The IB Diploma Programme at UISGZ

Overview

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), created in 1968, is a demanding pre-university course of study that leads to examinations; it is designed for highly motivated students aged 16 to 19. The programme has earned a reputation for rigorous assessments, giving IB Diploma holders access to the world’s leading universities. The IBO has shown, over the course of 30 years, that IB Diploma Programme students are well prepared for university work.

The IB Diploma Programme’s grading system is criterion-based: each student’s performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement, consistent from one examination session to the next. Grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards that are applied equally to all schools. Top grades are not, for example, awarded to a certain percentage of students

Currently, there are 1470 IB Diploma Schools in 123 countries (November 2006).

At Utahloy International School Guangzhou all students aiming for the IB Diploma are required to study six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level.

A Higher Level (HL) subject represents a minimum of 240 hours of classroom study during the two-year period.

A Standard Level (SL) subject represents a minimum of 150 hours of classroom study during the two-year period.

In addition students also follow a course in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), write an Extended Essay of 4000 words and complete 150 hours of a Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) programme.

Time spent on homework and private study is additional to this.

Students sit final examinations during the month of May in the second year of the course.

Subject Options

The following subject options are currently available at UISGZ:

• Group 1 (Mother tongue language):
  English A1 HL/SL, Korean A1 HL/SL, Mandarin A1 HL/SL
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• Group 2 (Second language):
  Korean A2 HL, English A2 HL/SL, English B HL, Mandarin B HL, French B HL/SL
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• Group 3 (Individuals & Societies):
  Business & Management SL, History, Geography, Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) HL/SL, Economics HL/SL, Environmental Systems and Societies SL.
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• Group 4 (Experimental Sciences):
  Biology HL/SL, Chemistry HL/SL, Physics HL/SL, Environmental Systems and Societies SL.
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• Group 5 (Mathematics):
  Maths HL, Maths SL, Maths Studies SL
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• Group 6 (The Arts & Electives):
  Visual Arts HL/SL, Music HL/SL, Film Studies SL or another subject from Groups 1-4

Theory of Knowledge

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) programme is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate. It challenges students and their teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role which knowledge plays in a global society. It encourages students to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge, and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.

Questions are the very essence of TOK, both ageless questions on which thinkers have been reflecting for centuries and new ones, often challenging to accepted belief, which are posed by contemporary life.

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects—normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB Diploma. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (a teacher in the school).

This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. It is recommended that completion of the written essay is followed by a short, concluding interview, or viva voce, with the supervisor.

The Extended Essay is assessed against common criteria, interpreted in ways appropriate to each subject.

The Extended Essay is:

• compulsory for all Diploma Programme students
• externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for Theory of Knowledge, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma
• a piece of independent research/investigation on a topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor in the school
• presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing no more than 4,000 words
• the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student
• concluded with a short interview, or viva voce, with the supervising teacher (recommended).

(Source: IB Diploma Guide to the Extended Essay-First Examinations 2009)

Creativity, Action, Service

CAS is a compulsory part of the IB Diploma Programme. Over the two years of the course students are required to spend approximately 150 hours on Creativity, Action and Service activities & events.

The IBO defines the three areas as follows:

• Creativity is interpreted broadly to include a wide range of arts activities as well as the creativity students demonstrate in designing and implementing service projects.
• Action can include not only participation in individual and team sports, but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects.
• Service encompasses a host of community and social service activities. Some of the service activities offered by our students at UISGZ include: English language practice for other students from local schools, peer tutoring, fundraising for local charities, designing websites for expatriate communities in Guangzhou.

Students are required to keep accurate records and undertake a self-evaluation of all the activities they have been involved in during the two years of the IB Diploma programme. Students who have not complied with the regulations of the CAS programme will not be awarded their IB Diploma.