IB Diploma Programme

IB Diploma ProgrammeInformation about the Diploma

Zhuhai International School

Our agenda this evening:1. Diploma basics 2. Course structure in general3. The ‘Core’ – Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Creativity Action

Service (CAS)4. Standard and High Level subjects5. How the DP is scored6. Course structure at ZIS7. Pathways in our DP8. Assessments types9. Rules for gaining the Diploma10. Succeeding in the Diploma 11. Subject selection

1.Please ask any and all questions as we go....

1. DP basics

•A 2 year course (the last 2 years)

•Recognised everywhere, transferrable

•More holistic (limited specialisation)

•More ‘rigorous’ and challenging

2. DP Course structure

2. Course structure

•6 subjects, plus the ‘Core’

•Must do 2 Languages, a Science, a Math, a Humanities

•Can do Arts, another Science or Humanities or Language

3. The ‘Core’

•Extended Essay (EE)

•Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

•Creativity Action Service (CAS)

3. The ‘Core’Extended Essay (EE)

•4000 word academic paper

•You develop the Research Question, based on an area of interest within one of your subjects

•An 18 month process

•You have a supervisor

•Unique to the DP, benefits to further study

3. The ‘Core’

Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

•ToK classes are in the timetable

•An analysis framework to understand knowledge sources, creation and bias

•Used critically in all DP subjects

•Unique to the DP, benefits to further study

3. The ‘Core’

Creativity Action Service (CAS)

•Around 150 hours of activities.

•Doing new things Creatively or Physically

•Activities can combine elements

• You keep a CAS journal in ManageBac

4. Standard & Higher Level subjects

• Of the 6 subjects, there needs to be 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level subjects

• A HL subject is more difficult and involved than a SL subject, and requires more contact hours

5. How the DP is scored

• Each of 6 subjects has a maximum of 7

• The EE and ToK Essay combine for a maximum of 3

• 6 x 7 + 3 = maximum score of 45

What does 1 - 7 indicate?

Grade 1 = very poor

Grade 2 = poor

Grade 3 = mediocre

Grade 4 = satisfactory

Grade 5 = good

Grade 6 = very good

Grade 7 = excellent

6. The DP at ZIS

7. Our DP and your academic pathway

7. Our DP and your academic pathway

8. Assessment types1. Formative assessments, used at the start and during a topic or

unit. which do not count towards Diploma scores but provide guiding feedback and preparation.

2. Summative Assessments, used during or at the end of a unit or topic, which do not count towards Diploma scores but provide guiding feedback and preparation. These are marked by our teachers

3. Internal Assessments (IA) which do count toward the final Diploma grade. These are marked by our teachers, and moderated by an IB Moderator

Internal Assessments (IA)

•Some subjects have specific IA tasks, others have a range of tasks that form a portfolio. Some subjects have one large IA task, others have many smaller ones.

• oral ‘commentary' in languages

• case study in business

• laboratory work in the sciences

• investigations in mathematics

• exhibitions

•If there is a difference between the teacher and the Moderator of 2 grades then the work is marked by a second IB Moderator.

9. Rules for gaining the Diploma

• An even effort across all subjects is needed to gain a Diploma

• To look at the rules for gaining a Diploma it is easier to look at the reasons why one will not be awarded.

• When a Diploma is not awarded candidates will receive one requirement code.

Reminder – how the DP is scored

• Each of 6 subjects has a maximum of 7

• The EE and ToK Essay combine for a maximum of 3

• 6 x 7 + 3 = maximum score of 45

There are 19 ‘requirement codes’

These codes apply to all diploma (and retake) candidates.1Candidate’s total points are less than 24. 2A grade N has been awarded for one or more subjects, theory of knowledge or the extended essay. 3A grade E has been awarded for both theory of knowledge and the extended essay. 4There is a grade 1 awarded in any subject and level. 5CAS requirements have not been completed.6Candidate is guilty of malpractice. 7Grade 3 has been awarded four or more times.

