American International School Kuwait

January 2014

MISSION STATEMENTS

Our Mission Statement:

AIS Kuwait inspires students to become critical thinkers and contributing world

citizens through rigor and balance in a nurturing educational environment.

IB 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 programmes encourage students across the world to become active,

compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their

differences, can also be right.

THE MYP – WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW

THE MYP OCTAGON

8 Subject Groups: • Language A

• Language B

• Mathematics

• Arts

• Humanities

• Technology

• Physical Education

• Sciences

Centered around: • The Areas of Interaction

• Community and Service

• The Personal Project

WHAT IS THE DP?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) website states that

“The Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum, aimed at students aged 16 to 19, which leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities.”

http://occ.ibo.org/ibis/occ/guest/dpyyy_home.cfm?subject=dpyyy

THE DP – THE NEXT STEP

THE DP HEXAGON

6 Subject Groups: • Studies in Language and Literature

• Language Acquisition

• Individuals and Societies

• Sciences

• Mathematics

• The Arts

Centered around: • Theory of Knowledge

• Creativity Action Service

• The Extended Essay

THE SUBJECT GROUPS

1. Studies in Language & Literature:

• English Literature

• English Language & Literature

• Arabic Language & Literature

2. Language Acquisition:

• Arabic B

• French B

• French Ab initio

3. Individuals and Societies:

• Business & Management

• Economics

• History

• Information Technology in a Global

Society (ITGS)

4. Sciences:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

5. Mathematics:

• Mathematics

• Mathematical Studies

6. The Arts:

• Visual Arts

• Theatre

A NATURAL TRANSITION

1. Studies in Language and

Literature

2. Language Acquisition

3. Individuals and Societies

4. Sciences

5. Mathematics

6. The Arts

• The Areas of Interaction

• Community and Service

• The Personal Project

• Theory of Knowledge

• Creativity, Action, Service

• The Extended Essay

1. Language A

2. Humanities

3. Technology

4. Mathematics

5. Arts

6. Sciences

7. Physical Education

8. Language B

Subject Groups

The Core

MYP DP

THE STRUCTURE OF THE DP

Full Diploma students take 6 classes

3 classes are at the Standard Level

3 classes are at the Higher Level

5 classes are taken from Groups 1 – 5

the 6th class is taken from Groups 1 – 6

In addition, students

• complete an Extended Essay

• commit to the Creativity, Action and Service programme

• engage in Theory of Knowledge

STANDARD VS. HIGHER ?

Standard Higher

All classes are delivered in 150

instructional hours.

Extra classes are run (240 hours of

instruction), driven solely by the content

intended for those taking the Higher

Level.

A prescribed number of topics or themes

are studied.

Supplementary topics or themes are

studied in addition to those studied at the

Standard Level.

Exams are geared toward the Standard

Level. In some cases, class work carries

greater weight.

Exams include Higher Level topics. In

some cases, exams are weighted heavier.

STANDARD DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

Group 1 English A1 SL

Group 2 French B HL

Group 3 History HL

Group 4 Biology SL

Group 5 Mathematics SL

Group 6 Visual Arts HL

Core TOK / CAS / EE

All six areas of the DP hexagon are

incorporated into the programme

HUMANITIES EMPHASIS

Group 1 English A1 HL

Group 2 Arabic/French B SL

Group 3 History HL

Group 4 Biology SL

Group 5 Math Studies SL

Group 3 Economics HL

Core TOK / CAS / EE

Students use Group 6 as an academic

elective, in this case, studying two courses

from Group 3

SCIENCE EMPHASIS

Group 1 English A1 SL

Group 2 Arabic B/

French Ab Initio SL

Group 3 Business and

Management SL

Group 4 Chemistry HL

Group 5 Mathematics HL

Group 4 Biology HL

Core TOK / CAS / EE

Students use Group 6 as an academic

elective, in this case, studying two

courses from Group 4

GETTING THE GRADE

Highest Possible Score = 45

a 7 for each of the 6 courses = 42

3 points total for TOK and EE

has met minimum requirement for CAS

A Pass = 24 points

a total of 12 points on 3 Higher Level courses

a total of 9 points on 3 Standard Level

courses

a pass on TOK and EE

has met minimum requirement for CAS

• We are above the world average in overall points and passing rate. The points

scores are out of 45.

• Average DP points score worldwide (May 2013): 29.81

• Average DP points score for AIS students (May 2013): 30

• Passing rate worldwide (May 2013): 78.54%

• Passing rate at AIS (May 2013): 86.11%

• Our highest score in May 2013 was: 39

WHERE DOES AIS STAND?

