Questions
1)  What is IB?
2)  Why IB?
3)  Who are the IB Coordinators and what do they do?
4)  What are the IB Assessments?
5)  What is unique about the IB program?
6)  What is the “typical” IB student profile?
7)  Can a student be in the IB Program and be in sports, music, or other extracurricular activities?
8)  How will students benefit from graduating from the IB program?
9)  Why did Inglemoor High School choose to offer the International Baccalaureate program?
10)  What are the requirements for acceptance into Inglemoor’s IB program?
11)  Can we enroll in Inglemoor’s IB program if we don’t live within Inglemoor’s attendance boundaries?
12)  How does Inglemoor’s IB program compare to other programs throughout the world?
13)  How do IB classes compare with AP classes?
14)  Is it possible to take an IB course in a particular subject area and take (and do well on) the AP exam in the same subject area?
15)  How much homework is involved in this program?
16)  If my son or daughter does not take a foreign language in middle school, will that be a problem?
17)  Why do we take the same foreign language for four years?
18)  Is it possible to take four subjects at Higher Level?
19)  How do students decide which courses to take?
20)  What does your GPA have to be in order to get the IB Diploma?
21)  Can I take two Higher Level science or math classes at the same time?
22)  How many CAS hours are required and when can I start getting them?
23)  When must IB CAS hours be completed?
24)  What major projects will there be in the IB program? How can I prepare for them?
25)  What is the Extended Essay and when is it due?
26)  Does the Extended Essay affect whether or not we get the IB diploma?
27)  Will information from TOK be on IB exams?
28)  What do colleges think of the IB program?
29)  How important is the IB Diploma to colleges when deciding whether or not to accept a student?
30)  How many credit hours for college do IB students typically earn?
31)  How do colleges compare IB students with B’s and C’s to traditional students with A’s and B’s? Is it better to have high grades in the traditional program or okay grades in IB?
32)  Why do we get our IB Diploma and test scores after we have already been accepted by universities? What’s the point?
33)  What kind of scholarships does IB give to students?
 
Answers
1)  Q What is IB?
A

International Baccalaureate has become a worldwide symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of the mastery of subject content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world. IB classes follow a curriculum created by educators from many countries, incorporating the best educational practices from a variety of school systems. The IB Curriculum has been recognized for its alignment with college and university readiness standards.


In June, 1996, Inglemoor completed a year-long application process to participate in the International Baccalaureate program. We received approval to begin our IB program in January, 1997.


IB courses are offered in all subject areas at Inglemoor High School. Students can participate in IB in two ways: as full diploma students or as certificate students. Only the most serious and highly motivated students participate in the full diploma program. These students have committed themselves to a unique endeavor, which demands the following:


·   Study in six required subject areas.

·   Three subjects, or a maximum of four, at the higher level and the rest at the standard level.  (Note:  Even the standard level courses are challenging and are taught at the pre-university level.)

·   Completion of a 4,000-word independent research project called the Extended Essay.

·   150 hours of participation in the fine arts, physical activity, and community service (the CAS requirement) outside of any course requirement

·   Study of the Theory of Knowledge, which explores relationships among disciplines and engages students in reflection and discussion on perspectives of life from different cultural, religious, and philosophical orientations.

·   Successful completion of all components of assessment in each subject area.


2)  Q Why IB?
A
IB courses provide students with the opportunity to do college level work that is measured against an international standard. There are studies that show that students taking one or more IB classes and assessments are twice as likely to graduate from college on time than those students that did not take college level classes. The feedback we have received from colleges and universities in the region has indicated that Inglemoor IB students arrive at college very well prepared.
3)  Q Who are the IB Coordinators and what do they do?
A

The IB Coordinators are Amy Monaghan and Chris McQueen. Both coordinators also teach IB History classes. Ms. Monaghan and Mr. McQueen work with students to design their IB Diploma schedules, register and administer the exams, coordinate the work of the IB Boosters to support the programs, and work to help teachers find the training and resources necessary to support the IB curriculum.

4)  Q What are the IB Assessments?
A
A student’s IB score is based on a compilation of scores earned through a variety of assessments. Every student enrolled in an IB class participates in this system through the internal assessments. These include oral commentaries, portfolios, projects, essays, and research projects. Students receive an Inglemoor grade as well as an IB grade for this work. IB grades and requested student work samples are submitted to IB examiners. This is done to moderate the teachers’ grading so as to be certain that our teachers are correctly using the IB grading standards and that our scores are aligned internationally. Many of the IB teachers use the IB grading rubrics in every course taught, IB or regular program. This has contributed to raising the overall academic standards at Inglemoor High School.

The final step in the assessment process is the final examinations, held in May each year. Once completed, we mail the exams to assigned examiners throughout the world. The IB examiners are experts in each subject area. These grades are put together with the other assessment components for the determination of the final grade, 1 (low) to 7 (high).

Students can take individual IB classes and earn a certificate of completion for each class (with a score of 4 or above) or can be IB diploma students, which is a 2 year program for juniors and seniors.

