WALNUT HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2018 Sophomore to Junior Year SELECTION PROCESS FOR ADMITTANCE TO IB DIPLOMA PROGRAM Pre-IB students with a cumulative of 3.0 or higher will progress to the IB Diploma Program. Students with an accumulative GPA 2.99 or below will not continue in the program. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM IB 4 YEAR PLAN 3 HL Tests (Taken in Senior Year) 1 HL Test must be in English Choose 2 other HL Tests from the other groups (Except the Language B Group – this will be your required SL World Language) Remember – HL choices should be in your strongest subject areas IB 4 YEAR PLAN - SL 3 SL Tests required – 2 Tests may be taken in the Junior Year – at least 1 SL Test will be taken in Senior Year (Language B is your World Language) Once you have selected your 3 HL subject areas and your World Language, there are 2 groups remaining of the 6. These 2 groups will become SL choices for your IB curriculum. COURSE OPTIONS Groups 1 & 2 are selected for you. You must select 2 HL’s and 2 SL’s from the remaining groups. You must select 1 from each group. Group 1 – Language A1 English HL - All students must take this HL Group 2 – Language B World Language SL - All students must take this SL COURSE OPTIONS Group 3 – Individuals and Societies History HL History SL Economics SL* Psychology HL* *US History must also be taken due to being a graduation requirement Group 4 – Experimental Sciences Biology HL (1st year is Biology AP) Biology SL Chemistry HL (1st year is Chemistry AP) Chemistry SL COURSE OPTIONS Group 5 – Mathematics – 3 Options: Math Studies SL – Usually complete during the 11th grade but can be taken in the 12th grade. Required courses for SL Math Studies: Geometry Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors Optional Math Analysis Math SL – Usually complete during the 11th grade but can be taken in the 12th grade. (Equivalent to regular Calculus + IB Specific Coursework) Required courses for SL Math: Geometry Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors Math Analysis or Math Analysis Honors Math HL – Taken during the 11th &12th grade year. (Equivalent to Calculus AB (year 1) + AP Calculus BC/AP + IB Specific Coursework (year 2)) Required Courses for HL Math: Geometry Algebra 2 or Algebra 2 Honors Math Analysis Honors Calculus AB AP (11th Grade) AP COURSE OPTIONS Group 6 – Arts & Electives Visual Arts HL – Potential based on Student Interest Visual Arts SL (SL that is over 2 years) - Potential based on Student Interest Economics SL (Students are allowed to take the AP Micro-Economics and Macro-Economics exams) Psychology HL Chemistry SL – If you selected Chemistry HL, you cannot choose this SL. Biology SL – If you selected Biology HL, you cannot choose this SL. PROCESS FOR FINAL SELECTION OF IB DIPLOMA COURSES Students need to choose carefully when making final selections regarding HL/SL courses as they may not be changed during summer registration. PROCESS FOR FINAL SELECTION OF IB DIPLOMA COURSES Spring course selection dictates the overall master schedule: eg. Economics IB SL If 20 students choose this class it will be offered. When 10 change their mind there is no class to put them in ,and this course would not have been offered for only 10 students. PROCESS FOR FINAL SELECTION OF IB DIPLOMA COURSES If necessary a 7 Period day will be available that will allow a student to choose 1 co-curricular activity. Athletics, Pep, Dance, Publications, ASB, Band, Orchestra, Vocal Music, Peer Counseling or Color Guard, Health, Visual & Performing Arts, Civics and Economics SIMILARITIES OF AP AND IB Both are rigorous programs devoted to educational experience with high performance expectations for students and faculty Both attract highly motivated students who wish to excel academically Both receive additional weight in calculating GPA Both involve highly dedicated and creative teachers committed to their students, disciplines, and profession Both use external assessments and evaluators to score assessments Both offer extensive professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators Both are recognized by most US universities for consideration for college credit or advanced standing Both rely on objectivity and fairness in scoring assessments, removing personality and personal influence from the assessment system. Scores are based on the quality of work evaluated against a set criteria or standards. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AP AND IB Advanced Placement Program International Baccalaureate Program National standard of excellence International standard of excellence AP consists of independent courses for students who may excel in only one or two academic disciplines 2 year well-rounded program with 6 areas of study, an extended essay, TOK, and CAS College level courses IB scores are based on classroom work and IB exams AP scores are based solely on the AP exam AP exams are multiple choice and shortanswer or essay exams Exams are based on in-depth mastery of specific concepts within a given subject Any student may take AP exams; IB students may take AP exams AP teachers work within their discipline; independent of other academic areas AP students form peer groups within individual classes AP recognizes high achievement on AP exams through the AP scholars program Comprehensive curriculum at college level IB exams are all short answer or essay exams Exams are based on broad general understanding of concepts and fundamental themes Only IB students enrolled in IB courses may take IB exams and receive IB credit IB teachers work as a team to connect curriculum across the disciplines IB seeks to create a cohort or peer group around all academics Successful IB candidates receive an IB diploma SUMMER SCHOOL Please refer to WHS website for summer school information in February (nontuition) and March (Dedicated to Learning/tuition) at www.walnuths.net GLC can secure summer school class in order to complete graduation/ IB Diploma requirements for IB Diploma students. Students will still need to sign-up through the on-line summer school lottery. New SAT and ACT Classes held at WHS Sign up at www.FlexCollegePrep.com/d2l PRE-REGISTRATION FORMS Pre-registration forms are due Friday, February 19. Please, see your GLC during tutorial to ask questions before the due date Check on-line AP Qualification list before due date Write legibly and include course numbers Indicate summer school class Questions….. Ask now!