About the Bellaire High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

“International mindedness is not acquired by some instinctive process of osmosis. It requires specific interventions; a carefully designed programme of educational activities. It is taught, not caught.”
-George Walker, IB International

Table of Contents

1. What is the International Baccalaureate?
2. What does the diploma mean?
3. When do you test?
4. Speaking IB-ese...
5. What Courses are offered at BHS for the Diploma?
6. Questions:

 

What Is International Baccalaureate?

The IB diploma program is an interdisciplinary inclusive course of study, which results in earning the International Baccalaureate Diploma. A student enters the IB level of the program in 11th grade and finishes the program in 12th grade. In addition, to the courses of study, students will complete internal assessment components within each course that becomes part of the total exam scores. Students also participate in Theory of Knowledge course at 8th period, designed to examine philosophical trends as well as help complete the extended essay. The extended essay is supervised by a mentor teacher within the IB program, in an area of the teacher’s course.

 

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What does the diploma mean?

The International Baccalaureate diploma is the highest level of educational achievement that is available in the K-12 school system. This is an internationally recognized program, initially designed to allow students to attend foreign universities and colleges with the same preparation. The exams and scores are recognized by many US universities and colleges and awarded college credit for higher level courses. Pending before the Texas legislature is a bill that would award 24 credit hours for any student earning an IB diploma and attending any State university in Texas.

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When do you test?

The diploma requires that you test in each of the Groups 1-5 and either in Group 6 or complete a second exam area from Groups 1-5. A student cannot test in HL and SL of the same subject to satisfy this requirement. You can only test for IB in 11th and 12th grade. In 11th grade you can take up to 2 standard level exams. In 12th grade you can take a minimum of 3 higher level exams and no more then 3 standard level exams. Most students will take 4 higher level exams in 12th grade and 1-2 standard level exams in 11th grade. However, all exams can be taken in 12th grade if desired. The IB organization does not allow a student to take any exams in 9th or 10th grade. A student must be enrolled in an IB course to be a diploma candidate.

 

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Speaking IB-ese…

IBO: International Baccalaureate Organization www.IBO.org
EE: Extended Essay: Completed in 12th grade year, under the supervision of a mentor IB teacher in a testing area of your choice.
CAS: Community, Action, Service: volunteer service within the school and community required as part of the diploma program. This commitment is organized and carried out by the student over the course of their tenure at BHS. IB requires 150 hours of CAS activities.
IA: Internal Assessment: Work completed in each of the testing areas within in the course and under the direction of the content IB teacher.
TOK: Theory of Knowledge: Required for all diploma candidates in the 12th grade year
HL: Higher level: These are courses and exam areas that you can test in, in 12th grade
SL: Standard level: These are courses and exam area that you can test in, in either 12th or 11th grade, with the exception of English.

 

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What Courses are offered at BHS for the Diploma?

All courses must be taken at the IB level to be qualified to complete the diploma/certificate process.
All prerequisite courses are in addition and must be completed prior to enrollment in these courses.
Group 1: Language A1: English
AP English SL 11th grade only
AP English HL/SL 12th grade only
Group 2: Second Language: Foreign Language
Arabic SL, HL
Chinese SL, HL
French SL, HL
German SL, HL
Hebrew SL, HL
Hindi SL, HL
Italian SL, HL
Japanese SL, HL
Latin SL, HL
Russian SL, HL
Spanish SL, HL
** SL/HL exam depends on level of course completed, most must be at least the 4th year
Group 3: Individuals & Societies: Social Studies
Economics SL, HL 12th grade Micro & Macro Economics are required in 3 consecutive semesters in the IB specific courses
AP Geography (IB) SL/HL 11th or 12th grade 2 semesters required
Group 4: Experimental Sciences: Science
AP Biology SL, HL
AP Chemistry SL, HL Pre AP Chemistry SL
AP Physics SL, HL Pre AP Physics SL
Group 5: Mathematics & Computer Science
AP Calculus AB or BC: SL only
AP Calculus BC and IB Math: HL 12th grade only
AP Computer Science: SL only ( only as a group 6 option)
Group 6: The Arts **
Require performance/exhibition as applicable
IB Art SL, HL
Music Theory SL, HL
Music Performance SL, HL
Theater SL, HL
** Or the 6th Exam can be taken in:
-Foreign language different from the one previously examined
-Economics or Geography or Psychology
-Biology or Chemistry or Physics
-Computer Science

 

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Questions:

1. When do I begin the IB program?
Students enter as anticipated candidates in their junior year. Students must be enrolled in the IB level classes, which means that any prerequisites must have been completed.

2. What is CAS?
Community Action and Service. Volunteer activities within the school and the community. This is arranged and carried out by the student. Students record and submit this information as part of TOK.

3. Do I have to be in TOK in 12th grade?
Yes, it is part of the diploma program and helps to oversee the completion of the requirements. TOK is 3 semesters, beginning in the spring semester of the Junior year.

4. Whom do I contact for more information?
Mr. Schaaf, GT coordinator, jschaaf@houstonisd.org;