Table of contents what is the International Baccalaureate Program?

What is the International Baccalaureate Program?..........2

What is the mission of IB?.................................................2

What does an IB student look like?.……………………………3-4

A Short History of the IB Program……..……………………….4-5

What does the IB Curriculum Entail?.............................5-6

Course recommendations at PWHS………………..………….7-9

Examination Fees……………………………………………….……......9

University Credit Recognition for IB.………………………..9-19

IB Course Descriptions………………………………………………….

Biology Higher Level……………………………………………………… 21-22

Business Management Higher Level……………………………… 23-24

Business Management Standard Level………………………….. 25-26

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)……………………………………. 27-28

Chemistry Standard Level……………………………………..………. 29-30

Extended Essay………………………………………………………..……. 31-32

Environmental Systems and Societies Standard Level...... 33-34

History Higher Level………………………………………………………. 35-36

Language A (English) Higher Level…………………………………. 37-38

Language ab initio Standard Level…………………………………. 39-40

(French, Italian, Spanish)

Language B Standard Level……………………………………………. 41-42

(Spanish)

Mathematics Standard Level…………………………………………. 43-44

Mathematical Studies Standard Level…………………………… 45-46

Music Standard Level……………………………………………………. 47-48

Physics Standard Level…………………………………………………. 49-50

Psychology Higher and Standard Level………………………….. 51-54

Theory of Knowledge……………………………………………………. 55-56

Visual Art Higher and Standard Level……………………………. 57-60

The International Baccalaureate program is a rigorous course of study offered to juniors and seniors that prepares students for university study not only in the US, but world-wide. The diploma program is offered during the junior and senior years of high school and leads to a set of examinations that if completed and passed afford the diploma graduate recognition at world universities. It is a rigorous course of study that develops international mindedness, the importance of community service, and produces a student that is well-rounded in six different areas of study. The International Baccalaureate Organization strives to incorporate the best elements of educational systems worldwide without focus on any one system in particular. Since its founding approximately 30 years ago, the IB program has established a reputation of academic rigor and intellectual integrity. Candidates for the IB diploma program should show a strong sense of commitment to learning. These students should not only demonstrate academic prowess, but possess the desire to achieve the skills necessary to become a world class student and lifelong learner.

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the IB works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their difference, can also be right.

The aim of the IB program is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The idea of an International Baccalaureate, that is, of an international university entrance examination that could be taken in any country and recognized in any country, grew out of both practical and educational concerns in the international school setting. School authorities found that the necessity of preparing their university-bound pupils for separate national examinations required either a large number of very small classes, or one large class segregated according to national groups. Teachers were also concerned with the increasing emphasis on education as the delivery of information, the fragmentation of knowledge, and the de-emphasis on aesthetic and creative education.

The program was a result of efforts to establish a common curriculum, and university entry credential for students moving from one country to another. International educators were motivated by practical considerations, but also by an idealistic vision. They believed that students should share an academic experience that would emphasize critical thinking, inter-cultural understanding and exposure to a variety of points of view. The program was established under a Swiss Foundation in 1968.

Since that time, the IB has grown to more than 2,743 schools participating in The Primary Years, The Middle Years, and the Diploma Program in more than 138 countries with 756,000 students worldwide. Working in three official languages (English, French, and Spanish), the IB enjoys the respect and support of many governments, colleges, and universities.

Suzanne Geimer, IB Coordinator (retired)

George Washington High School

Denver Public Schools

Denver, Colorado

Students at Pueblo West High School may choose two different paths with the IB Diploma program. The first path entails taking individual IB classes. The only exception to this is the fact that students are not allowed to take IB Theory of Knowledge as an individual class. Students need to be aware that unlike AP, students that choose to take individual coursework in IB are required to sit for the exam in the course in May which entails incurring the cost of the IB exam. Students will receive from IB a certificate of completion for the course that shows their test score. Individual IB course scores will also be sent to the university of the student’s choice if the IB Coordinator is given this information before graduation.

The second path that students may take is the full diploma program. Students choosing to pursue an IB diploma must successfully complete rigorous assessments in six subject areas. These subject areas are studied over a two-year period (the junior and senior years of high school). The six subject areas include English, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Language, Creative Arts, and Social Studies.

At least three of these subject areas must be studied at the higher level, but a student may choose to take up to 4 higher level classes. A higher level class entails 240 hours of instruction and are often referred to as HL classes. The other courses may be completed at the standard level which entails 150 hours of instruction and are often referred to as SL classes. The differentiation between the higher level courses and the standard level courses allows students to focus more attention on their interests while still producing a well-rounded student.

