What is IB?

WHAT IS IB?

As an IB World School, Vista High School provides students access to a wide range of challenging courses through the IB Diploma Program. The IB Diploma Program (DP) is an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepares 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 program, has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. (source: http://ibo.org/diploma/)

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY VHS STUDENT?

VHS IB classes offer students the following benefits:

• The IB Program is an international program that exists to provide a well-rounded and academically challenging curriculum to students throughout the world.

• The curriculum is taught from a global perspective.

• IB Examinations are based on international standards and evaluated by international educators. Students who pass the examinations typically receive college credit (specific requirements vary by institution)

• IB courses completed with a “C” or better earn a GPA bump.

• Students who take IB courses are more likely to be successful in college

• Students have the opportunity to receive an IB Diploma in addition to a VUSD Diploma.

IB CERTIFICATE

Students may earn certificates in one or multiple subjects they are strong in, or passionate about, by taking an IB class and exam. Most universities award credits or waive pre-requirements for receiving an IB certificate. Many VHS students have leveraged this to graduate early or attain multiple degrees.

IB DIPLOMA

For the college-bound student, there are few credentials that can match an IB Diploma. Even attempting an IB Diploma gives students a leg-up in the college admissions process. The International Baccalaureate Organization partners with universities and governments to help develop recognition policies and ensure students are recognized for the unique credentials they possess as an IB Diploma student.

To earn an IB Diploma, students must take and pass one course and exam from each of the six areas (groups) of study (3 higher level, and 3 standard level)  plus three additional requirements:

1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): an interdisciplinary course designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspective.

2. Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) project: integrates the six IB groups into real world service experience. It requires students to complete 150 hours of service over two years. Students’ projects have a lasting effect on the community, and some have spun their CAS project into national and international non-profit organizations.

3. Extended Essay (EE): offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest, and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected in college.

IB DIPLOMA FRAMEWORK

The IB Program has 6 areas (Groups) of study which lead to a well-rounded program:

• Primary Language (A1)

• Second Language

• Individuals and Society

• Science

• Mathematics

• The Arts

VHS offers courses in all of these areas. Students have the opportunity to take both Higher Level (HL) courses and Standard Level courses (SL) in IB. The Higher Level courses are often considered to be more difficult and demanding. To earn an IB Diploma, students must take 3 HL and 3 SL courses and exams in addition to TOK, CAS, and the EE.

Sample Schedule of IB Diploma Candidate (Business Focus)

Freshman Year Courses:  English 9 Honors, AP Human Geography, Lab Biology Honors, Spanish 1, Integrated 1, PE,  Visual/ Performing Art Elective, Flex/ Advisory

Sophomore Year Courses: English 10 Honors, AP European History, Honors Chemistry, Spanish 2, Integrated 2 MA, PE, Elective, Flex/ Advisory

Junior Year Courses: AP English Language, AP US History, IB Environmental Systems and Societies, Spanish 3, AP Precalculus, IB Business SL, Elective, Flex/ Advisory

Senior Year Courses: IB English Language and Literature HL, IB History of the Americas HL, IB Spanish SL, IB Math SL, IB Business HL, Free Period, Extended Essay/ CAS Support Flex/ Advisory

Sample Schedule of IB Diploma Candidate (Biology Focus)

Freshman Year Courses: English 9, AP Human Geography, Lab Biology Honors, Spanish 1, Integrated 2, PE, Visual/Performing Art Elective, Flex/ Advisory

Sophomore Year Courses: English 10, AP European History, Honors Chemistry, Spanish 2, Integrated 3, PE, Elective, Flex/ Advisory

Junior Year Courses: AP English Language, AP US History, AP Biology, Spanish 3, IB Math SL, IB Psychology, Elective, Flex/ Advisory

Senior Year Courses: IB English Language and Literature HL, IB History of the Americas HL, IB Spanish SL, AP Calculus, IB Biology HL, Free Period, Extended Essay/ CAS Support Flex