The Diploma ProgramAt Midland High School

What is IB??

• The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a program for college-bound students focused on international-mindedness and critical thinking skills

How can MHS students participate in IB?

The Diploma Program runs during a

student’s junior and senior years.

Many of MPS’s upper level courses

are IB courses.Students may participate in three ways:

*Participate in the full IB Diploma Program•Take any IB course and earn a certificate •Take any IB course for the experience (.3 & .4 level classes)

Why would I want an IB Diploma ?

http://blogs.ibo.org/ibonline/2010/06/25/the-ib-programme-videos/trackback/

An IB Diploma candidate said:“The Diploma encouraged me to work harder

for my academic goals. It’s great to

already feel prepared for college and

willing to take on the tasks ahead of me.

From this program, I also became skilled at

time management. School and sports can

be a lot to juggle at times; however, it is

possible if you stay positive.

In addition, I have made new friends. It’s

great to know someone is always there

for you and going through the same

things.”

- Gabby Mott, MHS Class of 2009

Michigan State University Freshman

Once at college, anotherIB DP student said:

“The IB courses greatly prepared me for the rigor of

college courses. I was not able to ‘slack off’ my

senior year of high school and am a better student

now because of it.

IB also prepared me as an independent student. At

college, students are expected to take responsibility

for assignments and due dates in; IB expected this

as well.

I am extremely grateful for the experience of the IB

program. I recommend it to any student willing to

challenge themselves and prepare for a bright

future.” - Chelsea Arbury, MHS Class of 2009

Loyola Sophomore

A Class of 2010 Reflection• “Well I did what I set out to do… I got my

Diploma” I also received 3 credits for my

English and 4 credits for my biology scores. I

took a language placement test and waived

my world language requirement.

• Add this to what I learned about myself and

IB was more than worth it. I can’t wait to see

what else IB will offer me in college: time

management, stress relief and a tough

academic schedule.”

*Jon Ahearn DP Class of 2010

UM Freshman

Another graduate said…

• “I originally chose to go for the IB diploma

because I would have taken the challenging

courses anyway, and the added bonus of the

experience and recognition from colleges was

something I wanted.

• But the largest impact the past two years has

had on me is the personal growth and broader

world perspective I now have. I would not

have these today without the IB diploma

experience.

Kathryn Wieber DP Class of 2010.

CMU Centralis winner

What is the benefit to students?

• It is a college-prep program with a liberal arts focus.

*IB is recognized globally by universities and colleges.

• Many universities and colleges give college credit for IB certificates and diplomas earned.

• There is an intercultural connection in each of the IB courses.

• Students are prepared for college level study.

What is the advantage of participating in the IB Program?

The curriculum contains six subject groups together and a core made up of three separate parts.

The Diploma Program:

Students take six IB classes - one in each area and pass the test for each

Three are Standard level (SL) classes (usually one-year classes).

Three are Higher level (HL) classes (two-year classes).

Students complete the core of the program —Extended Essay; Theory of Knowledge; and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).

MPS IB Course Offerings

Group 1 - Language A1• World Literature 1 & 2 (HL)

Group 2 - Second Language• French (SL/HL)• German (SL/HL)• Spanish (SL/HL)

Group 3 - Individuals & Society• History of Americas/World Topics (HL)• World Topics (SL)• Psychology (SL)• Business Management (SL)

Group 4 - Experimental Sciences• Biology (HL senior year only)• Org./Env. Chemistry (SL)• Physics (SL/HL)

Group 5 - Mathematics & Computer Science• Math Studies 1 & 2 SL - .3 pathway (Adv. Algebra and Pre-Calculus)• Math HL 1 & 2 - .4 pathway (Adv. Algebra/Trig. And AP/IB Calculus BC)

Group 6 - The Arts• Visual Art (SL/HL)• Musical Perspectives (SL)• A second course in groups 1-5

The Core• TOK• CAS• Extended Essay

The Core of IB

• The Theory of Knowledge course

• The Extended Essay• Creativity, Action, and

Service projects

ToK Scholar

*Starting in the fall of 2012, students will be able to earn certificates in each of the IB Core requirements.

*Students who earn all three (ToK, Extended Essay, and CAS) will be “ToK Scholars” and will be recognized on a plaque in the school.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK is similar to a practical philosophy class. It encourages critical thinking and writing skills. Core questions that shape the class are:• How do you know what you know?*How do others know what they know?•Is Truth absolute? What would it mean if all truth was relative?

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

Participation in the school’s CAS program:

• encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work.

• fosters students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.

The Extended Essay

The extended essay:

• offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest.

• familiarizes students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.

• has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words.

Midland High School IB Diploma Graduates!

Class of 2009: Jen Paul, Amy Langhorst, Joshua Ratledge, Sarah Truong, Gabrielle Mott, Michael Pierfelice, Chelsea Arbury, Angelica Juarbe

Class of 2010: Kathryn Wieber, Jon Ahearn, Rita Morse, Rebecca Roper, Kyle Kay, Denise Sirias, Brad Riedinger, Kami Andridge, Steven Koblinski, Ginger Stockton, Kevin Joffre, David Shull, Hillary Cleckler

Class of 2011 & 2012 ToK class at A.B. Dow Home and Studio

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The IB Learner Profile

An IB Diploma parent said:

• “This program transformed my daughter

from an average student to a student with

enormous passion for learning and

achievement.

• She also learned an tremendous amount

about time management, life balance and

perseverance. In addition, she received at

least 14 credits to fulfill several elective

requirements at the UM.”

• Marsha Langhorst, IB parent Class of

2009

What is the Learner Profile? It’s the IBO mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes

for the 21st century.

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers

Knowledgeable

Thinkers

Communicators

Principled

Open-minded

Caring

Risk-takers

Balanced

Reflective

IB programmes promote the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth through all domains of knowledge.

The IBO mission: We are motivated by a mission to create a better world through education.

Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate andlifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

The IB DP Class of 20111