• Group 1 - Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2 - Language Acquisition (Language B and Language ab initio)
• Group 3 - Individuals and Societies
• Group 4 - Sciences
• Group 5 - Mathematics
• Group 6 - The Arts and Electives
• Creativity, Activity and Service
• Theory of Knowledge
• Extended Essay
• Extension Study

IB

IB Co-ordinator: Ms Frédérique Petithory
P: +61 3 9816 1232 E: frederique.petithory@carey.com.au

IB Diploma Model

Description

The International Baccalaureate Organisation was founded in the 1960s, growing out of international school efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for geographically mobile students. The International Baccalaureate Diploma has evolved and developed to gain wide acceptance and esteem throughout the world.

The IB Diploma is a two-year program designed for the final secondary years to:

• prepare students for tertiary studies.
• provide students with a balanced education.
• foster critical thinking skills.
• encourage cultural understanding and tolerance.
• enable students to move between countries and cultures without affecting their education.
• develop international awareness and a broadened perspective.

Structure

The International Baccalaureate Organisation is an international non-government organisation, with a headquarters and general administration located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Curriculum and Assessment Centre is located in Cardiff, Wales.

The Diploma Program

The International Baccalaureate curriculum model consists of six academic subject groups surrounding a core. Students study:

• A subject from each of the groups (Group 6 gives the option of selecting another subject from Group 2, 3 or 4 if an Arts subject is not chosen).
• Involvement in three other fundamental core programs – Extended Essay (EE); Theory of Knowledge (ToK); and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).

To be eligible for the award of the Diploma, students must meet the following requirements:

• Study six subjects, one from each of the groups (Group 6 gives the option of selecting another subject from Group 2, 3 or 4).
• Complete at least three subjects at a Higher Level and the remainder at Standard Level. A Higher Level course represents 240 teaching hours over two years. A Standard Level course represents 150 hours over two years.
• Satisfactorily complete the following core requirements:
  • Theory of Knowledge (ToK): this explores the relationships between the various subject disciplines, ensuring that students engage in analysis and critical reflection of the knowledge acquired, within and beyond the classroom.
  • Extended Essay: students are required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of some 4,000 words. This offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints the student with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university. The topic arises from one of the six subjects studied by the student and is undertaken under the supervision of an appropriate teacher.
  • Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS): the CAS requirement is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum, emphasising the importance of life outside the world of study. Participation in activities such as theatre and musical productions, sports, and community service activities enable students to share their special talents while developing awareness, concern, and the ability to work co-operatively with others.

Note:

• Students who do not complete the Diploma are awarded a certificate for the examinations they have completed.
• An International Baccalaureate student may transfer to the VCE after the first year of the IB. Full credit can be gained for the International Baccalaureate work (provided minimum standards are met) in lieu of Units 1 and 2 VCE.

Assessment and Award of the IB Diploma

Each of the six subjects chosen are generally assessed by examination at the end of Year 12. In some of the subjects, up to 30% of the mark is based on internal assessment. In Group 6, there are no end of course formal examinations. Music, Theatre and Visual Arts are coursework based only, some are internally assessed, others externally.

Each subject examined is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum).

Up to three additional points can be gained from the performance in the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, while the CAS requirement must be satisfactorily completed.

The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points and:

• the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, ToK and CAS.
• the offering of one subject from each of the six groups (at least three, and not more than four of the subjects at Higher Level and the others at Standard Level).
• The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects (for candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count).
• the candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects (candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL).
• there is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.
• there are no more than two grade 2s awarded (HL or SL).
• there are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (HL or SL).
• The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.

The maximum score possible is 45.

Both the Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay are assessed against published criteria. According to the quality of the work and based on the application of these criteria, points are awarded by the combined performance levels achieved in these subjects. A maximum of three Diploma points is awarded according to a student's combined performance in both the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge.

Diploma Points Matrix for Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge