International Baccalaureate at Skyline

 

The International Baccalaureate, Skyline’s honors program, promotes knowledge, skills, experience, and critical thinking. The program was introduced in the United States from Europe in 1974, and has expanded rapidly. There are now more IB schools in the United States than in any other country. IB classes help prepare students for success in 4 year colleges and universities. Skyline graduates who’ve taken IB courses consistently tell us they feel ready for the challenge of college classes. A recent alumnus sums it up: “I’m much more prepared--I’d feel lost without it.”   Colleges recognize the value of this preparation and look for students who choose our most rigorous courses.  

 

IB classes begin in grade 11 and are offered in English, Social Science, World Language, Science, Math, Visual Art and Theater Arts.  The curriculum is divided into Higher Level (HL) courses (2 years of study) and Standard Level (SL) courses (usually 1 year of study).  All 11th and 12th grade students are eligible for, and encouraged to enroll in, IB classes. Some classes give students the opportunity to earn college credit or placement through IB exams and internal assessments, and all classes give students the background they need for college level work.

 

Students can take advantage of IB offerings in one of three ways.  They can simply take the IB class, they can earn IB certificates in classes of their choice by registering for IB exams, or they can aim for the internationally recognized IB diploma. The diploma requires students to take IB exams in six subject areas, do an extended essay, earn hours in extracurricular projects, and take TOK, a philosophy class. Prerequisites for all courses are listed in the SHS catalogue.

 

Students who are interested in taking a number of IB courses are encouraged to plan their schedule with the IB coordinator.  Students who plan to do the IB diploma must set up a conference with the coordinator to make sure they have the prerequisites for classes and are meeting all diploma requirements.

 

Because IB classes are challenging, the grades in IB courses will be weighted for the class of 2009 and beyond. In accordance with the rules of the state of Washington, this will not affect grade point average, but it will affect class rank.  For more details, see the related document on this IB link .

 

The IB website (www.ibo.org) is a good source of information on the diploma program and IB goals.  It also provides access to the IB policies of various colleges and universities.  Information on Skyline’s program is available on the IB link on the SHS website and from the IB coordinator.