What is
the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an
internationally recognized program in use in 94 countries. This
comprehensive course of study serves highly-motivated college-bound
students. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to learning in which
the student is an active participant. To receive an IB diploma the student
must successfully complete course work and externally graded examinations in
six academic areas as well as complete three unique program requirements.
The goal of IBDP is to produce critical thinkers with a well-rounded global
perspective.
What is the
IB curriculum at Franklin High School?
Students become diploma candidates upon acceptance into the program their
junior year. The curriculum includes six subject areas: three higher level
subjects taken both the junior and senior year (English IB, Biology IB,
History of the Americas IB) and three standard level subjects (foreign
language, preferably the fifth year of the language, either Math Studies or
Math Methods, an IB elective, either Psychology or third year Theater Arts.)
Awarding of credit for each subject of the IBDP is determined by grades from
work done throughout the course and score on an externally graded exam.
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What
are the three unique requirements of the IB program?
In addition to work in the six academic areas is a cross-curricular course,
Theory of Knowledge, which provides students with the opportunity to
question, analyze and evaluate the bases of truth and knowledge. Creativity,
Action, Service (150 hours) requires that students move beyond the classroom
to share and develop special talents in an extracurricular arena. The
Extended Essay allows students to independently study an area of special
interest utilizing their research and writing skills.
What qualifies a student
for the IBDP?
Students can sign a letter of intent to participate in the pre-IB/honors
program as a freshman if they are recommended for honors level English,
science, history, and foreign language. Students must have been enrolled in
Spanish I or French I (for credit) for the 8th grade year. Students will apply for the IBDP at the
end of first semester of their sophomore year. At this time, a committee
will evaluate each student's progress in developing study skills,
performance in course work, attitude and responsibility demonstrated while
at Franklin High School and make the final selection of IB candidates. The
letter of intent is neither an application nor an acceptance into the IBDP.
It does not obligate either the student to apply for admittance into the
IBDP nor does it obligate Franklin High School to accept the student into
the IBDP.
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What
characteristics must an IBDP candidate exhibit?
As an IB candidate the student must
• Have a strong desire to learn
• Express him/herself well both orally and in written work
• Develop and maintain successful study and time management skills
• Think critically
• Work well both independently and with others
• Participate in diverse activities (including service) outside the
classroom
• Enjoy learning with an international perspective
How is the
IB program different from the AP program?
The IB program serves not only the academically talented but also the highly
motivated student. Students are required to be involved in intradisciplinary
and interdisciplinary projects in the IB program. Certain courses require
students to develop a portfolio of classwork. They must take IB level
courses in all academic areas as opposed to only isolated courses in areas
of strength. Scores are derived from in class coursework as well as
international external assessment. Emphasis is placed on essay writing and
verbal communication skills in all areas of coursework.
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What are the advantages of an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program?
• An international perspective on education
• Active learning involving critical thinking, independent research and
verbal communication
• Interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary group and individual projects.
• Requirement of involvement in extracurricular activities, both school and
community
• Admission and scholarship opportunities at prestigious universities
• College credit at many universities
While attaining an IB Diploma does not, in and of itself, guarantee the
student admission to any college or university or awarding of scholarships
or hours of college credit, it is hoped that the students who do receive an
IB Diploma will be more competitive in these arenas.
For more information about the application process at Franklin High School,
call Ken Curtis, or a guidance counselor at 472-4451 x4468.
E-mail:
kenc@wcs.edu
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