FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of all of your frequently asked questions. Feel free to email us any of your questions or comment them on our posts and we will do our best to answer them! 

What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)?

The International Baccalaureate Programme (IBDP) is and internationally recognized program that offers 11th-12th graders an opportunity to participate in rigorous coursework that extends their thinking and prepares them for college and beyond. Over two years, students take six courses: write an extended essay of independent research guided by a faculty member; participate in reflective and balancing experiences outside the school day that are creative, active and service based; and participate in deep critical thinking through the TOK (Theory of Knowledge) course.

What does IB Diploma Programme prepare students for?

The Diploma Programme prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they:

• Develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically
• Acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, studying courses from 6 subject groups
• Develop the skills and a positive attitude toward learning that will prepare them for higher education
• Study at least two languages and increase understanding of cultures, including their own
• Make connections across traditional academic disciplines and explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique Theory of Knowledge course
• Undertake in-depth research into an area of interest through the lens of one or more academic disciplines in the extended essay
• Enhance their personal and interpersonal development through creativity, action and service

What is the core of the IB Diploma Programme?

The extended essay asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. The world studies extended essay option allows students to focus on a topic of global significance which they examine through the lens of at least two DP subjects. Theory of knowledge develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction. Creativity, action, service (CAS) involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service with the community offers a vehicle for a new learning with academic value. The three strands of CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enable journeys of self-discovery.

How does the IB Diploma Programme curriculum go about?

IB Diploma Programme students must choose one subject from each of five groups (1 to 5), ensuring breadth of knowledge and understanding in their best language, additional language(s), the social sciences, the experimental sciences and mathematics. Student may choose either an arts subject from group 6, or a second subject from groups 1 to 5.

Who's the youngest out of all of you guys?

Sophie.

Are there any assessments in DP?

Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners.

How do IB courses compare to other high school courses? 

IB courses are more challenging than typical high school courses. IB course are aimed at highly motivated students who seek challenging, yet engaging and fulfilling academic opportunities. Additionally, the IB Diploma Program is aimed at students who seek involvement in their education that extends beyond the classroom. The IB DP is a well-rounded six subject program taken over two years which is distinctly different from any current high school offering.

What do you mean when you refer to the "Fox"?

"Fox" refers to a photograph of a mentally disturbed fox in our homeroom with the caption that reads, "When a students doesn't get it".

What is the difference between AP and IB?

Both AP and IB curricula offer rigor for motivated students. Both are considered to be high quality preparation for college and university courses. Both culminate in exams that are externally moderated and equate to college credit based on scores. However, the well rounded approach to the IB Diploma Program is significantly different from taking an AP course.

Are Melissa's eyes really black?

No, they're brown but she believes they black.

Why is "Ride or Die" your class motto?

Together, us girls do various things that can and will go in many unexpected ways. So we say 'ride or die' in a situation where we will either rise together or fall together. We have each others backs through thick and thin.

Do you have any helpful tips for taking notes in class?

1. Go to class always prepared.
2. Improve your listening skills.
3. Develop a note-taking method that works for you.
4. Paraphrasing will become your best friend.
5. Asks questions - don't be afraid to.
6. Pay close attention to content.

Any helpful advise for a beginner of the IB Diploma Programme?

1. Always and we mean ALWAYS ask questions when and if you don't understand. Your teacher will not be mad, they will be pleased -- it's actually what they expect you to do. It's okay to get lost in a DP subject. It's very helpful to ask questions because it will better your practice in the future.
2. Proofread your material before you turn it in. We recommend you do it in advance that way a week later or so you can proofread it again and you'll see you mistakes more clearly.
3. The most important thing of all in DP is time management; you may and will have a lot on your plate at one time. Do not wait till the last minute to do something you were given weeks in advance to complete. There's a reason why you were given something weeks in advance to complete that something; and that's because it will take time a dedication to make it great. Doing your maternal in advance will also give you free time to yourself to do what you want instead of staying up all night completing a paper for example. Also doing your material in advance will give you the ability to go further and/or ahead in your studies and have time to prepare for examinations.
4. Lastly, don't freak out. As mentioned earlier you may and will have a lot on you plate to complete and it will almost seem impossible; but if you stay positive, manage your time and ask questions when you need to, then you will do fine. And if you can do all this, you will certainly do well in University.

The IB Program sounds like a lot of extra work. What are the advantages of enrolling in the IB Program?

Students with IB Diplomas, who now attend universities, report that their involvement with IB has given them the tools needed to succeed at university and to make the most of their post-secondary education. In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness, their self-confidence, their research skills, their ability to manage their time, and their willingness to be actively engaged in their own learning. Even more importantly, they have developed a sense of the world around them, their responsibility to it, and the skills with which to embrace the complexities of life. The IBO often employs a variety of phrases to describe these traits and abilities: "learning how to learn", "life-long learners", "critical and compassionate thinkers", and, "informed participants in local and world affairs".

How many IB exams are there, and when do students take them?

A student will take six IB exams, including one literature course, one foreign language, one social science, one experimental science, one math, and one arts course. The arts course can be replaced by a second social science, a second experimental science, or a third language. Of the six exams, three are taken at the standard level (after a minimum of 150 teaching hours), and three taken at the higher level (after a minimum of 240 teaching hours).IB students are expected to take their examinations at the conclusion of the 2 year Diploma Program. However, the IBO permits students to take one or two standard level examinations at the end of junior year, upon the recommendation of the school's IB Coordinator. Higher level exams can only be taken at the end of the senior year.

Why haven't you included your faces in the blog background?

We decided not to for privacy reasons. We hope you understand! :)

 What is the "Extended Essay"?

The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word piece of original research conducted by each IB Diploma candidate. It is completed between second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year. The student researches and writes on a topic of his/her choosing, and has an Extended Essay Advisor, as well as a Faculty Coach to help with the essay.

What is "Theory of Knowledge"?

Theory of Knowledge, or TOK, is a seminar-type course that explores the linkages between subject areas (courses). It is part existential, philosophical, psychological and metaphysical. It, also, is taken between second semester junior year and first semester senior year. Students submit a presentation-tape and reflective paper, in order to successfully complete the course. In a nutshell, TOK is ‘knowing how you know what you know’.

What is "CAS"?

CAS stands for Creativity-Action-Service. In order to successfully complete the IB Diploma Program, each student must have documented 150 hours of after-school activities (during junior & senior year) that are evenly split among creative, action, and service oriented endeavors. Every student has a CAS Advisor, and reflects on learnings from the endeavors. (During pre-IB (grades 9 & 10) 50 hours must also be completed.)

What does 'Baccalaureate' mean anyway?

In English, it is bachelors: the term typically used in European schools for a high school diploma.

How will I benefit from graduating from the IB Program?

You will be better prepared for university studies and will also have attained a higher level of critical thinking, which is valuable in everyday life.

How important is the IB Program to colleges when deciding whether or not to accept a student? 

What is most 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.

How do we decide which SL and HL courses to take?

Read the information provided on the website regarding courses and curriculum, consider your strengths and weaknesses, confer with your teachers, IB upperclassmen, parents, and consider your college & career options.

What does one accomplish in earning the IB Diploma?

Pride, a credential that proves beyond argument that you rank among the very best in the world.