THE IB MISSION STATEMENT THE IB PROGRAM THE DIPLOMA PROGRAM CORE International Baccalaureate® aims to The IB Diploma Program prepares students In addition to the six courses, diploma “The develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and for university work by offering a rigorous candidates complete the following during caring young people who help to create a curriculum that asks them to solve their Junior and Senior years: better and more peaceful world through challenging problems, helps them develop a The extended essay asks students to intercultural understanding and respect. strong sense of their own identity and “ write an independent, self-directed www.ibo.org culture, and helps them develop the ability – piece of research, finishing with a to communicate with and understand 4,000-word paper. The extended people from diverse backgrounds. essay allows the student to pursue a THE BENEFIT OF IB During their Junior and Senior years, topic of interest in-depth and candidates must complete six courses (most prepares students for Colleges and Universities with competitive taught over two years): undergraduate research. admissions processes prefer students with a Theory of Knowledge is an rigorous academic background. Language A (English) interdisciplinary course that unifies Language B (Spanish or French) Many colleges and universities in Virginia the various disciplines by exploring History and across the nation grant college credit the nature of knowledge and Science (Biology, Chemistry, or on a per-class basis. encouraging an appreciation of Physics) other cultural perspectives. Students completing the program report Math (Mathematics SL or Math Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) feeling well prepared for the rigors of their Studies) involves students in a wide range of college courses because of their experience Elective: Visual Arts, Music, or activities alongside their academic in the IB program. Psychology, etc. studies. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and For sample diploma program course plans, see our website. creative thinking. Activity promotes APPLICANTS physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Service asks Students must be in at least Algebra I and a students to perform unpaid foreign language in the eighth grade. voluntary tasks that have a learning Students must maintain a or better in “B” benefit for the student. Algebra I, English, and their foreign language, and a 3.0 overall GPA.
THE IB MISSION STATEMENT “The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. “ – www.ibo.org THE BENEFIT OF IB Colleges and Universities with competitive admissions processes prefer students with a rigorous academic background. Many colleges and universities in Virginia and across the nation grant college credit on a per-class basis. Students completing the program report feeling well prepared for the rigors of their college courses because of their experience in the IB program. APPLICANTS Students must be in at least Algebra I and a foreign language in the eighth grade. Students must maintain a “B” or better in Algebra I, English, and their foreign language, and a 3.0 overall GPA. THE IB PROGRAM The IB Diploma Program prepares students for university work by offering a rigorous curriculum that asks them to solve challenging problems, helps them develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and helps them develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from diverse backgrounds. During their Junior and Senior years, candidates must complete six courses (most taught over two years): Language A (English) Language B (Spanish or French) History Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) Math (Mathematics SL or Math Studies) Elective: Visual Arts, Music, or Psychology, etc. For sample diploma program course plans, see our website. THE DIPLOMA PROGRAM CORE In addition to the six courses, diploma candidates complete the following during their Junior and Senior years: The extended essay asks students to write an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. The extended essay allows the student to pursue a topic of interest in-depth and prepares students for undergraduate research. Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary course that unifies the various disciplines by exploring the nature of knowledge and encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) involves students in a wide range of activities alongside their academic studies. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Activity promotes physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Service asks students to perform unpaid voluntary tasks that have a learning benefit for the student.