Courses are either standard level (one year of study, followed by the IB exam) or higher level (two years of study, followed by the IB exam). IB diploma students must take at least 3 higher level courses (a student takes either a standard level or higher level course and exam, but not both levels in the same subject). Students must earn at least 24 points (based on exam scores of 1 to 7 and their extended essay score) to receive an IB diploma. Only juniors and seniors are eligible to take IB exams. Only IB diploma students can take the Theory of Knowledge course.

The IB program at IHS has a strong support system, with our full-time IB Coordinator helping students manage their course selection, necessary paperwork, and serving as a sounding board and resource for all IB certificate and diploma students. The IHS IB Booster Club also supports all IHS IB students as they work toward their goals of earning IB certificates and diplomas.

Prospective IB diploma students do need to plan ahead because there are certain courses students need to take in 9th and 10th grades to prepare for the IB diploma program in 11th and 12th grades.
5)  Q What is unique about the IB program?
A

The IB Diploma is the most comprehensive, rigorous, and assessed high school diploma available in the world today. The Theory of Knowledge course, the 4,000 word extended essay research paper, the CAS requirement of 150 hours of activity, creativity, and community service during 11th and 12th grades, the two year commitment to six areas of study, plus the assessments scored using international standards make the IB program unique.


Most significantly, IB's uniqueness is defined by the organization's mission statement:


"Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB student may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life"
6)  Q What is the “typical” IB student profile?
A
IB honors diversity, but what the students have in common is their love of learning and their high motivation.
7)  Q Can a student be in the IB Program and be in sports, music, or other extracurricular activities?
A
Many of our IB students are involved in either sports or other extracurricular activities such as band, scouting, church groups, outside music or dance lessons, etc. Some of our most successful students are our busiest. Success in the IB program depends upon the student’s ability to manage his/her time, set priorities, and follow through with commitments.
8)  Q How will students benefit from graduating from the IB program?
A
Students will be better prepared for university studies and will also have attained a higher level of critical thinking which is valuable in everyday life. Many universities offer significant credit for success in IB courses, as well as up to sophomore standing for the completion of the full IB Diploma with a score of 30 – 45 points.
9)  Q Why did Inglemoor High School choose to offer the International Baccalaureate program?
A
Inglemoor feels that students and families from our community deserve the best in secondary education and we wanted IB to be one of these best choices at Inglemoor.
10)  Q What are the requirements for acceptance into Inglemoor’s IB program?
A

For specific requirements for acceptance into Inglemoor's IB program, click on the following link, which will take you to the requirements page: IHS IB Requirements.  Students do not need to test into the IB program.


Applications for pre-IB are available in mid-January of your student's 9th grade year.  Applications for IB are available in mid-January of your student's 10th grade year.  Click to view the Pre-IB application form.   Both applications are available in the IB office.


IB information nights are scheduled for parents and students in February to explain the program and the application process.

11)  Q Can we enroll in Inglemoor’s IB program if we don’t live within Inglemoor’s attendance boundaries?
A
Students who do not live within the IHS attendance boundaries must apply for a variance at their home school district offices. That form is then sent to the Northshore School District offices. Currently, if your student meets Inglemoor’s requirements for admission, the Northshore School District and Inglemoor High School will accept the variance.
12)  Q How does Inglemoor’s IB program compare to other programs throughout the world?
A
Our students score above the world average in almost every subject area. We work hard with our students to prepare them for every aspect of IB assessment and to provide them with a solid foundation for university-level studies. We like to consider our IB program as one of the very best!
13)  Q How do IB classes compare with AP classes?
A

See this brochure, cooperatively published by IBO and the College Board, explaining the difference between IB and AP.  IB and AP courses feature college level curriculum.  IB uses international standards of excellence; AP uses national standards of excellence.  IB is a diploma program, AP allows students to take one or more courses which are not connected.  IB Higher Level exams are recognized for college credit, AP exams are also recognized for college credit.  IB has an oral component in most classes; AP has an oral component in foreign language only.  IB students prepare for exams in all areas; AP students generally choose AP exams in their area of strength.  IB typically provides study in much greater depth, expecting assimilation of information and especially an ability to apply and analyze that information.

 

IB students not only excel in academic courses and perform well on international tests; they also develop into contributors to the community and independent thinkers and learners.

 

Colleges generally recognize AP and IB courses as being on par, although they are generally more familiar with the AP curriculum.  The extent to which colleges will give credit or placement varies among colleges, but generally if they accept AP scores (usually a score of at least 3), then they also accept IB scores (usually a score of at least 5).  For example, if a college will give credit for a score of 4 on an AP exam, it will also give credit for a score of a 6 on an IB exam.  Some colleges give credit for certain scores on AP or IB exams; others will allow students to place out of lower level classes, but will not give credit.


Whether to take all or some AP courses, be an IB diploma student, be an IB certificate student, or take a mixture of AP and IB courses needs to be a matter of student preference, interest, and learning style.  Some students who have taken both AP and IB classes feel that AP courses are geared more to learning the facts and IB courses are more geared to analyzing the facts.