In addition to the six subjects, candidates for the diploma program must complete take a course entitled Theory of Knowledge and complete the required assessment associated with this course according to IB standards. This course specifically requires students to consider the question of how they know what they know. It also asks them to reflect critically on knowledge that has been acquired inside of the classroom setting as well as acquired knowledge from outside of the formal classroom setting. This required course is offered during Spring semester of the junior year and the Fall semester of the senior year.

Diploma candidates are also required to complete a program of extra-curricular activities known as CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). This requirement is completed by students participating in planned activities approved by the CAS Coordinator that are directly related to the local community. The goal of this component is for students to understand attitudes and values other than one’s own while allowing the student to develop communication skills that will be necessary in the competitive environment of the work place. Creativity is interpreted to include a wide range of activities revolving around the arts. Action can be, but is not limited to, participation in individual and team sports but should also include participation in local or international projects. Service includes community and social service activities. Each diploma candidate is required to complete approximately 150 hours of CAS projects during the junior and senior years and meet the learning outcomes which are associated with CAS. These hours must involve all three areas of creativity, action, and service and should be divided fairly equally. Diploma candidates will also be required to reflect in writing their thoughts and observations on their participation in the CAS element. Documentation of CAS hours will be submitted to the CAS coordinator by the end of the senior year.

Finally, all diploma candidates are required to complete and submit to IB an extended essay of 4,000 words in a subject area of their choice. This is a work that is an original and independent piece of research. Work on this essay is expected to reflect approximately 40 hours and is completed under the supervision of a mentor at the school who is familiar with the student’s topic choice and who the student chooses.

Course Recommendations to Prepare Students for Entrance into the Diploma Programme

1. Accelerated English I

2. Accelerated Algebra 1, Accelerated Geometry, Accelerated Algebra II, *AP Statistics or *Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry

(*This is a rare case for those students who took Geometry in the 8^th grade.)
3. Accelerated U.S. History

4. Accelerated Physical/Earth Science(can test out if NWEA science score is 230+ and there is a teacher recommendation or Accelerated Biology 1.

5. Accelerated Spanish I,2,or 3, French 1, or Italian 1

6. Physical Education both semesters (Students can also earn physical education credit by participating in sports or logging activity hours under the supervision of a mentor.)

7. Technology both semesters/health/speech

Sophomore Year: These courses are strongly recommended of all sophomores wishing to pursue entrance into the IB Diploma Programme during the junior year.

1. Accelerated English II

2. Accelerated Geometry or Accelerated Algebra 2, *A.P. Statistics or *Pre Calculus/Trigonometry

3. Accelerated World History

4. Science

a. Accelerated Chemistry I – If planning to pursue IB Biology or IB Chemistry during the junior year.

b. Accelerated Biology – If planning to pursue IB Biology or IB Environmental Systems and Societies during the junior year.

5. Accelerated Spanish II, III, French II, or Italian II

6. PE one semester/Elective one semester

Junior Year:

Students must complete coursework in all six groups listed below in order to be eligible for the IB diploma. The course offerings for each group are listed within each group below. Students should keep in mind that they must have 3 courses offered at the higher level (HL), but no more than 4, and 3 offered at the standard level (SL). The courses marked with asterisks indicate that they are two-year courses.

1. Group 1: Language A: *IB English Literature A (HL only)

2. Group 2: Language Acquisition: *IB Spanish B SL or *IB Spanish ab initio SL, *IB Italian ab initio , or *IB French ab initio (Course of study is based on the number of years of study by the student and his/her proficiency level. Students will be guided by IB Coordinator on appropriate placement.)

3. Group 3: Individuals and Societies: *IB History: History of the Americas: Peacemaking (HL only) , IB Psychology (SL or *HL), IB Business Management (SL or* HL), or IB Environment Systems and Societies (SL only), IB Philosophy (SL or *HL).

