The International Baccalaureate Program (IB) at Central, which began in 1988, aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, in order that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, life long learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that constitutes for the richness of life.

The IB offers a dual program. The IB Certificate Program allows students to test in individual subject areas according to the individual student’s preference and talent. The IB Diploma Program allows students to demonstrate their over all academic talent by completing IB requirements in six academic areas. The Diploma Program has the strengths of a traditional and broad curriculum, but with three important additional features, shown at the center of the hexagonal program model.

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK):

• Interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection

• As a senior seminar, TOK challenges students to question the bases of knowledge

• A key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives

• Unique to IB

CREATIVITY, ACTION, SERVICE (CAS) - PUBLIC SERVICE:

• Encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others

• Students may, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, sports and community service activities

• Students develop greater awareness of themselves, concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people

EXTENDED ESSAY; THE STUDENT IS ASSIGNED AFACULTYADVISOR FOR GUIDANCE

• An opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest

• Acquaints DPstudents with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities

• 4,000 words in length (required), about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay (recommended)

• May be written in one of 60 subjects

• Permits students to deepen their programs of study; for example, by selecting a topic in one of their higher level courses or to add breadth to their academic experience by electing to write in a subject not included in their program choices

SIX ACADEMIC SUBJECTS:
• Studied concurrently, both humanities and sciences required
• Must select one subject from each of the six groups
• At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL)
• HLcourses represent a recommended minimum of 240 teaching hours (a two year course)
• SLcourses cover 150 hours (a one year course)
• Students explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly
• Active citizenship and global perspectives are encouraged in each area
• The subjects are continually reviewed and revised to meet contemporary needs. The list below serves as a current guide only.

•Students may test at the standard level in both grades 11 and 12

•Higher level exams are administered only in the 12th grade

•Examinations are normally a single session of 1 to 4 hours per subject in the early May; registration is in October

•The marking scheme has seven rankings: 1- Very Poor to 7- Excellent

THE SIX SUBJECT AREAS:

Group 1– Language A1: English

Group 2– Second Language: Chinese, French, German, Latin, Russian, Spanish

Group 3– Individuals And Societies: Economics, History, Philosophy

Group 4– Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Group 5– Mathematics: Math Studies, Math Methods, Math Higher Level, Computer Science

Group 6– The Arts and Electives: Art/Design, Music, second language, second science, second group three subject

IB AT CENTRAL:

•The IB program is a 2 year program, comprising a student’s junior and senior year. Students should plan ahead to complete the State standards and the distribution requirements of Central. Interested students are interviewed sophomore year and an individualized course schedule is planned.

•Pre-IB courses are designed by staff here at Central to prepare freshman and sophomores for the rigors of the IB program. These courses are offered to help students decide if IB is a good fit before committing fully to it. Pre-IB courses are recommended though not required.

•Central has the second largest IB program in MN

BENEFITS OF THE IB PROGRAM:

•Within the IB program you will find other students who are interested in rigorous courses and who enjoy learning

•You will be part of a supportive community of students, teachers, and staff

•The staff and teachers have all received specialized training in the IB program

•IB courses and teachers are evaluated annually by IBO and by a Central survey

•The IB program gives students the skills needed to understand and participate in the dynamic and fluid world of the 21st century. By teaching how to learn, instead of simply passing along information, the program prepares students to think on their own and deal with the important issues that need to be understood to be a global citizen in these modern times.

•If the student tests well, college or university credit may be awarded. In some cases, students with a high score in the IB Diploma have been awarded their entire freshman year and begin college as a sophomore. For information on individual college credit policies for IB, go to www.ibo.org.

Overview and Staff

Advanced Placement

Quest & College in the Schools

International Baccalaureate