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ANSWERS TO COMMON FAQS
How is the IB Diploma Program different from other high school college prep programs?
The Diploma Program is a comprehensive and balanced 2 year curriculum and assessment system that requires students to study courses across all disciplines. Through careful subject selection, students may tailor their course of studies to meet their needs. Regardless of the subject selection, all students will explore the connections between the six major subject areas, will study each subject through an international perspective, will reflect critically on what it means to be a 'knower', will pursue one subject in great detail through independent research, and will have an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in local and community outreach.
Assessment of student achievement happens in a variety of ways throughout the course of the two-year program. It includes assessment of student work both by outside examiners, as well as the students' own teachers. All assessment undergoes careful review or moderation to ensure that a common, international standard is applied equally to the work of students around the world. Each subject area is also in a 5 year cycle of renewal, guaranteeing the most relevant, contemporary high school curriculum anywhere in the world.
For these reasons, the IB Diploma is recognized as a superior education, preparing students to succeed at post-secondary institutions.
The IB Program sounds like a lot off extra work. What are the advantages of enrolling in the IB Program?
Students with IB Diplomas, who now attend universities, report that their involvement with IB has given them the tools needed to succeed at university and to make the most of their post-secondary education. In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness, their self-confidence, their research skills, their ability to manage their time, and their willingness to be actively engaged in their own learning. Even more importantly, they have developed a sense of the world around them, their responsibility to it, and the skills with which to embrace the complexities of life. The IBO often employs a variety of phrases to describe these traits and abilities: "learning how to learn", "life-long learners", "critical and compassionate thinkers", and, "informed participants in local and world affairs".
What preparation do students need in order to succeed in the IB Diploma Program?
Students can prepare for the IB Diploma Program in a couple of ways: a) by succeeding in a pre-IB Program - designed to assist students in developing a solid background for success in the IB subjects (grades 9 & 10), or, b) by demonstrating a high level of success in honors level classes (grades 9 and/or 10) that could translate to achievement in the IB subjects (and transferring into the IB Program).
(Although only the last two years of high school (grades 11 & 12) make up the actual IB Diploma Program, schools often refer to the entire 3 or 4 year sequence -pre-IB plus IB years- as the "Diploma Program".)
How many IB exams are there, and when do students take them?
A student will take six IB exams, including one literature course, one foreign language, one social science, one experimental science, one math, and one arts course. The arts course can be replaced by a second social science, a second experimental science, or a third language. Of the six exams, three are taken at the standard level (after a minimum of 150 teaching hours), and three taken at the higher level (after a minimum of 240 teaching hours).
IB students are expected to take their examinations at the conclusion of the 2 year Diploma Program. However, the IBO permits students to take one or two standard level examinations at the end of junior year, upon the recommendation of the school's IB Coordinator. Higher level exams can only be taken at the end of the senior year.
Can an IB exam be taken without having taken the course?
No. Part of the student's final grade comes from work done in the classroom.
Does the IB Diploma satisfy the State of Florida graduation requirements?
Students who succeed in receiving the IB Diploma automatically receive Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.
Students who successfully complete the IB course of studies (curriculum) automatically receive a Riverview High School Diploma. With minimum SAT or ACT scores, they also qualify for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.
In addition the State of Florida's graduation requirements of American History, Gov't./Economics, Personal Fitness, Life Management Skills, as well as the Community Service requirements, are also waived
May I take IB examinations even if I am not attending an IB school?
No. The IBO permits only students enrolled in and attending IB-authorized schools to participate in an IB program and take IB examinations.
How can my child enroll in the IB program?
Each school establishes its own student admissions policies. Please consult the admission requirements link at this site for specific information.
Can students with special needs participate in an IB program?
The IBO has established policies for accommodating students with special needs.
Can students transfer from one Diploma Program school to another?
Yes, but while the Diploma Program itself is the same from school to school, the subject choices available to students will vary. Timelines and deadlines for a program's central elements - Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), CAS (Creativity-Action-Service) - usually vary, also.
What is the "Extended Essay"?
The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word piece of original research conducted by each IB Diploma candidate. It is completed between second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year. The student researches and writes on a topic of his/her choosing, and has an Extended Essay Advisor, as well as a Faculty Coach to help with the essay.
What is "Theory of Knowledge"?
