The International Baccalureate Program

THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PROGRAM AT IISA

The IB

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a deliberate compromise between the specificity typical of most European programs at this level and the generality North American programs. Since its inception in 1963, the IB has grown to include more than 1000 schools with over 100,000 students of 120 nationalities who have gained admission into over 600 universities or colleges.

The IB offers subjects at two levels: standard and higher. The higher level is at least equivalent to Advanced Placement of the American system and approaches that of A-level in the British system. Taking them can lead to a student gaining course credit or advanced standing in North American type universities.

In addition to their IISA graduation diploma, students may aspire to achieve recognized credit from the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Students who choose to enroll in IB courses have two options:
1. Take the full IB diploma program

2. Acquire certificates in selected subjects.

Students who do not intend to complete the requirements of an IB Diploma may register for IB subjects as CERTIFICATES - either at the Standard or Higher Level.

The Full IB Diploma
This is a demanding two year course which gives students an excellent preparation for university. Students enrolling in the IB Diploma Program must:
1) choose 3 courses at the Standard Level and 3 at the Higher Level - one course in each of the 6 IB subject areas.
2) complete an Extended Essay of 4000 words;
3) complete a Theory of Knowledge course;
4) have been successfully involved in a CAS (Creative, Action, Service) program.

(150 Hours)

The grading scheme in use for IB examinations is as follows:
1 very poor 2 poor 3 mediocre 4 satisfactory 5 good 6 very good 7 excellent

Grades on examinations taken in each subject are totaled and students achieving 24 or more points and completing all of the above requirements are awarded the IB diploma.

IB Requirements In Addition to Course Work
Theory of Knowledge
Although this course does not have a formal IB examination, the diploma candidate’s work is evaluated and high performance can lead to bonus points being awarded for the IB Diploma. The course is described in the ‘Course Offerings’ section. IB regulations dictate that all IB Diploma candidates have to take a course in TOK.

CAS
CAS stands for Creative, Action, Service. All IB diploma candidates are required to take part in a balanced program of CAS during the two years of their IB program. A project which totals 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service must be completed for a student to be eligible to receive the IB Diploma. The CAS advisor will meet with students to assist them in developing their CAS program.

Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 35 hours of creativity, 35 hours of action and 35 hours of service by the first school day in October of the second year. A total of 50 hours in each of creativity, action and service is required by the last day in March of the second year.

Extended Essay
All IB diploma candidates are required to submit an extended essay of approximately 4000 words as per IB regulations. Candidates will select their subject by February 15 and their topic by March 15 of the first year. Rough drafts are due on the opening day of school for the second year. Students not having a completed rough draft on schedule may be barred from extra-curricular activities until the draft is completed. Parents will be informed that the student’s registration for the IB Diploma examinations is at risk. The revised draft will be due the first school day in October. Failure to complete an acceptable revised draft by this date may lead to registration for the IB Diploma being withdrawn. It is imperative that the student maintains constant communication with the teacher-sponsor to ensure that work is being done to the required standard and that IB guidelines are being followed. Final copy is due to the IB coordinator by the last school day before the Christmas break.

External Examinations
In May and June of each academic year our students in grades 10, and 12 take IGCSE and IB examinations. These examinations are considered part of the course requirements and are conducted in the formal manner required by the IGCSE and IB examination boards. Students not sitting External Examinations will sit Internal Examinations, which will contribute to a significant proportion of the year-end grade. Failure to take an exam will lead to a grade of incomplete ("I") being assigned for the course

Mock examinations
Mock Examinations (practice formal exams), given earlier are an excellent means of preparing students for these exams. By providing practice in a structured setting, students have the opportunity to become familiarized with the style of question as well as to prepare themselves for efficient use of exam time.

Students often experience difficulties adjusting to formal examination conditions. Moreover students who are new to formal examinations often make mistakes. One typical problem is in not being able to answer the questions in the time allowed. By conducting exams at the Grade 9 and 11 level, students are better prepared for the actual IGCSE and IB examinations that are to come. We therefore give exams at the end of terms 2 and 4 in grades 9 and 11. The score in these examinations will count towards grades in term 2 and 4. These examinations not only give students practice but also helps them consolidate on the work they have done up to that point. The results of the examinations also provide a useful indicator for the students’ progress over the year.
Separate report cards are sent out to parents with results expressed using the same grading scale as in the actual IGCSE (from A* to G) and IB (from 7 down to 1) examinations.

Exam Fees
Basic IGCSE/IB exam fees are included in the school's IGCSE/IB fees. Parents shall be responsible for paying any special charges such as requests for early results or legalization.