Welcome to International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) at Westchester Academy for International Studies

IB Mission & Learner Profile InquirersKnowledgeableThinkersCommunicatorsPrincipledOpen-mindedCaringRisk-takersBalancedReflective The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB DP Statistics 2,453 schools world wide offer the IB Diploma Programme A little over 50% (1,227) of those schools are located in North and South America 127,000 students world wide registered for IB Diploma exams in 2013 Passing rate world wide for IB Diploma students in 2013 was 78% In 2005, schools in 113 countries worldwide offered IB exams; in 2013 exams were offered in 145 countries

IB at WAIS—2005 Our first class began their two-year program in 2005; 21 students took 100 exams 13 of the students were Diploma candidates; 4 (31%) were awarded their IB Diploma Average score per exam for all Diploma students was 3.5 (exams are scored 1-7) Diploma candidates passed 55% of their exams.

IB at WAIS—2013 May 2013… 74 students took 254 exams 24 of the students were Diploma candidates; 13 (54%) were awarded their IB Diploma; One student received the German Bilingual Diploma Average score per exam for all Diploma candidates was 4 (exams are scored 1-7) Diploma candidates passed 71.7% of their exams

Now that your student is in IB, what will they gain? Sense of accomplishment; Preparation for college-- time management skills and writing skills; College admission advantages; Possible college course credit or advanced standing for IB exam scores; Lifelong learners, critical and compassionate thinkers, global citizens!

The Curriculum

Classes offered at WAIS Literature– English, Spanish, German Language Acquisition—German, French, Spanish, Italian Individuals & Societies—History Experimental Sciences—Biology Chemistry Chemistry Mathematics—Math Studies Mathematics Mathematics The Arts—Music, Theater, Visual Arts

The Six Groups Students choose one subject from each of the six groups However, instead of taking a class from the Arts, a student may take a second language or a second science Classes are taken at SL—standard level or at HL—higher level

Higher Level or Standard Level? Higher Level 240 hours of teaching over two years Includes a study option not taught in Standard Level classes Standard Level 150 hours of teaching over one or two years

Higher Level or Standard Level? At WAIS, both HL and SL classes are taught over two years Language A and History are taught at HL Students choose their third HL class their senior year.

Internal Assessments Classes have an Internal Assessment. Assessments can be research projects, oral presentations or essays. These are graded by the IB teacher, then moderated by IB. This counts for 20-30% of the student’s IB score for a subject. IAs can consist of Oral work Research Laboratory work Investigations Performances

External Assessment In May of their senior year, students have External Assessments… in other words… their IB Exams. These are mailed to IB Examiners all over the world to be graded. This is the other 70-80% of their IB score. There are various types of tasks Essay Structured problems Short answer Data or text response questions Case study questions Multiple choice—part of the science exam

The IB Core Theory of Knowledge Extended Essay Creativity, Action, Service

Extended Essay No more than 4,000 words Acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities Gives the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest An opportunity to add breadth by selecting a topic not studied in one of the classes An opportunity to add breadth by selecting a topic not studied in one of the classes A way to deepen studies by selecting a topic in one of his or her courses A way to deepen studies by selecting a topic in one of his or her courses

What is involved? The essay may be written in one of 25 or more subjects, IB recommends students spend about 40 hours private study and writing time IB recommends students spend about 40 hours private study and writing time WAIS Extended Essay Coordinator... Mrs. Sara Sebesta-Camano

Extended Essay at WAIS WAIS juniors will begin working on their Extended Essay in the Fall semester, meeting with Mrs. Camano. Juniors will have the opportunity to work in the Rice University Library beginning in January of their junior year.

Extended Essay Topics vary widely Past essay topics at WAIS… To what extent did Siyaad Barre’s regime turn the Somali drought of 1991 into a severe famine? The effects of Tibetan yoga on the quality of life of breast cancer patients. An in-depth study of acting techniques and their application to character development. An exploration of the Canadian and British health care systems – what can the United States learn? Nanotechnology’s role in 21 st century Astronautics

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Encourages Students to… Critically reflect on knowledge and experience by examining different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge Examine the grounds for moral, political and aesthetic judgments Appreciate other cultural perspectives

The Whole Person… Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) Students become responsible, compassionate citizens Students learn by doing as a balance to academics; they reflect on their learning and growth as individuals WAIS CAS Coordinator… Ms. Janet Smith

Creativity, Action, Service Creativity: Arts activities, also creativity shown in designing and implementing service projects Action: Participation in individual and team sports, also could be taking part in expeditions, local and international projects Service: Community and social service activities, helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals, working with refugees or homeless

How does a student earn the IB Diploma? Complete Extended Essay, TOK, and CAS Complete all internally assessed work required by IB Take all six IB courses and all six exams Achieve a cumulative score of 24 (IB exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 7). Minimum score is 24; maximum score is 45

Extended Essay & TOK Matrix Diploma points matrix TOK Excellent A Good B Satisfactory C Mediocre D Elementary E Not Submitted EEExcellent A Failing Condition N Good B 3211Failing Condition N Satisfactory C 2110Failing Condition N Mediocre D 2100Failing Condition N Elementary E 1 + Failing Condition Failing Condition N Not Submitted NNNNNN

How WAIS can help you and your student Updated information booklets for student/ parent reference… Extended Essay Guide, Two-year timeline… WAIS website—IB page Teachers, guidance counselors, and staff as advocates for student success… IB Diploma coordinators dedicated to student success and program effectiveness… Administrators dedicated to ongoing program development…

Sources IBO January 2002 Powerpoint J.E.B. Stuart High School, Falls Church, VA Powerpoint IBO website Diploma Programme Extended Essay Guide 2013