The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

The Calverton School is pleased to announce that we are officially an IB World School. IB Diplomas will be awarded beginning with the Class of 2015.

Why IB?

Widely recognized as the most challenging and respected pre-university course of study anywhere in the world, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme helps students develop the cognitive tools needed for success in an increasingly interconnected, global world.

The IB Programme teaches students to learn the same way they will be taught in college: with a focus on critical thinking instead of memorization; with assessments that go beyond standardized testing to develop students’ ability to write, communicate orally, and conduct research. 

Key aspects of the IB approach to education include:

• Focus on critical thinking instead of memorization;
• A challenging and multi-faceted assessment program that goes beyond standardized testing, to encompass writing ability, oral communication, and independent research;
• Appreciation for the development of the whole student.

At The Calverton School, the IB Programme helps students develop the cognitive tools needed for success in an increasingly interconnected, global world.

In addition, IB diploma students are required to participate actively in creative activities and service-learning, as well as completing an individual research project (extended essay) and an inquiry course that delves into the nature of knowledge (Theory of Knowledge course).

Please check out these resources for more information on the IB Diploma Programme:
IB College Acceptance Rates
IB Learner Profile
IB Diploma Programme: Information Guide

 IB Courses

Every student in the 11^th and 12^th grade is an IB student. In these grades, all English, Math, Science, History, and Foreign Language courses, along with many other offerings in the arts, psychology and additional subjects, are IB courses.

In all, Calverton will offer nearly 25 IB courses. By taking IB courses at the Honors/Standard Level or Advanced /Higher Level, Calverton students gain outstanding preparation for the future. Central to the design of our junior and senior IB program is student choice. Students can opt to take individual IB courses as part of their total course load, or students can choose to be part of the full Diploma Program, where all of their courses are IB.

Our IB Courses
Generally, IB courses are two years in length, running for both junior and senior years. In each course, students take multiple, creative, IB assessments and receive a score from IB (on a scale of 1-7) in addition to their regular Calverton grades. Our IB courses, arranged in six categories, are: 

Primary Language
English Literature (Hon/Standard Level or Ad /Higher Level)
English Language and Literature (Hon/Standard Level)

Secondary Language
French (Hon/Standard Level)
Spanish (Hon/Standard and Ad/Higher Level)                                                                                           
ab initio Spanish (Hon/Standard Level)

History and Social Sciences
Psychology (Hon/Standard and Ad/Higher Level)
Information Technology in a Global Society (S & H Level)

Natural Sciences
Biology (Ad/Higher Level)
Physics (Hon/Standard and Ad/Higher Level)
Environmental Systems and Societies (Hon/Standard Level)

Mathematics
Mathematics (Hon/Standard and Ad/Higher Level)
Mathematical Studies (Hon/Standard Level)

Arts
Music (Hon/Standard and Ad/Higher Level)                                 
Theatre Arts (Hon/Standard and Ad/Higher Level)
Visual Arts (Hon/Standard and Ad/Higher Level

Frequently asked questions….

How is eligibility for the Program determined?
Students who are interested in the programme meet with the IB Diploma Coordinator Susan Dice, to determine whether the program is a good fit. While a student’s academic talent is important, motivation and dedication also play a role. Eligibility will be determined on an individual basis with the student and his/her parents.

What is the difference between AP and IB?
IB is a comprehensive program that prepares students for college. AP (Advanced Placement) is a college-credit earning program in individual subjects that helps students place out of college courses. Students at Calverton will be able to sit AP exams if they choose to.

Current Courses to IB Courses

How is student work assessed?
Classroom teachers and IB examiners work in partnership to ensure that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. Between 20% and 50% of the final IB grade is internally assessed by the classroom teacher. IB examinations ask mainly essay questions or short-answer questions. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate what they know, not what they don’t know.

Can students take classes without sitting for the Diploma? What are the benefits to doing so?
Yes. Sitting for the diploma is encouraged but not required, and students will enrich their academic experience simply by taking IB courses.