environmental Systems in Society or ESS which has taught me so much about the world I live in and my impact on it. Whenever anyone asks me if I would recommend IB I always essay a thousand percent it has benefited me so much.

No matter what grade you are in it is never too early to shadow. For more information go see Mrs.White in her Library Office or room 310.