14)  Q Is it possible to take an IB course in a particular subject area and take (and do well on) the AP exam in the same subject area?
A
AP exams are the culminating event of an AP course. Because of the breadth of IB courses, with AP exam review, the IB student might perform well on certain AP exams. Review books for AP exams are commercially available. Students who have not taken an IB course may not take an IB exam.
15)  Q How much homework is involved in this program?
A
The average is three hours a night, but it varies. Students frequently have homework over the weekends, and during certain times of the school year will have more or less homework depending upon the nature of assignments.
16)  Q If my son or daughter does not take a foreign language in middle school, will that be a problem?
A
No, a student will be prepared to take the foreign language exam if he/she starts in ninth grade.
17)  Q Why do we take the same foreign language for four years?
A
To develop fluency and to become proficient in all aspects of the second language, at least four years of study are necessary. Four years is a minimum number of years to be successful on the IB assessments. Learning at least one other language is part of a responsible program of international education.
18)  Q Is it possible to take four subjects at Higher Level?
A
Yes. For the IB Diploma, 3 (with a maximum of 4) higher level (HL) courses are required.
19)  Q How do students decide which courses to take?
A
The IB applications include the “IB Program of Study”. Please go over that carefully. For pre-IB in 10th grade, come to the IB information night (usually held at the beginning of February during your 9th grade year) with your parents. During 10th and 11th grade, the IB Coordinator schedules meetings with each class and is available to help students work out their class schedules.
20)  Q What does your GPA have to be in order to get the IB Diploma?
A
The IBO takes no interest in your GPA, but in your exam scores, internal assessment, TOK, Extended Essay, and completion of CAS hours.
21)  Q Can I take two Higher Level science or math classes at the same time?
A
Yes. All IB Diploma students take at least one science and math course at the same time. The level (standard or higher level) doesn’t matter as long as the student completes three (with a maximum of 4) higher level courses for the IB Diploma.
22)  Q How many CAS hours are required and when can I start getting them?
A
150 hours of CAS hours are required during 11th and 12th grade.  50 hours of Creativity (involvement in the fine arts), 50 hours of  Activity (physical activity not including a class taken for credit or any activity for which the student is paid), and 50 hour of Service. CAS forms are available here. You can start earning CAS hours during the summer before 11th grade.  CAS hours should be spread over 11th and 12th grade, not done "all at once" during one or two activities.  One purpose of CAS is to help develop citizens who serve on a regular basis throughout their lives.
23)  Q When must IB CAS hours be completed?
A
IB hours must be completed by mid-April of 12th grade.
24)  Q What major projects will there be in the IB program? How can I prepare for them?
A
Each curricular area has project requirements. The Diploma requires the Extended Essay, an independent research paper of a maximum of 4000 words.  Learn as much as you can about the Extended Essay by reading the material on the Extended Essay page.  IB's explanation of the Extended Essay can be found here.   You will be working with a faculty advisor on your Extended Essay.
25)  Q What is the Extended Essay and when is it due?
A
The Extended Essay is explained on the official IBO web page, here. It is due at the end of February your senior year.
26)  Q Does the Extended Essay affect whether or not we get the IB diploma?
A
Yes. The score you receive for your extended essay is combined with your TOK grade and points earned on exams for a total Diploma score. A completed extended essay is required to earn an IB Diploma.
27)  Q Will information from TOK be on IB exams?
A
No. The Theory of Knowledge course is not one of the six examined subjects. The course requires written essays and a presentation.
28)  Q What do colleges think of the IB program?
A
Most colleges recognize IB Diploma students as extremely well-prepared for the challenges of college work.  This study shows how universities recognize the IB Diploma.   Parents and students are encouraged to go to the website www.ibo.org and click on Diploma Program and then University Recognition.  This site will allow you to enter a college/university name and view up-to-date policies regarding IB.
29)  Q How important is the IB Diploma to colleges when deciding whether or not to accept a student?
A
hat is important to colleges is the rigor of a student’s courses. The IB curriculum represents the highest level of rigor of any high school program. Remember that students are accepted by colleges many months before the results of the IB exams become available. College acceptance is based upon academic performance in 9th through 11th grades, and the promise of successful completion of 12th grade. Of course, solid scores on college entrance exams are also important.
30)  Q How many credit hours for college do IB students typically earn?
A
Universities frequently include specific credit hours awarded for IB and AP test scores on their admissions page of their web site.
31)  Q How do colleges compare IB students with B’s and C’s to traditional students with A’s and B’s? Is it better to have high grades in the traditional program or okay grades in IB?
A
It is best to take the most challenging program of study offered by a school, which is IB at Inglemoor, AND to do well in the IB courses. A student who might not be able to commit the time to the IB study requirements would probably be better served by taking non-IB classes.
32)  Q Why do we get our IB Diploma and test scores after we have already been accepted by universities? What’s the point?
A
Students are accepted to the universities on the basis of their program of study and their success in their courses as reflected by their high school grades. Diploma and test scores will count toward college credits or placement in more advanced classes.
33)  Q What kind of scholarships does IB give to students?
A
IB gives no scholarships. Completion of the IB curriculum, however, makes students attractive to those who offer scholarships.