DHS IB Program

IB Scholars 2022

DALTON HIGH SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM

International Baccalaureate program logo

En Español

Background
The International Baccalaureate Program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum for high school students beginning in the junior year. Based on the educational pattern of no
single county, it is the deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some
national systems and the breadth preferred in others. The Diploma program requires a
comprehensive and integrated study in six subject areas, an extended essay (4,000 word thesis of original research), the Theory of Knowledge course, and CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service to the community). The last three components link the academic studies to broader
experiences, educating the whole person. In the 50 years since its founding, the 18 Program has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, both in the mastery of subject
content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a
competitive world.


Theory and Philosophy
Mission Statement: The International Baccalaureate Organization 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 IBO works with schools, governments, and international organizations to
develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and
lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.


Diploma Requirements:
The IB Diploma is earned when a student successfully completes the 6 required IB courses and the 3 required "central elements".
Required Courses -Students must select one course from each of the following IB Subject Groups: (3 must be HL/2-year course of study – the other 3 may be SL/1-year course of study).

Group 1: Literature (HL)

Group 2: World Language Acquisition (SL) – Spanish, French, German, Latin

Group 3: Individuals and Societies (HL) – History of the Americas, Psychology (this course may be substituted as the Group 6 requirement)

Group 4: Sciences – Biology or Chemistry (HL/SL)

Group 5: Math – Analysis & Approaches (HL/SL), Applications & Interpretations (SL)

Group 6: The Arts – Theatre (HL/SL), Visual Arts (HL/SL)

 

Higher Levels (HL) and Standard Levels(SL) are IB classifications that describe the level of depth and breadth of the course. The level of rigor is the same but the Higher Level courses are
required two year courses.

Students are assessed primarily by external examinations which are taken at the same time throughout the world. Each student is graded on a scale of 1 to 7 in each subject. The internal assessment or research project done in each of the 6 areas also contributes to the score. A minimum of 24 points in the six academic subjects plus the satisfactory completion of the central elements are required to earn the diploma. In a general, a higher grade in one course may be used to
compensate for a lower grade in another course, through there are some exceptions to this
rule.

The Mission Statement and the Learner Profile form the common philosophical thread that
runs through each course and connects the academic experience with the central elements
described below.


Central Element #1: CAS (Creativity, Action, Service)
CAS is the "heart" of the IB Program. The CAS requirement emphasizes the importance of life outside of the world of scholarship, providing a fresh counterbalance to the academic self­
absorption some may feel within a demanding school program. All IB students are expected to generate their own unique CAS portfolios of activities in the areas of creativity, action, and service. The CAS Handbook is given to all students and is accessible online. Students use Managebac to track CAS experiences.


All CAS activities must center on real, purposeful activities with significant outcomes. They must provide personal challenge that extends the student and is achievable in scope. CAS must involve thoughtful consideration such as planning, reviewing progress, and reporting, and each activity must include opportunity for reflection on outcomes and personal learning.

 

Central Element #2: The Extended Essay
The extended essay is one of the central elements of the IB Diploma Program, sharing the same goals as CAS and the Theory of Knowledge course. The extended essay, an original research paper of no more than 4,000 words, provides the student with the opportunity to intensify his/her attention on an area of particular interest. The student is encouraged to draw the connections through one's own means of investigation and expository writing.
The process should begin in the junior year where the student should consider a variety of topics and engage in some cursory research, verifying the accessibility of adequate material and ascertaining a continued interest in the topic. Advised by a faculty mentor, the student will research the topic, draft a proposal, outline his/her paper, submit a rough draft, revise it, and polish a final piece for submission to the IBO.
 

Central Element #3: Theory of Knowledge
The primary intent of the Theory of Knowledge class is to analyze the processes by which we
acquire knowledge and the lenses through which we view it. The course is taken in the senior year and will explore the four primary ways of knowing: perception, language, reason, and
emotion. Our exploration of each will integrate the material studied in other 18 courses as well as supplementary readings as we address the following questions, among others:

* How certain can we be certain of what we claim to know? What kinds of knowledge provide more certainty than others?
* What methods are there of verifying what we take to be true? Are they all equally convincing?Could there be a single, universal method of verification?
* What counts as a good reason?
* What are the limitations of knowledge? How can we attempt to overcome them?

Theory of Knowledge, the intellectual centerpiece of the IB Diploma Program, encourages
students to make important curricular and global connections and to stretch their
understanding of themselves and the thinking process.


For more information concerning the International Baccalaureate program at Dalton High
School, call Dr. Marybeth Brennan-Hindman at 706-278-8757 or 706-876-4800 or e-mail at

 

 

If a student or parent has a concern about the Dalton High School International Baccalaureate Programme or wishes to appeal a grade or decision made by the school concerning our programme, please submit the concern in writing to Chris Anderson via email at chris.anderson@dalton.k12.ga.us


For more information concerning the International Baccalaureate program and the Advanced Placement program and college credit for each, go to www.collegeboard.com/ap/creditpolicy or

 

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/w...

 

 

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