The International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme
Rockville High School
The Mission Statement of the
International Baccalaureate
Organization
• The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable
and caring young people who help to create a
better and more peaceful world through
intercultural understanding and respect.
• The IB encourages students across the world to
become active, compassionate and lifelong
learners who understand that other people, with
their differences, can also be right
History of the IB Programme
• created in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland
• established a common curriculum and
valid university entry credentials for
students moving from one country to
another
• developed to emphasize critical thinking,
intercultural understanding, and exposure
to a variety of points of view
Benefits of IB to Students, School
and Community
• Students are engaged in a comprehensive,
challenging interdisciplinary curriculum
• Students are encouraged to think and act
as world citizens
• Teachers implement IB philosophy and
teaching practices in their non-IB classes
College Recognition of IB
• Many universities grant sophomore status
for students with IB Diplomas
• Many universities guarantee admission for
students with IB Diplomas
• All nine campuses of the University of
California now award 30 hours of credit to
any IB student who earns an IB diploma
with a score of 30 points or higher
College Acceptance Rates
Average Rates
• University of MD – 44%
• University of VA -38%
• Johns Hopkins – 35%
• Carlton College -34%
• Cornell University – 29%
IB Rates
• University of MD – 89%
• University of VA -70%
• Johns Hopkins – 69%
• Carlton College – 89%
• Cornell University – 51%
IB Students are…
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Inquirers
Thinkers
Communicators
Risk takers
Knowledgeable
Open-minded
Reflective
Principled
Well balanced
About the IB Diploma Programme
• The IB Diploma Programme is a two year
course of study which allows students to
fulfill the requirements of an internationally
recognized rigorous course of study.
• The IB Diploma Programme offers a broad
and balanced curriculum in which students
are encouraged to apply what they learn in
the classroom to real world issues and
problems.
IB Subject Groups
• Group 1 – Language A – literature courses
in a student’s first language (English)
• Group 2 – Language B – courses which
promote the acquisition of a second
language (French/Spanish)
• Group 3 – Individuals and Societies – the
study of human experience and social
environments and institutions (Social
Studies)
IB Subject Groups
• Group 4 – Experimental Sciences – courses that
demonstrate knowledge, methods and
techniques of science
(Biology/Chemistry/Physics)
• Group 5 – Mathematics and Computer Science
– courses designed to develop logical and
creative thinking in mathematics (Math
Methods/Math Studies)
• Group 6 – The Arts – courses that emphasize
the making of art and expression in the arts
(Music/Art)
Core Requirements
• Theory of Knowledge – designed to
explore questions about different sources
of knowledge (perception,language,
emotion, reason) and different kinds of
knowledge (scientific, artistic,
mathematical, historical) (TOK 1 and 2)
Core Requirements
• Creativity, Action, Service – participation in
artistic activities (creativity), sports,
expeditions, or local/international projects
(action), and community or social service
projects (CAS – 150 hours required)
Core Requirements
• Extended Essay – a 4000 word, in-depth,
independent research assignment on a
topic of special interest designed to
prepare students for research at the
college level
IB Assessment
• The IB Diploma Programme is criterion based;
each student’s performance is measured against
well defined levels of achievement. Grades
reflect attainment of knowledge and skills
relative to set standards that are applied equally
to all IB schools.
• Diploma candidates select one subject from
each of the six subject groups. At least three
are taken at higher level (HL), representing 240
hours of instruction (2 years). The other courses
are taken at standard level (SL), representing
150 hours of instruction (1 year).
IB Assessment
• IB is a complete program with exams in all
disciplines.
• IB assessments include written exams,
oral examinations, lab notebooks,
research papers, portfolios of work
• IB exams are 80-100% written essays, not
multiple choice
• Students may also take AP exams in IB
subjects when curriculum matches
How to Prepare for the IB
RECOMMENDED GRADE 9
Sequence of Courses
Pre-IB English 9
Spanish or French (appropriate level)
Pre-IB History 9
Appropriate Mathematics (honors geometry or Algebra 2
with analysis)
Honors Biology
Technology or Fine Arts
Physical Education
How to Prepare for the IB
RECOMMENDED GRADE 10
Sequence of Courses
Pre-IB English 10
Spanish or French
AP NSL Government
Appropriate Mathematics (Algebra 2 with analysis or PreCal)
Honors Chemistry
Technology or Fine Arts
Health and Elective
Grade 11 and 12 Diploma
Programme Options
Within the SIX SUBJECT AREAS, students
will develop schedules appropriate to their
individual interests and needs. Including:
3 HL courses
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IB Language A / English HL - required
IB History HL - required
Other HL Options include:
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IB Biology (HL)
IB French (HL)
IB Spanish (HL)
IB Visual Arts (HL)
3 SL courses from the following
options
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IB Physics (SL)
IB French (SL)
IB Spanish (SL)
IB Psychology SL)
IB Information Technology in a Global Society
(ITGS) (SL)
Visual Arts (SL)
Mathematical Studies (SL)
Mathematics (SL)
IB core requirements:
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Theory of Knowledge 1 and 2 (ToK)
Extended Essay
Creativity, Action, Service Hours (CAS)
Additional Information
Deborah Wilchek
IB Coordinator, Rockville High School
Deborah_Wilchek @mcpsmd.org
301-517-5595
Visit the IBO web site
www.ibo.org