4. *IB Math Studies SL or *IB Math SL

5. *IB Biology HL; IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL, IB Chemistry SL, or *IB Physics SL

6. IB Music SL, IB Visual Art (SL or *HL) or any other course from groups 2-5 not previously taken

7. American Government first semester/Theory of Knowledge 2^nd semester

8. Extended Essay Supervisor/Mentee contract due to the IB Coordinator with the research question identified and approved by mid February

During the senior year, students will be completing coursework from the junior year. Students must complete the Theory of Knowledge course during the first semester of the senior year. Any hours not filled with IB coursework may be used to take other electives offered at the school. In addition to coursework, students must complete the requirements below to be eligible for the full diploma:

1. Theory of Knowledge (First semester)/economics second semester

2. Final Draft of Extended Essay due/TOK Essay Due/ CAS hours due

3. Registration and fee payment with the IB coordinator October 1st for any exams being taken during the senior year.

Test Exam Fees

Registration for exams being taken will always be in October. Students taking standard level (SL, one-year courses), will be required to pay the entire testing fee by October 1^st of the school year in which they are testing. Students taking higher level (HL, two-year courses), will be required to pay half of their testing fees by October 1^st of the first year of the course and the other half by October 1^st of following year. While exam fees are subject to yearly changes, in May 2017, the exam fees are as follows. All test fees are nonrefundable whether it is a student’s testing year or not. While the fees for testing seem high, please keep in mind that the state of Colorado enacted a law in 2003 that requires public universities in the state to give a minimum of 24 college credits to any local diploma recipient who receives the score of 4 or higher on their exams.

6 exams $864.00

5 exams $748.00

4 exams $632.00

3 exams $516.00

2 exams $400.00

1 exam $284.00

University Credit Recognition Policies

The information provided below was found on each respective university’s website. This information was the latest information that was available on the individual university websites as of November 2015. ALWAYS check directly with the university that you plan to attend to confirm that information listed on the website is the most recent. The universities listed here are universities about which students have inquired. If you have a specific university that you would like information on, please send an email to Rachelle Eastep at REastep@district70.org, and she will get the information to you.
Brigham Young University

BYU will only award elective college credit for higher level (HL) exams that do not receive GE or specific course credit. Exams that meet this criterion will receive 3 elective credits for a score of 6 or 7. Awarding of IB credit is exam based and does not take into account the completion of a baccalaureate program.

Credit for the IB program is granted to students who score a 5, 6 or 7 on selected higher level exams. 

IB scores are used by the Registrar to place students in the appropriate courses before credit can be granted. 

The CSM courses for which you can receive credit are listed below. 

All IB credit is shown as transfer credit on CSM transcript. No grades are associated with the credits.

Biology HL 5-6 Challenge Exam Biology I

Biology HL 7 Biology I, II, Lab 8

History HL 5,6,7 Free Elective 3

Philosophy HL 5,6,7 Free Elective 3

Psychology HL 5,6,7 Free Elective 3

Visual Arts HL Free Elective 3

Colorado State University (Ft. Collins): Students who graduate from high school with an International Baccalaureate diploma or have completed individual exams may receive university credit for scores of four or higher. Credit for an IB diploma will be a minimum of 24 semester credits. (HB 03-1108 – sub section d). Please see the IB Website for more information regarding IB scores or the link below for equivalencies. Request for re-evaluation of a specific equivalency listed in the chart will not be considered. Decision of the department is considered final. Please see the link below for the equivalencies or how to order your transcript.

Exam Standard Level Credit Higher Level Credit

Biology HL LIFE 102 4

Business and Elective 3 Elective 6

Management

Score of 5 CHEM 107,108 5

Environmental Systems

And Societies SL NR 130 3

Score of 4 LSPA 200 3

Score of 5,6 LSPA 200,201 9

Score of 7 LSPA200,201,300 9

Mathematics SL Math 117, 118, 124,

125, 126, 141 8

Math Studies SL Math 1++1B 3

Music SL MU 100 3

Philosophy PHIL100 3 PHIL 100 3

Physics PH 110 3

Psychology SL PSY 100 3 PSY100,250 7

Visual Art Elective 3 Elective 3

Colorado State University-Pueblo recognizes and encourages high school students to participate in the IB Diploma Program. The University recognizes the IB Diploma Program as a rigorous pre-university course of study for highly motivated secondary students. Students who complete the IB Diploma Program and the IB examination(s) are eligible to receive credit and advanced placement standing at CSU-Pueblo. To receive university credit, a student must take the IB examination(s) and request the scores be sent to CSU-Pueblo. Upon receipt of the scores, an evaluation for credit will be performed by the appropriate academic department. The student will be notified by mail of the evaluation results in approximately 2 - 4 weeks. A score of 4 or better on the IB examination(s) will receive between 3 - 10 credits for most examinations. Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

