IB Myths and Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) 1. How is the IB diploma program different from other specialty school offerings in Prince William County?
Myth #2 IB students are isolated from other students Fact: GFHS has one of the largest IB programs in North America resulting in numerous IB classes being offered to support the 30% of the GFHS student body that is enrolled in one or more IB course. IB students are exposed to students outside of IB in their electives, sports and extracurricular activities.In addition, an IB student is about to join a 'community', a 'team'. As such, he/she develops bonds of friendship with other similarly motivated classmates, united in a program, which will grow tremendously strong. (back to Myths) Myth #3 IB does not offer the depth of math and science coursework offered at other PWC schools. Fact: The IB program at GFHS offers math coursework ranging from Algebra I to Calculus BC. Fact: MYP 9 & 10 students choose a full-year elective each year. IB students in grade 11 choose a course of study that is both specific to their skills and interests and consistent with attaining the IB Diploma. Grade 12 IB students also pursue their interests in their individualized courses of study. In addition, a grade 12 student could have an additional one or two electives, depending on how many IB exams are taken in the junior year.IB students also choose to take subjects as Standard Level or Higher Level, as well as choose topics of interest or expertise in which to write their Extended Essay. All of this points to an impressive array of individualization, while still being in a 'program'.If one is suggesting that the IB Program is more focused than the traditional school program, that's correct! (back to Myths) Myth #5 The IB Diploma does not allow students to study their specialty, for instance Foreign Language. Myth #6 There is too much homework in IB Fact: Full MYP students spend an average of 1 to 2 1/2 hours of homework per night. IB DP candidates spend an average of 2 to 3 1/2 hours of homework per night. (back to Myths)
International Diploma Rigor Assessment Staff For these reasons, the IB Diploma is recognized as a superior education, preparing students to succeed at post-secondary institutions. (back to FAQs) 2. Can I take individual IB Courses, or do I have to attempt the full MYP Certificate or IB Diploma? 3. IB sounds like a lot of extra work. What are the advantages of enrolling in an IB Program. Students with IB Diplomas and Certificates, who attend universities, report that their involvement with IB has given them the tools needed to succeed at university and 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 engage 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 learners", and, "informed participants in local and world affairs". (back to FAQs) 4. What preparation do students need in order to succeed in the IB Program at GFHS? Students currently enrolled in IB Middle Years (MYP) schools are at an advantage by having been exposed to IB approaches to learning. Students can also prepare for the IB Diploma Program by participating and succeeding in the Pre-IB courses at GFHS. These courses assist students in developing a solid background for success in the IB subjects (grade 9 & 10). (back to FAQs) 5. 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 courses 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, and three taken at the higher level.IB students are expected to take their examinations at the conclusion of the two year Diploma Program. However, the IBO permits students to take one or two standard level examination at the end of the junior year, upon the recommendation of the IB Coordinator. Higher level exams can only be taken at the end of the senior year. (back to FAQs) 6. 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 (Internal Assessments). (back to FAQs) 7. Does the IB Diploma satisfy the State of Virginia graduation requirements? Yes, the IB Diploma sequence (9-12) satisfies the State of Virginia Advanced Diploma graduation requirements.(back to FAQs) 8. How can my child enroll in the IB program? Please consult the "Admission Requirements" link at this site for specific information. Remember that applications are due February 15th. New Prince William County residents have 60 days from enrollment to apply for specialty programs. This is a PWCS regulation that applies to ALL specialty programs. (back to FAQs) 9. Can students with special needs participate in an IB program? The IBO has established policies for accommodating students with special needs. (back to FAQs) 10. 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. (back to FAQs) 11. 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 to help with the essay. (back to FAQs) 12. 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 is taken during the student's senior year. Students submit a presentation tape and reflective paper, in order to successfully complete the course. (back to FAQs) 13. What is "CAS"? 14. 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" or read this interesting article from the Washington Post. (back to FAQs) 15. 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. (back to FAQs) 16. How important is the IB program to colleges when deciding whether or not to accept a student? Colleges and universities want to see good grades. GPA is very important. In the competitive arena of college applications, GOOD grades and achievement in rigorous courses increases a student's chances of acceptance. The IB curriculum represents the highest level of rigor of ANY high school program. (see IB vs. AP link)(back to FAQs) 17. How many credit hours for college do IB students typically earn? Credits granted by colleges can vary widely, from none to over 50 credits.(Consult www.ibo.org and go to Universities and Governments to find out more about your school/s of interest.) (back to FAQs) 18. What about weighted courses? And, won't my GPA suffer in the IB Program? All IB DP courses are weighted courses, with some IB MYP courses receiving .5 weight. However, all colleges recalculate GPA's anyway. In general, colleges reward students for the rigor of their high school program. Again, the IB Program is the most rigorous program possible. (back to FAQs) 19. 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. (back to FAQs) 20. What is the average amount of time one should expect to spend on homework each night in IB MYP and IB DP? 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. (back to FAQs) 21. How do we decide which SL and HL courses to take? Read the information provided on the web site regarding courses and curriculum, consider your strengths and weaknesses, confer with your teachers, IB upperclassmen, parents, and consider your college and career options. (back to FAQs) 22. Do you have the same teacher both years of a higher level course? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, depending upon the subject. 23. 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 'testing experience', it is beneficial. Taking an exam or two year junior year provides flexibility when building your senior schedule. It is truly an individual - student by student - decision.(back to FAQs) 24. Do all students who attempt the IB program earn the IB Diploma? No. On average, 88-95% of all 12th grade diploma candidates are awarded the IB diploma. This number does not reflect the number of students that change from IB diploma to IB scholar or certificate during their 9-11th grade years. Most students come in with a freshman schedule that is on an IB diploma track. Some adjust their schedule in order to manage the rigor of the courses and obtain a schedule that is consistent with their ability and commitment. Remember...IB is not an all or nothing program. Students can earn certificates in individual courses or earn IB Diploma or Scholar status.(back to FAQs) 25. What is the difference between the IB Diploma and IB Scholar? Diploma candidates are required to select one subject from each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours, SL courses 150 hours. They are also required to meet the requirements of CAS, TOK, and the Extended Essay.IB Scholar is a GFHS distinction given to a student that has taken 4 IB externally assessed courses during their junior and senior year, have taken TOK and have earned 75 CAS hours.(back to FAQs) 26. 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. (back to FAQs)
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