Embedded Files
Throughout the program and all courses, there is a focus on the development of international mindedness, creativity, research, application, writing, inquiry, self-management, and collaborative skills, as is reinforced by the IB Mission, IB Learner Profile, and the IB Approaches to Teaching and Learning.
Emphasizing breadth of knowledge and depth of understanding, IB Diploma Programme students take IB courses in six disciplines in grades 11 and 12. Most of these courses take place across both years, but a few can be completed in one year. Three or four of these courses are at the Higher Level (HL), and two or three are at the Standard Level (SL). HL classes involve more time in class and opportunities for exploration, so students have the opportunity to emphasize their strengths and interests in the program they choose.
In addition to the six disciplines, students take an "IB Core" class in both years, which includes the following:
Studies in the Theory of Knowledge, which compares, contrasts, and links the six disciplines;
The Extended Essay, a 4000-word research paper on a topic chosen by the student; and
Reflection on multiple Creativity, Activity, and Service experiences, which carry learning from the classroom and into the world.
The IB Bilingual Diploma is an elevated credential for students who take two Language A courses, instead of a Language A and a Language B course, and fulfill all additional IB Programme requirements (history, math, science, Theory of Knowledge, etc.). For Broughton students, this opportunity is available for Spanish and Mandarin immersion students who take IB English A AND IB Spanish A/Mandarin A in grades 11 and 12. The IB Bilingual Diploma also is available for native speakers of other languages who choose to take the IB School Supported Self-Taught Independent Study in the relevant language. If you are a native speaker of a language other than Spanish, Mandarin, or English and are interested in this independent study option, please speak with one of the IB Coordinators. For more information about the IB Bilingual Diploma and other course options for immersion and multilingual students, please watch the video linked here.
Students earn weighted credit for each course designated as IB on their transcript. In some cases, the 11th grade courses will be an Honors or Academic course, and the 12th grade course will be designated as an IB course. Students also have room in their schedule for one or two additional courses per year, which could be graduation requirements or electives.
Courses and Faculty
The following are the IB course offerings and teachers at Broughton in 2024-25. Please click on the links to view the course descriptions. By the end of the second year of the program, students will have completed at least one course in each of the subject groups listed below, although IB Bilingual Diploma Candidates will complete two Group 1 courses instead of a Group 1 and a Group 2 course.
Group 1--Studies in Language and Literature
English HL, taken in grades 11 and 12 (Ms. Nichols, Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Matkins, and Ms. Troxler)
Guided Study Literature SL course for students whose first language is not available as a traditionally taught Group 1 course in the school (NOT English, Spanish, Mandarin) but is available as an independent study by the IB (most languages); recently studied languages include Swahili, French, Swedish, Slovak, and Danish (Dr. Brooks)
Spanish or Mandarin SL or HL, for immersion students or native speakers in grades 11 and 12 (Mr. Fernandez, Ms. Tzeng, Ms. Lee-Fitzgerald)
Group 2--Language Acquisition, most commonly SL, taken in grades 11 and 12
French (Ms. Walden)
German (Mr. Reinhardt)
Spanish (Ms. Drew)
Chinese (Ms. Lee-Fitzgerald)
Chinese ab initio (Ms. Lee-Fitzgerald)
Group 3--Individuals and Societies, 2-year HL or one-year SL
Global Politics SL (Mr. Katsanos)
History HL (History of the Americas) (Mr. Christian)
History SL (Mr. Elsaesser)
Psychology HL (Ms. Greene)
Psychology SL (Ms. Greene)
Business Management SL (Mr. Obaigbena)
Group 4--Natural Sciences, 2-year HL or one-year SL
Biology HL (Ms. Malach and Ms. Tyler)
Physics HL (Mr. Corsetti)
Environmental Systems and Societies SL (Mr. Stuart)
Chemistry SL (Dr. Carson)
Group 5--Mathematics
Math Applications SL (Ms. Yelverton)
Math Analysis SL (Ms. Cox)
Math curriculum pathways for Broughton students
Group 6--Arts and Other Electives; arts courses are for 2 years at either SL or HL
Dance HL (Ms. Graves)
Dance SL (Ms. Graves)
Film SL (Mr. Martin)
Music SL (Mr. Michalec and Ms. Harrison)
Music HL (Mr. Michalec and Ms. Harrison)
Theatre HL (Mr. Wade)
Theatre SL (Mr. Wade)
Visual Arts HL (Ms. Aker)
Visual Arts SL (Ms. Aker)
Instead of an arts course, students may choose their IB Group 6 course to be a second subject from groups 2, 3, or 4
IB Core
Theory of Knowledge (Ms. Register, Mr. Corsetti, and Mr. Quinn), taken in grades 11 and 12; the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service requirements are facilitated through the Theory of Knowledge course
Assessments
Performance Tasks
Classroom assessment in IB courses generally is based in student success as demonstrated through writing, speaking, research experiences, labs, and other performance-based tasks. The IB Organization establishes rubrics for each course that inspire students to develop knowledge of the material, practical capabilities, critical thinking and research skills, and expression of understanding.
Formal Examinations--Internal and External Assessments
IB examinations ("External Assessments") take place during the month of May, and students sit for exams at the end of each course, which is primarily during the senior year. Exams for each course provide some student choice over which topics to address and questions to answer, and they are designed to allow students to demonstrate what they know rather than penalizing them for what they may not know. Depending on the course, these exams count 70-80% of the IB score. The remaining portion of the score is determined by projects, labs, or portfolios developed throughout the year in conjunction with the classroom teacher. These projects and papers are called "Internal Assessments," and they are a hallmark of the program.
Validity and Reliability
One mark of the IB organization is that standards are set the same worldwide, and student work is assessed in accordance with these guidelines. This consistency is one reason the IB Diploma holds such credibility around the globe. Examiners are rigorously trained to evaluate student work carefully and accurately, and the IBO gives a great deal of attention to the reliability and validity of the testing program.
Earning an IB Diploma or IB Bilingual Diploma
Each subject is graded on a scale of one to seven. In order to earn the IB Diploma, a student must meet the defined standards of the program; successfully complete the Theory of Knowledge course, the Extended Essay, and the Creativity, Action, Service hours and journal; and earn a total of 24 points on examinations, including 12 from the HL courses. Students can also receive bonus points from their Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge work.
In order to earn an IB Bilingual Diploma, the student completes two Language A courses/exams instead of a Language A and a Language B course/exam. Students must earn a 3 (out of 7) on both language exams AND complete all other IB Diploma requirements (minimum number of HL courses, minimum overall exam points earned, completion of the IB Core, etc.).
Teachers work diligently with students to help in the completion of Internal Assessments and in the preparation for examinations, and Broughton students consistently perform well above national and international averages.
For more details regarding diploma passing requirements for the IB Diploma or the IB Bilingual Diploma, please consult this website.
Programme Policies
The following policies, as required by the IB, describe student, teacher, and school responsibilities and opportunities in regard to curriculum and instructional issues:
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