These codes apply to diploma (and retake) candidates with 24 to 27 points inclusive. 8.There is one or more grade 2 awarded at higher level. 9.Grade 2 at standard level awarded two or more times.10.Candidate has registered for three higher level subjects, and gained fewer than 12 points on these. 11.Candidate has registered for three standard level subjects, and gained fewer than 9 points on these. 12.Candidate has registered for four higher level subjects, and gained fewer than 16 points on these. 13.Candidate has registered for two standard level subjects, and gained fewer than 6 points on these.

These codes apply to diploma (and retake) candidates with 28 points or more. 14.Grade 2 at higher level awarded two or more times. 15.Grade 2 at standard level has been awarded three times. 16.Candidate has registered for three higher level subjects, and gained fewer than 11 points on these. 17.Candidate has registered for three standard level subjects, and gained fewer than 8 points on these. 18.Candidate has registered for four higher level subjects, and gained fewer than 14 points on these. 19.Candidate has registered for two standard level subjects, and gained fewer than 5 points on these.

10. How to ensure you gain your Diploma

In school:

• Know what’s coming - subject term and yearly planners

• Know your key dates

• Attend after-school sessions

• Make study groups

• See teachers out of class time

• Read widely (not just the minimum)

• Visit IB student forums & Diploma help sites

• Use your Study Spares as the precious minutes they are

10. How to ensure you gain your Diploma

Out of school:

• Create a workable and effective Study Schedule:

• ‘Chunks’ of time, rather than endless time

• Real breaks, that are timed

• Build in Reading Time, including Reading for Understanding

• Designated work area, distraction-free

• Write it up, get it reviewed and keep it public

The role of the EE and ToK Essay in gaining the Diploma

A word about academic honesty & plagiarism

• Our policy is on the DP site. Details our approach, rationale, processes and consequences. These will be in next year’s Secondary Handbook

• Student sign-off process

• Dishonesty or malpractice can cost you your Diploma

• Ignorance is not a defense

11. The subject selection process

• The subject selection process…

• Let’s hear from the subject teachers….

Group 1

Teachers

• Mrs Van Hesteren (English)

• Mrs Li (Mandarin)

Group 2

Teachers

• Mrs Li (Mandarin B)

• Mrs Liang (English B)

Group 3

Teachers:

• Mr Woods – Business & Managemnet

• Mr Verniere – Environmental Systems & Society

• Economics – Pamoja Education

Group 4

• The plan…

• Let’s hear from the subject teachers….

Group 5

Teachers:

• To be advised (Mr Woods)

Group 6

Teachers:

• Mrs Sue Castle – Visual Arts

I don’t know what I want to do at University/College!

Do some thinking and get some advice…Family, Teachers….? Friends ?

Online career quizzes:

•Australian Government Job Outlook:

http://joboutlook.gov.au/pages/careerquiz.aspx

•What course is right for you:

http://quizfarm.com/quizzes/new/ohiojoshua/what-major-is-right-for-you/index.php#

•Career planner quiz:

http://www.careerpath.com/career-tests/career-quiz/

•Career – abilities quiz:

http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/quizzes/abilities_quiz.html

•Careers test:

http://www.educations.com/career-test

•Jobs guide (Canada):

http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/ojf/findoccupation.asp

I (sort of) know what I want to do at University/College

• Go to Open Days

• Visit websites

• Find out course requirements, application process, closing dates, extra requirements, such as language tests

University recognition and Diploma score requirements

A good place to start – the IBO’s University recognition portal:

• http://www.ibo.org/recognition/university/index.cfm

International Parents students group Netherlands:

• http://ipssg.nl/ibo/ib-diploma-recognition/

Harvard University application process

• http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/forms/index.html

http://www.ibo.org/

diploma/curriculum/

•The true benefit of earning the IB Diploma is intrinsic in nature.  The change that occurs within a student academically and personally while pursuing the Diploma produces far greater personal growth and satisfaction than the Diploma itself.