international-baccalaureate
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Regional IB schools: Notre Dame S.S.,
St. Francis Xavier S.S. and
St. Paul S.S.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, designed for highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19 years. Conceived as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national education systems, the diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country, but incorporates the best elements of several.
The IB diploma candidates are required to select one subject from each of six subject groups.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Language A: Literature; Language A: Language and Literature, and Language A: Literature and Performance (an interdisciplinary subject).
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Language ab initio courses are for beginners (that is, students who have little or no previous experience of learning the language they have chosen). These courses are only available at standard level.
Language B courses are intended for students who have had some previous experience of learning the language. They may be studied at either higher level or standard level.
Latin or Classical Greek coursework provides opportunities for students to study the language, literature and culture of ancient Rome or Greece.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Business and Management, Economics, Geography, History, Information Technology in a Global Society, Philosophy, Psychology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Global Politics, World Religions.
Group 4: Sciences
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Design Technology, Environmental Systems, Sports, Exercise and Health Science, and Societies (this course meets the group 3 and group 4 requirements).
All of these subjects can be studied at the Higher or Standard Level.
Group 5: Mathematics
Students must study at least one course in Mathematics.
Mathematics courses include: Mathematical Studies at Standard Level, Mathematics at Standard Level, Mathematics at Higher Level, and Further Mathematics at Higher Level.
Group 6: The Arts
Dance, Film, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts: These subjects may be studied at Higher Level or Standard Level.
NOTE: Students are required to choose one subject from each of the six academic areas, including one from Group 6 although instead of a group 6 subject they can choose a second from Groups 1 – 5.
The programme offers special features in addition to the strengths of a liberal arts curriculum.
- ​Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a required interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. Theory of Knowledge seeks to develop a coherent approach to learning which transcends and unifies the academic subjects and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
- Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The goal of educating the whole and fostering a more compassionate citizenry comes alive in an embedded way when students reach beyond themselves and their books.
- Diploma candidates are required to undertake original research and create an Extended Essay of some 4,000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university.
The grading system used by the International Baccalaureate Organization is criterion referenced. This means that each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination session to the next. Top grades are not simply awarded "on a curve" to a certain percentage of candidates, but rather reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards equally applied to all schools. Validity, reliability and fairness are the watchwords of the IBO's international examining board.
More Information: IB Diploma Programme Curriculum
Fees:
All regional programs include a non-refundable application fee and an annual program fee. Annual fees are specific to the program. Applicants who may require assistance or have any questions about the application fees are requested to speak with the principal directly. All fees must be paid through the School Cash Online. Once a program is accepted, the amount owing is recalculated (the program fee is added to the cart) and the applicant will be able to pay online.
Refund Structure:
- Application Processing Fee – Non-refundable
- Refund Administration Fee – $150.00
- Refund requested during Semester 1 – 50% of fees returned (minus $150.00 administration fee)
- Refund requested during Semester 2 – 25% of fees returned (minus $150.00 administration fee)
- Additional fees for service may be required – i.e. reassessment of exams (exchange rates applied)
Busing:
Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs (exception for students registered in the gifted program). If students have been accepted into a regional program and they live within the school boundary, they are eligible for busing only if they meet the distance criteria outlined in Policy 7.10.
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