IB Philosophy

IB @AISD

Prospective Students

CAS

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IB Full Diploma

Full Diploma

Student must complete:
  • 6 courses* (3 at standard level, 3 at higher level)
  • Theory of Knowledge
  • Extended essay
  • CAS

Certificates

  • A student can choose to take one or more IB courses much in the same way a student enrolls in AP courses
  • Upon successful completion (including examination) the student receives a certificate from IBO.
  • Universities in North America have Certificate recognition policies similar to those for AP program courses

Explanations of Diploma Requirements

Six Courses

  • Each IB course has BOTH an external assessment component (usually an exam) and an internal assessment component (teacher-graded project). The combination of grades for the external and internal component yields an IB mark on a 1-7 scale (Ï7Ó is Excellent).
  • Three IB Courses must be done at HIGHER LEVEL (HL), academic expectations are very high.
  • Three IB courses must be done at STANDARD LEVEL (SL), academic expectations are accessible to most students.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

  • Interdisciplinary course taught within the two-year IB Diploma framework
  • Stimulates critical reflection on knowledge gained inside and outside classroom
  • Asks students to question assumptions, recognize the subjective aspects of knowledge acquisition, and to be aware of cultural and ideological biases in making knowledge claims
  • Develops in students the ability to analyze evidence, construct rational arguments, and appreciate the value of varying cultural perspectives

Extended Essay

  • Similar in nature to the Senior Project
  • 4000 Words
  • Independent ÏSupervisedÓ Study (not a ÏtaughtÓ subject)
  • Topics range the gamut of the academic program but must conform to specific discipline-based guidelines
  • Preference for local, inquiry-based and/or experimental projects
  • The Extended Essay is externally assessed

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

  • This is essentially a combination of requirements for recorded community service and extracurricular activity
  • The objective is to ensure that IB Diploma kids are not just academic machines but are involved participants and leaders in their local community
  • Students should demonstrate some involvement in all aspects of CAS, not just be specialists in one area.

CIB Assessment System

  • IB courses are BOTH externally and internally assessed to yield subject scores on a 1-7 scale (Ï7Ó is excellent, a Ï3Ó is a ÏconditionalÓ pass).
  • There are six courses in the ÏfullÓ diploma program (graded 1-7); Bonus points (0-3) are awarded for performance in Theory of Knowledge class and the Extended Essay.
  • The maximum IB Diploma score is 45 (42 + 3), the minimum passing score is 24 (representing an average of Ï4Ó in six courses).