International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Who? Anyone who is willing to learn and work hard
· It is not who you are but what you do.
· It’s not for the gifted; it’s for the “go-getters”.
· It is not for magnet students; it’s for motivated students.
When? Junior and Senior years
· Work begins the summer before your junior year.
· There is required summer reading.
· You may begin to work on your CAS hours-150 hours of projects that fit the categories of Creativity, Action and Service.
What it is? More than just classes, it’s a program!
· It is similar to AP in terms of level but is more extensive in that it is an integrated program of study.
· It is a rigorous, performance-based, internationally assessed, college-level program.
· In the International Studies SLC, classes are taken in core areas, foreign language and arts:
Grade 11—IB English, IB US History, IB Biology/Chemistry, IB Math (Math III junior year), IB Spanish/French/Chinese/Arabic, and an option for IB Visual Art, Theory of Knowledge (sem 2)
Grade 12—IB English, IB History of the Americas, IB Biology/Chemistry, IB Math, IB Spanish/French/Chinese/Arabic, and an option for IB Visual Art, Theory of Knowledge (sem 1)
Beginning the fall of 2012 students , the diploma program will be offered in all SLCs. In addition to IB courses mentioned above, IB courses offered may include Geography, Film, Information Technology in a Global Society and Business Management.
· Exploration of knowledge, independent research and development of the whole student are at its center.
· Exams are taken in May of the senior year.
· You will write an Extended Essay, maximum of 4000 words; independent work beginning the junior year and due the senior year.
· Additional requirements include a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) paper and presentation which require independent thought.
· CAS hours are completed independently and can include arts classes, sports, service projects, etc.
Why should I do it? You will be better prepared for college and most students enjoy the intellectual challenge.
· IB full diploma candidates are accepted at higher rates than other applicants to colleges and universities.
· In 2003, Georgia Tech accepted 53.7% of all applicants but 88% of full diploma candidates!
· Many other universities report similar statistics.
· You can earn college credit! Georgia offers up to 24 hours of credit for the diploma. The states of Florida and Texas offer even more. You can also earn credit for individual courses based on your exam score, just like AP.
How can I get the IB diploma? By showing 60% mastery in each subject
· The Internal Assessment and Written Exam in each subject result in a score scaled from 1 to 7.
· Six subjects times 7 possible points results in a total possible exam score of 42 points.
· The Extended Essay and TOK scores combined may earn from 1 to 3 bonus points.
· Altogether, 42 points plus 3 points equal a grand total of 45 points that could be earned.
· Twenty-Four (24) points are required to earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma!
What are the entrance guidelines?
· You must satisfactorily complete the MYP Personal Project in the 10th grade.
· You should have at least an 80 average in the 5 core disciplines, English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language.
Who can I talk to more about this?
· Your Academy Leader
· Your counselor
· The IB Diploma Program Coordinator, Ms. Stewart
Room 359, email , or call (404) 802-4750