International Baccalaureate The International Baccalaureate (IB) program has come to NPHS! This web page should help answer your IB questions. IB Test Dates 2008 IB Conduct of Exams IB Calculator Rules IB Program Overview mp4 IB Program Overview wmv

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IB Mission Statement

IB Learner Profile

Pathways Chart

IB Grads Report

What is IB?
Newbury Park High School is pleased to be offering an International Baccalaureate Program as an option for highly motivated and capable Juniors and Seniors. The IB program encourages young adults to be informed, tolerant, and global as they attain a broad based liberal arts background. The IB program is being used in schools around the world to prepare students for post-secondary school success at any university throughout the world. Students who master all the components of IB will graduate with two diplomas, one from NPHS and one from IB. This achievement gives the IB student advanced credit or placement status in most colleges and universities.

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Who needs to know?
The IB curriculum starts in the junior year, though most of the tests, internal assessments, and other components take place in the senior year. Eight diplomas were granted to students in the Class of ’98, and five in the Class of ’99. Many more students tested in one or more subjects for certificate credit.

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What's Involved?
The IB diploma requires that the student take certain classes and participate in other extra-curricular activities which add up to a demanding academic regimen:

• What classes do I need to take?
  The IB program requires courses in six major areas of study. At NPHS the following choices are offered in the six major study areas:

  Language A - English
  Language B - French or Spanish
  Individuals and Societies - History of the Americas (junior year) & 20th Century World Themes (senior year)
  Experimental Sciences – Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
  Mathematics - Math Methods or Math Studies (Calculus or probability/statistics)
  Elective - Art/Design, Theater Arts, Philosophy, Psychology, a second Language B, a second Science

• What else do I need to do?
  To obtain a Baccalaureate Diploma, candidates must:

  Succesfully complete one course from each of the study areas listed above. The courses are one or two years in length and tests are taken in a combination of higher level and subsidiary level degrees of difficulty.
  Take the Theory of Knowledge course which explores the relationship between the various disciplines and encompasses the development of philosophy, civilization, and culture. Papers and oral work are required.
  Prepare and submit an extended essay of 4,000 words.
  Complete a CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) program. This program requires students to spend 150 hours spread over the junior and senior years on extra-curricular activities, portions of which must involve service to the school or community.

• What are the Standards?
  All academic courses in the IB program are rigorously tested. Student success is determined by an extensive procedure involving written, oral, and aural work. A portion of the assessment is internal with samples mailed to assigned assessors around the world in April. The final examinations are taken in May; these are also graded by examiners around the world. Students from all IB countries around the world are held accountable for the same level of achievement.

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Is there another option?
Yes. Students who do not wish to apply for a full diploma can get certificates for individual courses. The student does not need to complete the 4,000 word essay, ToK class, or CAS hours, but receives credit for passing the test. Colleges and Universities do accept certificates and many will waive class requirements. Another option for college credit widely available at NPHS is Advanced Placement tests. These tests are totally separate from IB but function similarly to the certificates. The AP system is also widely recognized.

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Who should I talk to?
Marcine Solarez is the IB coordinator at NPHS. Her office is in B-3 498-3676 x1162, but she is also available in her classroom, B-4. Janis Mathis is the resident CAS coordinator at NPHS. She is in B-2. Use e-mail or phone the school.

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More Information:
Below is a list of terms along with a more complete explanation of each.

• Theory of Knowledge (ToK) class
  The Theory of Knowledge course binds together the IB curriculum by exploring the relationships between the various branches of learning. It also covers the development of philosophy, civilization, and culture. It is a one year class (though it may seem like two years because it begins during the spring semester the junior year and continues through following fall of the senior year). It is a first period (morning) class, but Mrs. Solarez has made arrangements to accomodate students who are enrolled in other first period classes such as Journalism or Concert Choir by allowing them to attend a night class once a week.

• The 4,000 word essay
  This is an extended essay done with the help of a mentor at NPHS, on a subject chosen by the student. Subject matter and exact arrangements are very flexible, but once completed and turned in it will be graded by experts in that field as assigned by IB. This must be completed by April of the senior year.

• CAS program
  The CAS program is to get the student involved in his or her school and community. There are three components to the CAS program:
  
  
  • Creativity:
    • Creating, Designing, and Planning activities
  • Action:
    • Sports
    • Expeditions
    • Carrying out projects
  • Service:
    • Social service
    • Tutoring
    • Literacy tutoring
    • Aiding an organization
    • Assisting the elderly

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A sample schedule for a senior
The IB program has caused some major changes in scheduling for NPHS. Some juniors and most seniors involved in IB have 4, 5, or even 6 periods. A schedule for a full IB candidate who hasn't taken any IB tests may look like this:

• Period 2A - Biology AP/IB (science)
• Period 2B - Calculus AP/IB (math)
• Period 3A - English 12 AP/IB (English)
• Period 3B - 20CentWldHist IB (history)
• Period 4A - Spanish 4 AP/IB (foreign language)
• Period 4B - Psychology IB (elective)
  

Classes alternate on a day to day basis, all six subjects lasting the full year in order to prepare for all six tests in May.

This student will take 6 tests, all in May of the senior year, one in each of the above subjects. A full IB student can be expected to pay over $500 for the complete program. (Is it worth it? Have comments? Check out the discussions section on this site and let us know what you think.)

There is some variation in this program to meet the students’ and teachers’ needs.

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CAS Folder Forms