International Baccalaureatte

About the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)

In 1965, in Switzerland, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) set out to establish a program of studies that would assure quality educational standards for students studying in international schools throughout the world. Today the International Baccalaureate Program is offered at 3875 schools in 147 countries. The Curriculum and Assessment Center in Cardiff, Wales, is responsible for continuously updating the curriculum, developing examinations, assessing student work, training teachers, and evaluating the program with input from IB teachers worldwide.

The IB Program at Woodburn High School

The IB Program at Woodburn High is for academically able students who desire a curriculum that presents subject matter from a worldwide perspective. Students who are highly motivated and productive will benefit from this course of study. Students start the program in 11th grade. Students who complete the IB Diploma Program earn a high school diploma and the internationally recognized IB Diploma. Students who complete the IB Course Certificate Program earn an IB certificate. Students may earn college credit and advanced standing at institutions of higher learning throughout the world for receiving a score of 5 or higher on IB exams.

The six IB subjects areas and the courses offered at Woodburn High are:

• Language A (best language) – English A: Literature HL

• Language B (second modern language) – Russian and Spanish SL or HL

• Individuals and Societies – History of the Americas HL

• Experimental Sciences – Biology SL and Chemistry SL

• Mathematics – Math SL and Math Studies SL

• Arts and Electives – Visual Art HL or SL and Theatre Arts HL or SL

Preparatory and IB Curricula

To earn a diploma students take English, a foreign language, social studies, science, mathematics, and an elective. The IBO defines the IB student as one who is in either 11th or 12th grade. Thus, it is in the last two years of high school that students prepare specifically for the IB examinations and diploma requirements. Courses in the junior and senior years continue to stress content, writing skills, critical thinking, and the application of concepts in the six subject groups and in a Theory of Knowledge course, which stimulates critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom.

IB Diploma Requirements

To be eligible for the IB Diploma, students must meet the following requirements:

• Complete course work and IB examination requirements in three higher-level disciplines and in three standard-level disciplines selected from the six subject areas listed above.

• Write an extended essay (4,000 words) in one of the IB subject areas.

• Complete the Theory of Knowledge course.

• Complete approximately 150 hours of creativity, action, and community service activities.

For more information, please see the IB@WHS Student Handbook