CO

UR

SES

ON

OFF

ER A

T A

IS

GROUP 1 - Language and Literature

• Arabic Language and Literature SL

• English Literature SL/HL

• English Language and Literature

SL/HL

GROUP 5 – Mathematics

• Mathematical Studies SL

• Mathematics SL/HL

GROUP 3 - Individuals & Societies

• Economics SL/HL

• Business and Management SL/HL

• History SL/HL

• Information Technology in a Global

Society (ITGS)

GROUP 2 – Language

• Arabic B SL

• French B SL/HL

• French Ab initio SL

GROUP 4 – Experimental Science

• Biology SL/HL

• Chemistry SL/HL

• Physics SL/HL

GROUP 6 – Arts

• Visual Arts SL/HL

• Theatre SL/HL

THREE SCIENCES IN THE DP – FULL DP STUDENTS

• Engineering: Grade 10 Biology, DP

Physics HL, DP Chemistry HL

• Medicine: Grade 10 Biology, DP Biology

HL, DP Chemistry HL, ITGS (Grade 11),

Physics (Grade 12)

• Check individual university requirements

A LOOK AT THE CORE

Theory of Knowledge

Extended Essay

CAS

THE CORE

Theory of Knowledge

Studied during both years of

the DP

Assessed by the IB through a

1,500 word essay and oral

presentation

The Extended Essay

Independently prepared research

paper

Started in DP1 and completed by

September of DP2

4,000 words in length

THE CORE

Theory of Knowledge

Studied during both years of

the DP

Assessed by the IB through a

1,500 word essay and oral

presentation

The Extended Essay

Independently prepared research

paper

Started in DP1 and completed by

September of DP2

4,000 words in length

THE CORE

CAS

Creativity, Action and Service

150 hours throughout Diploma

Programme

Theory of Knowledge

Studied during both years of

the DP

Assessed by the IB through a

1,500 word essay and oral

presentation

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK)

How do we know something is true?

How do different disciplines justify knowledge?

CREATIVITY, ACTION, SERVICE (CAS)

Students spend 50 hrs developing each of the three areas

during their 2 years in the programme – total of 150 hours

Creativity: any artistic / creative activity

Action: any activity involving physical exertion (i.e. sport

teams or dance)

Service: any activity that involves doing something for

or with someone in the community – a natural extension

of Community and Service in the MYP

THE

EXTE

ND

ED E

SSA

Y What it is…

• A 4000 word research essay

based on a research question or

thesis

requiring accurate research skills

and offering a conclusion

• An independent endeavor

• A precursor to university level papers –

universities are looking for applicants who

can write essays independently

This seems really hard!

The IB Diploma Certificate is separate from a

high school diploma.

Students can take individual courses, at the

standard or higher levels, and receive individual

certificates for each IB Diploma course

Students do not need to take TOK, write an

Extended Essay, or complete CAS

ASK what individual universities require for DP

Course students (IB websites at the end of

presentation)

IF the full Diploma Programme seems too hard…

then what?

THE DP ADVANTAGE – WHY SHOULD I TAKE DP

COURSES? (AFTER AIS)

• Universities give preferential treatment to

DP applicants: top universities are targeting

DP students for admission to their schools;

they often offer early admission and

university credit, or waive prerequisites

• GPA boost of 0.5 for a Standard Level

Course, 1.0 for a Higher Level Course

THE DP ADVANTAGE – WHY SHOULD I TAKE DP

COURSES? (WHILE AT AIS)

• Standard Level Courses are delivered in 150

instructional hours giving you one period of tutorial

support per eight-day cycle for each standard level

course

TIME

DAY

1

DAY

2

DAY

3

DAY

4

DAY

5

DAY

6

DAY

7

DAY

8

7:35

Warning

Bell

Warning

Bell

Warning

Bell

Warning

Bell

Warning

Bell

Warning

Bell

Warning

Bell

Warning

Bell

7:40

to

8:35

A G E C A G E C

8:40

to

9:40

B H F D B H F D

9:40

to

9:55

Nutritional Break

9:55

to

10:55

C A G E C A G E

11:00

to

12:00

D B H F D B H F

12:00

to

12:30 Lunch

12:35

to

1:30

E C A G E C A G

1:35

to

2:30

F D B H F D B H

THE DP ADVANTAGE – WHY SHOULD I TAKE DP

COURSES? (WHILE AT AIS)

• DP courses generally have smaller class sizes

• DP students are interested in the subjects they are

taking, and they are high-achieving and motivated

• If you take Three DP courses, you will have Supported

Study in H block for extra time to complete course work

• You could be exempted from taking the TOEFL test as an

admission requirement for international students if you

complete a DP English course (the Literature course is

only available as a DP course)

ADDITIONAL COSTS

• Registration fee (48KD one time fee unless

you change programmes) – the same

registration fee for all students regardless of

how many courses you take

• A fee for each of the exams (generally in the

31KD range)

• One course = 80KD fee one time in two

years

ADMISSIONS ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE IB

GRADUATE • Critical thinking skills

• Strong oral presentation skills

• Community engagement

• Reliable recommendations

• Maturity & responsibility

• Accepts challenges

• Strong academic preparation

• Valid GPA (because of the reliability of World Exams)

• Top student

• Consistent performance

• International standing

• Excellent research and writing skills

TESTIMONIALS ABOUT THE DIPLOMA PROGRAM

“GPA is not nearly as important a factor in university admission as the IB

Diploma. If a student has to choose, choose the Diploma over protecting

the GPA.”

