WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a philosophy of education, a curriculum and a testing service. The IB offers the Primary Years Program (PYP) for students aged 3 to 12 years, the Middle Years Program (MYP) for students in the 11-16 age range, and the Diploma Program. The latter is intended for students in their last two years of Secondary School who plan to continue with academic work in their post-secondary studies. The IB program leads to external examinations which, if completed successfully, result in the award of a Diploma.

While university acceptance practices vary in different countries, the IB Diploma is recognized either by the governments or by the leading universities in over 100 countries. The IB curriculum is now offered in over 1300 schools located in 115 countries.

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

WHAT IS THE IB CURRICULUM?

IB Diploma candidates are required to study six subjects. At least three, and not more than four, are taken at Higher Level (HL), the others at Standard Level (SL). HL courses represent approximately 240 teaching hours each; SL courses require about 150 hours each. One subject is chosen from each of the following academic "Groups".

GROUP 1 A First Language, Language A1, is a 100% literature course in the
student's best language, taken at HL or SL. "Best" is defined in terms of reading, writing and speaking abilities. It is not necessarily the student's mother tongue.

GROUP 2 A Second Language, chosen from one of the following:
- Language A2 consists of 50% literature and is intended for students with "near-native" proficiency; or,
- Language B is a foreign language which has been studied for at least four years; or
- Language ab initio - a second language studied for two years (SL) only; or Latin or Classical Greek.

GROUP 3 Individuals and Societies: History, Geography, Economics.

GROUP 4 Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics.

GROUP 5 Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics HL, or Mathematical Methods SL (both are calculus-
based courses); or Mathematical Studies SL (non-calculus course).

GROUP 6 The Arts
Visual Arts, Theatre Arts.
Students may elect certain subjects from other Groups instead of a Group Six subject. Additionally, each Diploma candidate must participate in the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) course, Creativity/Action/Service (CAS) and produce an Extended Essay. The unique characteristics of ToK, CAS and the Extended Essay qualify them as essential components of the IB Diploma Program.

CAN ANYONE PARTICIPATE IN THE IB PROGRAMME?

The IB is accessible to students who wish to pursue post-secondary academic work and who obtained a C-average in the IGCSE or equivalent exams. At Windhoek International School the IB is offered in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12).

Diploma Candidates - This is a very rigorous academic program in which students must fulfill all the IB requirements described above. The IB program is challenging but not elitist - average students who are hard-working and who want to attend university can grow personally and intellectually through the IB program and earn the Diploma.

Certificate Candidates - Students enroll in IB courses and choose to take examinations in some or all of these courses at the end of the two-year program. The exams can be taken at HL or SL. Certificate candidates are not required to fulfill all the requirements demanded of the Diploma candidates (such as taking three HL courses, and writing the Extended Essay).

Course-Credit Candidates - Students can take IB courses but choose not to take the IB examinations at the end of the two-year program. The courses count as credits toward a WIS (High School) Diploma, which is also the case for the Diploma and the Certificate candidates.

WHAT IS MEANT BY SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE IB?

Examinations are set and mostly assessed by external examiners. Almost all subjects have an Internal Assessment (IA) component that is graded internally by the teacher, but moderated externally by an IB examiner. It is permissible for IB candidates to sit up to two exams at the Standard Level at the end of their penultimate year.

The marking scheme is as follows:

1 = very poor
2 = poor
3 = mediocre
4 = satisfactory
5 = good
6 = very good
7 = excellent

The IB Diploma will be awarded to a candidate whose overall score reaches or exceeds 24 points. This total, however, must be achieved in conformity with certain conditions (See the IB Coordinator for details).

Up to three bonus points in total can be earned for distinguished performance in Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. These bonus points are added to the candidate's total score. On the other hand, an "Elementary" performance in both the Extended Essay and the Theory of Knowledge is a Failing Condition for the Diploma.

The IB Diploma will not be awarded if the CAS requirements are not fulfilled.

IS THE IB MORE DIFFICULT THAN OTHER DIPLOMAS?

The IB standard is comparable to university preparatory curricula in Europe. It involves a lot of work; the use of time, therefore, is of paramount importance. Students in the program should be prepared to:
a) work industriously and regularly as there will be very limited allowance for catch-up work;
b) share with the faculty the pride as well as the responsibility in making this program a success.

IB SUBJECTS OFFERED AT WINDHOEK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The following form contains the IB subjects offered at WIS and is filled out by prospective students.
WINDHOEK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

CHOOSING AN IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME AT WIS (Years 12 and 13)

Name (Please print): ________________________________________

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill the requirements of various national education systems, the Diploma Program is based on the pattern of no single country, but incorporates the best elements of many.

Established in 1968, the first full year of operation of the Diploma Program was 1971. There are currently over 1200 schools, in 115 countries, authorized to offer the program.

Choose one subject and level from each Block. Three subjects should be taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Circle the subjects and either HL or SL.

Block 1: English A1 HL SL English A2 HL SL English B HL SL

Block 2: French A1 HL SL French B HL SL

German A1 HL SL German B HL SL

Portuguese A1 HL SL Portuguese B HL SL

Self-taught Language A1 SL (specify): ________________________________

Block 3: Geography HL SL History HL SL

Block 4: Biology HL SL Physics HL SL

Block 5: Mathematics HL Mathematical Methods SL Mathematical Studies SL

Block 6: Visual Arts HL SL Theatre Arts HL SL

Economics HL SL Chemistry HL SL

In addition to the above, all IB students will take Theory of Knowledge and participate in the CAS program. Candidates for the full Diploma must also present an Extended Essay.

Signature of Parent: .................................................. Date: ........................

Additional information on the International Baccalaureate can be obtained by consulting the IB Website at: www.ibo.org