Biology BIOL 181/L 8

BIOL 182/L

Bus.Management Management 3 Management 6

BUSAD

Chemistry CHEM 111/L 4

With score of 7 ENG 101, 102, 130,

And elective 12

English A1

With score of 6 ENG 101,102,130 9

English A1

With score of 5 ENG 101, 130 6

English A1

With score of 4 ENG 130 3

French ab initio FL 101,102 6

History HIST201,202 6

Italian ab initio FL 101,102 6

Math Studies Math 121 4

Music MUS118 3 MUS150 3

Philosophy PHIL102,elective 3 PHIL102, elective 6

Physics PHYS140/L 4

Psychology PSYH100 3 PSYCH100, elective 6

Spanish ab initio SPN 101,102 6

Spanish B

Score 6-7 SPN101,102,201, 12

202

Score 5 SPN 9

Visual Arts Art 3 ART 6

Duke also recognizes international standardized examinations and confers a limited amount of elective credit and placement into advanced courses at Duke for students whose performance in these examinations meets certain standards established by the University.  If you completed one of the exams below, the required score for the credit is listed. 

AP and IB scores are primarily used by academic departments to determine appropriate placement within a discipline. For instance, a student who scores a five on AP Economics would be eligible to bypass the introductory course Economics 10a and 10b.

In general, credit is granted for approved IB examinations at the higher level with a score of 4 or better. Students admitted to the University of Colorado Boulder who have graduated from high school with an International Baccalaureate Diploma shall be granted 24 semester hours of college credit. This credit will be applied toward degree requirements ONLY if approved by the college or school. Depending on the student’s degree program, some of the 24 credits may not be applicable towards degree requirements. No CU-Boulder tuition will be charged for these credits and the 24 credits will only be granted if the student receives a score of 4 or better on an examination administered as part of the IB Diploma program. If the student scores less than 4 on each IB subject test, the credit hours granted will be reduced accordingly. Official scores must be sent to the admissions office directly from the IB organization. For more information and a guide to equivalencies, refer to Freshman Applicants.

Biology Higher 4 EBIO1210, 8

1220, 1230,

and 1240
Business Higher 4 BCOR1010 6

Manage- and 3 lower-

Ment division BADM

credits

English Higher 4 ENGL1500 3

Ab initio 6,5 FREN 1010 5

Americas lower-division

credits meeting

historical context

core requirement
Italian

Ab initio Standard 7 ITAL 1020 5

6,5 ITAL 1010 5
Philosophy Higher 4 PHIL 1000 6

(meets ideals and

values core require-

ment) and 3 lower-

division credits

Psych- Higher 4 PSYC 1001 6

ology and 2 lower

division credits

initio
Spanish B Standard 4 SPAN 1010 10

and 1020
Visual Art Higher 4 Elective Credits 6

University of Denver

High scores on the IB exams can earn you credit and/or placement. Credit is granted under the guidelines stated below. Only Higher Level Subject Exams may be awarded credit. Unless noted below, no credit is given for Standard Level Subject Exams. A maximum of 45 quarter hours can be awarded for AP and IB credit. Students who have questions about credit should contact Ali Walton, University Requirements Adviser, (303) 871-2245 or the appropriate academic department.

Biology HL 6 or 7 BIOL 1010,1020,1011, 12

1021, elective

5 BIOL 1010, 1020 5

Management division elective

English HL 5-7 WRIT 1122 4

History of 4-7 HIST elective 4

Americas HL
Psychology HL 6-7 PSYC 1001, elective 8

5 PSYC 1001 4

Any student admitted to UCCS after June 30, 2003, who has graduated from high school having successfully completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, shall be granted at least 24 semester hours of college credit. No tuition shall be charged for these credits. These credits shall be granted, however, only if the student receives a score of 4 or better on an examination administered as part of the IB diploma program. Students who complete four Higher Level (HL) exams will receive 6-8 hours of credit for each exam. Students who complete three HL exams and three Standard Level (SL) exams will receive 6-8 hours of credit for each individual HL exam and a total of 6 hours of elective credit for all three of the SL exams in aggregate, as long as at least one of the SL exams has a score of 4 or better.

Students who do not complete the entire IB Diploma Program will receive credit for up to four Higher Level (HL) exams completed with scores of 4 or better. No credit will be awarded for Standard Level (SL) exams. Credit is not granted for an International Baccalaureate score if the student completes an equivalent college course or Advanced Placement (AP) course.

All colleges accept IB credits but apply them differently depending on the student’s degree program. Please contact an advisor in the Student Success Center for test score interpretation.