SOURCE: Admissions Director of Harvard University

“The combination of critical thinking, research and writing skills learned in

the IB program enables students to succeed in the university learning

environment. Because of the skills they have learned, IB students provide

leadership in classroom discussion and group learning. Statistics reflect

this: IB students who registered directly into second year courses scored

an average of 7% to 12% higher than their classmates.”

SOURCE: University of British Columbia Website, 2006

"IB students perform well and do not fail or drop out"

SOURCE: The University of Dundee

“Medical Schools noted that the service element in CAS provides an

appropriate way for applicants to gain experience in the caring

professions.”

SOURCE: Study on IB recognition in Britain, IBO 2004

• IB Diploma students are being consciously, if not aggressively,

recruited by universities because universities are aware of the high

quality skill set DP students have as they enter post-secondary

education.

• Three examples in Canada are (the university’s worldwide rank

according to Times Higher Education is in parentheses):

• University of Toronto (21)

• University of British Columbia (30)

• McGill (34)

THE TOP UNIVERSITIES PURSUING DP

GRADUATES

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO IB POLICY

• The IB diploma including English HL or SL is required for

admission consideration. Mathematics HL or SL is required

for programs requiring Calculus. Math Studies will not satisfy

a math requirement. Applicants in their final year of the

diploma will be considered with predicted results of 28 or

higher. More competitive programs require higher predicted

results.

• Transfer credit towards arts, science or

commerce/management programs is granted for some IB

higher level subjects with a final grade of 5 or higher. For more

information refer to www.adm.utoronto.ca.

UC - SAN DIEGO IB POLICY

Students completing the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with

a score of 30 or above will receive 30 quarter units (20 semester units)

total toward their UC undergraduate degree.

Students completing only IB certificates will be awarded 8 quarter units

(51/3 semester units) for each IB Higher Level examination passed with

a score of 5 or above. The University does not grant credit for

certificates in Standard Level examinations.

Higher Level examinations may be used by UC campuses to satisfy

local general education or other major requirements. Students are

advised to check with the individual UC campus to determine how

general education and/or major requirements may be granted.

All recognition policy for all Canadian universities and many American universities are listed on the IBO

website states have. See: http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/recognitionpolicy/index.cfm

DATA ON IB STUDENTS IN THE U OF FLORIDA

SYSTEM

US University Total Population

Acceptance

Diploma Candidate

Acceptance

University of Florida 58% 88.9

Virginia Polytechnic Institute 66 80.2

James Madison University 58 76.9

University of Virginia 39 61.3

University of California, Los Angeles 24 48.5

University of California, San Diego 41 65.6

University of California, Berkeley 24 50.6

Florida State University 70 94.6

George Mason University 66 97.5

University of California, Irvine 56 89.9

DP Advantage for Applying in the UK and Ireland –

Tariff Points

The possible tariff

points are higher

than those for

A Levels or AP

Exams.

WHERE DO AIS GRADUATES GO TO UNIVERSITY?

20

13

AIS

DP

GR

AD

UA

TES

AN

D

THEI

R U

NIV

ERSI

TIES

UNITED STATES

• Virginia Tech

• SUNY Buffalo

• University of Miami

• Boston University

• Temple University

• UC San Diego (as sophomores)

• University of Tulsa

• UC Berkeley

CANADA

• University of Toronto

• McGill University

• Queens University

• Dalhousie University

MIDDLE EAST

• American University of Beirut (as

sophomores)

• American University of Kuwait

(credit for IB courses)

EUROPE

• University of East Anglia

• Catholic University of Leuven

Belgium

NOTE

• Our graduates were accepted into

many more universities; these were

the places they chose for enrolment

last year.

FINAL MESSAGE

• There is nothing to lose if you try for the full diploma. If later you decide that

you cannot do it, you can change to just taking courses.

• You can make some adjustments to your schedule after you start your

program.

• You will also have other ways to show the universities how great you are.

Take the SATs (or other college entrance exams) to make your chances of

admission better.

• Listen to yourself, not other students. No other person’s experience is like

your own. It is a right of passage for DP students to try to frighten new

students away from the program. If we did not believe that you can do it, we

would not encourage you to sign up.

• However, if you decide not to try the DP at the beginning, you cannot go back

and try to get in later. So make the decision now to give it your best try.

http://www.ibo.org/country/US/index.cfm

http://www.ibo.org/country/CA/index.cfm

http://www.ibo.org/country/GB/index.cfm

http://www.ibo.org/country

HOW TO FIND AN INSTITUTION’S POLICY

• If students or parents have questions beyond those we can

answer at this presentation, please stop by room 209 or

phone or email me.

• If you would like a copy of the presentation, I would be

happy to forward it to you so you can visit some of the web

addresses and review the programme further. The

presentation will also be available on our blog.

QUESTIONS AND PRESENTATION

REFERENCES

http://occ.ibo.org/ibis/occ/guest/mypxx_home.cfm?subject=mypxx

www. natashascafe.com

www.artandsoulcafe.org