International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate Program is a comprehensive course of study designed for highly motivated students. This stimulating, challenging program meets standards of international academic excellence and promotes admission to colleges and universities throughout the world.
Click here to visit the International Baccalaureate Organization website.
Click here to visit the IB Coordinator website.
Click here for a list of IB Class Offerings.

Rewards of being an International Baccalaureate Student

  • IB has an international acceptability, which allows for both flexibility and mobility.
  • IB educates the whole person.
  • IB encourages students to appreciate cultures and attitudes other than their own and to be informed, tolerant and willing to communicate with others.
  • The IB approach to education is not encyclopedic. The emphasis is on helping students to learn how to learn and how to analyze.
  • IB provides a broad general education while still allowing specialized study in areas corresponding to the individual’s particular interests and plans for the future.
  • IB is a college selector for many major universities.

Special Features of the Diploma
The IB Diploma recipient is recognized world wide as a leader of high academic standing. The ability to think, write, communicate, and assume responsibility within a community are viewed as key attributes of this individual. With this in mind, the International Baccalaureate Organization requires all students to complete these three components–Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS–as essential culminating actions for a diploma candidate.

Theory of Knowledge
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is designed to “cap” the curriculum by providing an opportunity for reflection. The object is not to learn new knowledge, but to increase understanding of what has already been learned. TOK requirements include:

  • one essay of 1200 to 1600 words;
  • formal oral presentation;
  • individual and group discussion/assignments;
  • 1+ short essays each six weeks;
  • journal entries.

Extended Essay
The extended essay is a 4,000-word essay (approx. 15 double-spaced pages) which reflects an original piece of research, analysis and interpretation written by the student under the direct supervision of a qualified mentor. Students will choose a topic from any content area within IB guidelines and will develop the essay with guidance through IB English & TOK classes.

CAS (Creativity, Action, Service)
Believing a true leader is one who participates in the aesthetics of life and gives to society as much as he/she receives, the IB diploma candidate will be expected to contribute a combination of 150 hours of creative, action, and service activities. Students may begin their CAS hours in June after their 10th grade year.

IB Certificate Program
Anderson also offers students the opportunity to pursue an IB Certificate instead of an IB Diploma. Certificate candidates must complete all coursework and exams for at least two higher-level IB courses taken over the junior and senior years. These students are also eligible to complete standard-level IB courses in their senior year. The Certificate student does not complete the extended essay or the CAS requirement, nor are they allowed to take the TOK class.

Admission Guidelines
All Anderson High School students who wish to enter the IB Program must be enrolled in Pre AP/IB courses in grades 9 & 10. Students must begin the study of Chinese, French, German, Latin, or Spanish by grade 9. The I.B. Coordinator will examine the records of each student applying for the International Baccalaureate Program. The following factors are considered:

  • academic performance;
  • teacher and counselor recommendations;
  • parental consent and support.
Once accepted, a student must maintain a high level of academic achievement. Progress will be continuously evaluated.

 

Registration Information (Sophomore Year)

January
Current 10th grade students apply for candidacy in the IB Diploma or Certificate Program. Applications are due Feb. 1 and are available online, from the IB office, and distributed in English 2 classes.

February
All students who applied for candidacy in the IB Program will be considered for participation and notified of their status.

March/April

Students will be scheduled into required/requested courses. Diploma candidates will test in six areas over a two-year period. Three exams must be on the higher-level (taken at end of senior year) and three will be at the standard -level (two of which may be taken at end of junior year). An IB plan is developed with the coordinator. Decisions on exams must be made by October 15.
Exams are taken in six areas:

  • Language A1 - English
  • Language B - Chinese, French, German, Latin, Spanish
  • History
  • Science - Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Mathematics - Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB or BC
  • One elective: a second Science, Art, Music, Economics, Psychology