Theory of Knowledge, or TOK, is a seminar-type course that explores the linkages between subject areas (courses). It is part existential, philosophical, psychological and metaphysical. It, also, is taken between second semester junior year and first semester senior year. Students submit a presentation-tape and reflective paper, in order to successfully complete the course.
What is "CAS"?
CAS stands for Creativity-Action-Service. In order to successfully complete the IB Diploma Program, each student must have documented 150 hours of after-school activities (during junior & senior year) that are evenly split among creative, action, and service oriented endeavors. Every student has a CAS Advisor, and reflects on learnings from the endeavors. (During pre-IB (grades 9 & 10) 50 hours must also be completed.)
What does 'Baccalaureate' mean anyway?
In English, it is bachelors: the term typically used in European schools for a high school diploma.
Is it necessary to take the same Foreign Language for four years?
Not really. However, if one wants to be totally and thoroughly knowledgeable in the language and to take it Higher Level (HL), it is necessary. It may also be possible to take a Standard Level exam (SL) after junior year, or to take a second Foreign Language as an Elective, or to switch Foreign Languages at the beginning of junior year.
My skills and interests are in the sciences. How does an IB Diploma Program address this?
It is very possible in the context of your four years of IB education to take between 6 and 8 science classes including advanced studies in Chemistry and Biology, as well as Advanced Placement Physics (as an elective senior year).
How do IB courses compare to AP courses?
They differ from course to course, but are always highly regarded, typically providing study in much greater depth, and expecting assimilation of information and, especially, an ability to apply that information.
(For more information, you may click "AP vs. IB" here to download the publication from ibo.org which is in .pdf format.)
How will I benefit from graduating from the IB Program?
You will be better prepared for university studies and will also have attained a higher level of critical thinking, which is valuable in everyday life.
How important is the IB Program to colleges when deciding whether or not to accept a student?
What is most important to colleges is the rigor of a student's courses. The IB curriculum represents the highest level of rigor of ANY high school program.
How many credit hours for college do IB students typically earn?
Credits granted by colleges can vary widely, from none to over 50 credits. Florida state universities generally award up to 30 credits for the IB curriculum.
(Consult www.ibo.org and go to Universities and Governments.)
What about weighted courses? And, won't my GPA suffer in the IB Program?
All IB courses are weighted courses. However, all colleges recalculate GPA's anyway. By an large, colleges reward students for the rigor of their high school program. Again, the IB Program is the most rigorous program possible.
What kind of scholarships does IB give to students?
IB gives no scholarships. Completion of the IB curriculum, however, makes students attractive to those who offer scholarships. Bear in mind, you must actively seek scholarship opportunities and apply for them.
What is the average amount of time one should expect to spend on homework each night in pre-IB and IB? How should we study?
From one to four hours per night: your study style is your own, but it is advisable to exercise good time-management skills.
How do we decide which SL and HL courses to take?
Read the information provided on the website regarding courses and curriculum, consider your strengths and weaknesses, confer with your teachers, IB upperclassmen, parents, and consider your college & career options.
Do you have the same teacher both years of a higher level course?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no, depending upon the subject.
Is it beneficial to take an SL examination in the junior year?
If one is looking for an elective space in grade 12 and/or a 'testing experience', it is beneficial. On the other hand, instruction may be too condensed to cover the material, thereby effecting a higher exam score. It is truly an individual - student by student - decision.
Do all students who attempt the IB Program earn the IB Diploma?
No. Riverview is operating from a baseline that approximately 85% of the IB seniors earn IB Diplomas. In tremendously successful years, there'll be about 90-95%, in less than projected years there'll be 75-80%.
How are the students who do not earn the IB Diploma awarded?
Students are awarded certificates for the examinations successfully completed, as well as a Riverview High School Diploma. (See section on this website under IB Diploma for 'passing' and 'failing' conditions.)
How does one avoid burn-out? How do you know if you should continue in the program?
Focus on one thing at a time: steer clear of negative people: don't be a perfectionist: don't fret. Time management is also important.
Once you are invested, plug along! Incentives become more and more evident the deeper one gets into the program.
If, however, it is necessary to transfer out of the program, it has been demonstrated that the experience, in and of itself, is a marketable commodity, as students still can maintain advanced studies' course selections and high goals.
What does one accomplish in earning the IB Diploma?
Pride, a credential that proves beyond argument that you rank among the very best in the world.
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