The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a rigorous
pre-university course of study that leads to examinations, for highly
motivated secondary school students. It is a comprehensive two-year curriculum
that generally allows students to fulfil requirements of various national
education systems. IB Diploma holders gain admission to universities throughout
the world, including the most elite.
The IB Diploma model incorporates the best elements of several national
systems, without being based on any one.
Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidates’
work rests with 4000 examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with
international authority in their fields.
The programme offers three special features in addition to the traditional
strengths of a liberal arts curriculum.
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, to develop the ability
to analyze evidence that is expressed in rational argument. It is a key
element in encouraging them to appreciate other cultural perspectives.
The course is unique to the IBO, which recommends at least 100 hours of
teaching time spanning the programme’s two years.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
The IBO’s goal is to educate the whole person and foster responsible,
compassionate citizens. The CAS programme 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. The student must complete at least 150 hours of CAS
activities.
An Extended Essay of 4,000 words
Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest.
The essay requirement acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent
research and writing skills expected by universities. The IBO recommends
that a student devote a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing
time to the essay, which may be written in one of 60 subjects, including
many languages. The essay permits students to deepen their programmes
of study, for example by selecting a topic in one of their higher level
(HL) courses. Or they might add breadth to their academic experience by
electing to write in a subject not included in their programme choices.
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The Diploma is displayed in the shape of a hexagon with the six academic
areas surrounding the core.
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Six academic subjects are studied concurrently and
students are required to study both the Humanities and the Sciences. Diploma
candidates must select one subject from each of the six groups, although
a second subject from groups 1 to 5 may be substituted for group 6. Three
of these are taken at higher level (HL), while the others are standard
level (SL); HL courses represent a minimum of 240 teaching hours, SL courses
cover 150 hours. Students are thus able to explore some subjects in depth
and others more broadly, a deliberate compromise between the early specialization
of some national systems and the breadth found in others. The science-oriented
student is challenged to learn a foreign language and the natural linguist
becomes familiar with laboratory procedures. The subjects are continually
reviewed and revised to meet contemporary needs. The list below serves
as a current guide only.
Group 1 – First Language (A1)
First language, including the study of selections from world literature.
OFS offers language A1 classes in English, Japanese and Mandarin although
students wishing to study other first languages should see the IB coordinator
as a “self study” course is available for most of the languages.
Group 2 – Second Language (B and
Ab)
All diploma candidates 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. Second language learners with previous experience
can study English B, French B, Mandarin B, Japanese B or Spanish B. Beginners
with no previous experience in a particular language can study that language
at the Ab Initio level. French Ab, Japanese Ab, Mandarin Ab and Spanish
Ab are all offered at OFS.
Group 3 – Individuals and Societies
Subjects in this group are: Business and Management, Economics, Geography
and History.
Group 4 – Experimental Sciences
The subjects available in group 4 are: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and
Environmental Systems.
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 & Computer
Science
All candidates for a diploma are required to complete a Mathematics course,
and three options are available to cater for different abilities and levels
of student interest. Each course aims to deepen a student’s understanding
of Mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence and facility
in the use of mathematical language. Also, Computer Science is offered
as an elective subject in this group.
Group 6 – Arts
This includes Visual Arts, Music and Theatre Arts, with emphasis placed
on practical production by the student and exploration of a range of creative
work in a global context.
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Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum).
The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and
conditions including a minimum total of 24 points and a satisfactory completion
of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course (TOK) and CAS (Creativity,
Action, Service) activities. The maximum score of 45 includes three points
for the combination of the Extended Essay and work in TOK.
IB Diploma holders gain admission to selective universities throughout
the world. These include well-known European and American institutions
such as Oxford, Yale and the Sorbonne along with prestigious centres in
Latin America, Australia and the rest of Asia/Pacific region. |
