IB Program

2009-2010 International  Baccalaureate
A Pre-University Program and Examination with International Perspective and Recognition

Dear Parents and Students,  

Welcome to the International Baccalaureate! The IB offers high school students an advanced college preparation curriculum and an educational program that is recognized worldwide. Many different abilities and educational backgrounds can be accommodated within the program. ISB offers a wide range of IB subjects as well as an active co-curricular program designed to educate the "whole" individual.  

If you are considering the IB Diploma or Certificate, please read this information carefully. Seek advice from teachers, counselors, and members of the high school administrative team. Carefully and realistically assess your abilities, interests and your level of commitment. Challenge yourself with the IB courses; motivated students can be successful within the IB Program.  

Sincerely,

Jayne Lund Dean of Academics Telephone: 02-583-5436/02-583-5433
E-mail: jaynel@isb.ac.th  

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a two year, pre-university program of studies culminating in an internationally recognized and uniform Diploma.  The curriculum has been designed to assist students in developing the ability to reason for themselves.  To this end, logical and critical thinking skills are emphasized, rather than a mere accumulation of facts.

The IB Diploma program provides a thorough education in a broad range of subject areas.  It aims to enhance awareness of our common humanity, encourage a sense of social responsibility, and prepare students for higher education.  It allows students the freedom to pursue their own needs and interests within this framework of "a properly balanced education".  In short, it is both a structured program that offers a strong general education and a flexible program that acknowledges the particular interests of the students.

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• The program is a well-balanced course of studies.  This ensures a broad academic exposure as well as opportunities for specialization.  A true liberal arts education is provided.
• The program provides students with a curriculum which is uniform in structure throughout IB schools world-wide.
• Non-diploma students have the opportunity to take individual IB courses in areas of special interest.
• The program provides a Diploma accepted for advanced placement credit by many US universities.  Higher level certificates are considered grounds for awarding advanced placement credit at many universities.

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What to Expect

 A student who decides to participate in the IB Program, as a Diploma candidate or as a Certificate candidate, can expect to:

• Work very hard
• Approach tasks with a sense of purpose
• Demonstrate self-discipline and responsibility
• Learn from fellow students as well as teachers
• Seek assistance, and give it, without hesitation
• Share with, and contribute to, the community

IB students should expect to be educated, amused, excited, delighted, and at times, to be disappointed and exasperated.  If the student has the motivation, an IB Diploma or Certificate is a realistic goal.

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Students may elect to participate in the IB program in one of three ways:

• As an IB Diploma candidate.
• As an IB Certificate candidate.
• As a non-examination student.

The IB Diploma:

The two year Diploma program provides students with a breadth and depth of rigorous academic study which prepare them for university.  Generally, higher level subjects reflect the student's area of special interest.  Standard level subjects complement the higher level choices, but do not generally require the same degree of specialized knowledge and understanding.  The three additional program elements are Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and participation in the CAS Program.

IB Certificates:

For students not pursuing the IB Diploma program, it is possible to register for individual IB subjects and complete these worthwhile and interesting courses of study, including the IB Exam.  Individual IB Certificates are issued and may help secure advanced placement credit at certain colleges.

Non-examination IB students:

Students opting not to sit the IB Exams may still undertake IB courses because of interest in the subject matter and the academic demands made by such subjects.  Students gain experience and knowledge which will strengthen their ability to meet academic challenges at university.

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Course selection

  IB Diploma students choose 6 subjects, 3 at higher level and 3 at standard level, to study along side Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and the Creativity, Action and Service Program. IB certificate students include a number IB classes in their course selection. All students work with their counselors and teacher recommendations on their course selections. The Program of Studies includes course descriptions and planners for course selection.

                                                  IB Diploma Schools 2009

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General Information on IBO

IBO link