International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

Goshen High School plans to offer the IB diploma program starting in the 2008-2009 school year

The International Baccalaureate Organization has approved Goshen High School’s application to offer the IB diploma program. IB classes will start Fall 2008.

News Reports

GHS IB Newsletters

Presentations

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a demanding, two-year program of curriculum and service that meets the needs of highly

motivated secondary students. The Diploma Program offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to learning that prepares students for rigorous

assessments in six subject areas during grades 11 and 12. Students must also complete a minimum of 150 hours in Creativity, Action, and Service activities,

a 4,000-word essay of original research, and a Theory of Knowledge course. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) awards its diploma to

students who perform successfully on the six external examinations and fulfill all other requirements of the program at an authorized IB world school.

It is recognized as the highest diploma currently offered by any high school in the world.

Characteristics of a successful IB student

IB Learner Profile

GHS IB Student Handbook

Group 1:

Group 2:

Group 3:

History of the Americas HL

Psychology SL to be added in 2009

Group 4:

Math Studies SL

Mathematics SL

Group 5:

Biology SL/HL

Physics SL

Chemistry SL to be added in 2009

Group 6:

Visual Arts HL

Music SL/HL

Extended Essay

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

CAS

Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging Programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

These Programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

General Regulations: Diploma Program

Information about the Diploma Program

The Six Academic Subjects

Students are required to study both the humanities and the sciences. Diploma Program (DP) students must select one subject from each of the six groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL); the others at standard level (SL). HL courses are taken over two years; SL courses are typically taught over one year. Students are thus able to explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly. Active citizenship and global perspectives are encouraged in each area of the curriculum.

Group 1 - Language A1
English HL

Students ideally develop strong written and oral skills, respect for the literary heritage of their first language, and an international perspective.

Group 2 – Second language
Spanish SL, German SL, French SL

All DP students are examined in a second language. The principal aim for the subjects in group 2 is to enable students to use the language in a range of contexts and for many purposes. The courses focus on written and spoken communication.

Group 3 - Individuals and societies
History of Americas HL, Psychology SL (2009-10)

DP students will take two years of history. Year 11 will be U.S. History and Year 12 will be examining topics in history including war,cold war and the Arab/Israeli conflict.

Group 4 – Experimental sciences
Biology SL/HL, Physics SL, Chemistry SL (2009-10)

Practical laboratory skills are developed and collaborative learning is encouraged through an interdisciplinary group project. Students develop an awareness of moral and ethical issues and a sense of social responsibility is fostered by examining local and global issues.

Group 5 – Mathematics
Math Studies SL, Mathematics SL

All DP students are required to complete a mathematics course, which aims to deepen a student’s understanding of mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence and facility in the use of mathematical language.

Group 6 – The arts or elective
Music SL/HL, Visual Arts HL

Options: Instead of a group 6 subject, a student may select an additional subject from one of the other groups.

The Core Requirements There are three core requirements for students wishing to take receive the full IB diploma.

Theory of knowledge
TOK is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyze evidence that is expressed in rational argument. TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives. The course is unique to the IBO, which recommends at least 100 hours of teaching time spanning the Program’s two years.

Creativity, action, service
In order to educate the whole person and foster responsible, compassionate citizens, IB diploma candidates are required to complete CAS activities . The CAS component encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others. Students may, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves, concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people.

Extended Essay
Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The essay requirement acquaints DP students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. It is recommended that a student devote a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay. It may be written in any IB subject area currently taught at Goshen High School.

Enrollment

Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for entrance into the IB Diploma Program at Goshen High School. However, honors classes are strongly recommended. Interested students should consult with their guidance counselor and the IB program coordinator.

Fees
There are no additional fees for taking IB classes beyond the normal textbook rental, although students will be expected to pay the fees charged for assessments and exams. However, financial need should not prohibit any student from taking IB exams. The exam fees for the full diploma is approximately $625.00 (2007-08)

Certificates
Students who do not wish to pursue the full diploma may take individual IB classes and receive certificates for successfully completing the IB assessments.

College Credit
For information on how colleges award college credit for IB diplomas and certificates, visit "Universities that recognize the IB diploma" at the IBO web site.

International Baccalaureate allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national systems of education and is based on the pattern of no

single country. The primary objective of an IB program is to provide a world-class education that prepares students of different linguistic, cultural, and

educational backgrounds with the intellectual, social, and critical perspectives necessary for college and the rest of their lives. The rigorous curriculum, the

requirement of the extended essay, the Theory of Knowledge course, and the Creativity, Action, and Service component are designed to produce well-rounded

and well-educated citizens who can think critically, write well, speak articulately, and manage extremely demanding schedules.

For information regarding the GHS International Baccalaureate Diploma Program contact:

Shelly Wilfong, IB Coordinator: swilfong@goshenschools.org

Jim Kirkton, Principal: jkirkton@goshenschools.org

Phil Lederach, Asst. Principal: plederach@goshenschools.org

For more information on the IB program go to www.ibo.org

HL = High Level

SL = Standard Level