INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM

Canyon High School 2012 IB Testing information – tba

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is designed to be an academically rigorous, yet balanced program of education, for juniors and seniors, with the ultimate goal of creating globally-minded critical thinkers.  Canyon High School offers two pathways for the IB, the diploma program or the completion of a course-specific certificate in English or History.  The IB diploma is granted to students who successfully complete all course requirements, participate in 150 hours of community service, and pass six internationally graded examinations. The program is taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities. For more information, see www.ibo.org.

MISSION STATEMENT
The International Baccalaureate 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 organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes 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.

ADVANTAGES
The advantages of enrolling in the CHS IB program include:

• A rigorous academic preparation in the humanities, mathematics, and sciences for serious students.
• An international curriculum acceptable at the world's leading institutions.
• A desirable factor in admissions to the most selective and prestigious colleges and universities worldwide.
• College course credit (up to one full year for students who attain at least a 30 on their diploma, a 24 is passing). Please contact the college or university that you are interested in to inquire about the exact units allocated for each IB exam.
• A sense of accomplishment for both students and staff in meeting the challenge of an international standard of excellence.
• An emphasis on the global point of view to solve human problems.
• A philosophy of lifetime learning skills in addition to the acquisition of knowledge
• An excellent preparation for the rigors of college academics.

In its dedication to provide the highest possible academic goals and opportunities for its students, Canyon High School has joined the International Baccalaureate diploma program. This program is based in Geneva, Switzerland, with the North American headquarters in Maryland. Students will complete an intense course of study which culminates in six internationally graded examinations. Additional requirements include a special course in “Theory of Knowledge,” a 4000 word thesis on a subject of each student’s interest, and participation in 150 hours of creativity, action, and service activities (CAS).

The curriculum allows a student to earn an internationally recognized diploma. In addition, students can possibly receive college credit for each exam passed (based on the test score).  Because the IB student must become proficient in six academic areas, they gain a distinct advantage for admission to the college of their choice.
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REQUIREMENTS
The IB curriculum is divided into Higher level (HL) and Standard level (SL) courses taken during grades 11 and 12. Honors classes in grades 9 and 10 are a preparation for IB courses. Honors classes in grades 9 and 10 are designated as Pre-IB courses. The IB diploma requires a student to pass examinations in 3 Higher and 3 Standard level subjects. Students choose their own program of Higher and Standard level subjects from the following list:

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An extended essay of approximately 4,000 words on a topic the student is interested in.
• A unique course entitled "Theory of Knowledge" which explores the nature of knowledge and the essence of truth.
• Separate projects (Internal Assessments) for each IB class that a student is enrolled in
• 150 hours of creativity, action, or service activities (CAS)

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AP COURSES OFFERED AT CANYON
English
European History (10^th)
U.S. History (11^th)
Calculus AB
Statistics
Biology
American Gov. / Micro-Econ
French V
Spanish V
Psychology

IB COURSES OFFERED AT CANYON
History of the Americas
Pre-Calculus
Physics
Biology
Environmental Systems and Societies
Theory of Knowledge
French III, IV, V
Spanish III, IV, V
Chinese III, IV, V
Psychology

*Note: Some of these classes are combined AP/IB classes.
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PROPOSED IB STUDENT SCHEDULE

Freshman Year - Grade 9
Freshman Seminar
English 9 Honors
Biology Honors
Foreign Language II
Geometry Honors
Physical Education

Sophomore Year - Grade 10
AP European History
English 10 Honors
Chemistry Honors
Foreign Language III IB
Algebra II Honors
Physical Education

Junior Year - Grade 11
AP United States History
IB English 11
AP Biology
Foreign Language IV IB
Pre-Calculus Honors (IB Math Studies SL)
Possible IB Elective:  IB Environmental Systems & Societies (SL), IB Physics (SL),  or Psychology (SL)

Senior Year - Grade 12
IB History of the Americas (HL)
IB English (HL)
IB Biology (HL)
Foreign Language V (SL)
Theory of Knowledge
Possible IB Elective:  IB Environmental Systems & Societies (SL), IB Physics (SL), or IB Psychology (SL)

*NOTE:  IB students are given priority registration and are allowed to take 7 classes.

SL - Standard level
HL - Higher level

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Downloadable Handbooks
CAS: Creativity, Action, Service
IB Student Handbook
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CONTACT
For more information about the Canyon High School Baccalaureate Program, please contact
Mrs. Amaya at camaya@orangeusd.org or 714-532-8000.

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