IB Diploma Program

The IB Diploma Programme(DP) is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepare students, aged 16-18, for success in college and in life beyond. The programme is taught over two years (Grades 11 and 12) and has gained recognition and respect from the world´s leading colleges universities, often leading to preferential admissions and advanced standing for IB students.

All Boca Prep Students are expected to follow the IB Diploma Program on entry to the school. Through discussion and agreement with the Diploma Program Coordinator it may be possible or necessary to limit the schedule to IB Certificate Courses or High School level courses. This may be due to the stringent demands of the program conflicting with a students aptitude or more often, the demands opf their Performance Program at ETA. Students in the Boca Prep Performance Program will be fully supported in striving for both academic excellence and the award of the IB Diploma and the development of their athletic performance.

Boca Prep was authorized as an IB World School in 2009 offering the IB Diploma and Certificate Courses. The High School of Boca Prep International School offers a comprehensive, college prep curriculum and learning experience. The teaching staff presents their material in ways that promote independent thinking and analysis. Each course is designed to foster the making of connections, both to all of the students´ other classes and to the world at large.

The curriculum is carefully designed to flow smoothly from that of the Middle School (IB MYP) and to fully prepare the students for their upcoming college experience.

The DP curriculum has been designed to allow students to study a range of subjects from different subject areas.The programme encompasses an in-depth study of six major subjects; three subjects are studied at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, allowing students to pursue advanced work in subjects of particular interest.

Diploma Program Subjects offered at Boca Prep International School:

Group 1 Language A1 The International Baccalaureate Organization has a policy of encouraging students to maintain links with their own cultures and provides opportunities for students to study their mother tongue language, even when that language is not offered by the school.
English A1 HL and SL AND Spanish A1 SL by negotiation. Students taking Spanish would receive a bilingual award.

Group 2 Second Language Language B All DP students must take a second language. Spanish B or another language arranged with the Diploma Program Coordinator.

Group 3 Individuals and Societies All DP students are required to complete a Humanities course.
History HL/SL or Business and Management.

Group 4 Experimental Sciences All DP students are required to complete a Science course.

Group 5 Mathematics All DP students are required to complete a mathematics course.
Mathematics SL, Maths Studies SL

Group 6 The Arts This group includes the Visual Arts, with an emphasis on practical production by the students. As an alternative option for the sixth subject, students may take an additional subject from the other groups.

Students in the Performance Program may take a second language as their Group 6 choice or may opt for an on -line course approved by the IB.

Core: Three additional academic specializations (known as the Core of the IB Hexagon) are also part of the program:

Theory of Knowledge, is a critical thinking course study which trains students to think about knowledge at the deepest of levels. TOK is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experiences gained both inside and outside of the classroom. TOK is considered a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives. This course is unique to the DP and lasts for about 100 hours over the two years of the programme.

The Extended Essay engages students in independent research on a topic of their choosing, providing them with the opportunity to explore and investigate a topic of special interest. It is this requirement of the programme that provides DP students with the early experiences needed for the kind of independent research and writing skills required by universities. The essay is an extended assignment started in Year 1 and completed in Year 2. Students should spend about 40 hours completing this aspect of the rogramme.

Creativity, Action, Service known by its acronym CAS, Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) balances academics with hands-on learning outside of class .One of the goals of the DP is to educate the whole person and to foster responsible, compassionate citizens. The CAS component encourages students to share their energy and talents with others. Students are expected to put at least 150 hours into their CAS component over the two years of the programme.

Assessment : At the end of the 2 years, IB Diploma candidates complete oral and written examinations in all of their IB subjects. IB exams are prepared and externally graded under the supervision of the International Baccalaureate in Geneva. Students are required to hand in written and practical assignments to form part of Internal Assessments which are submitted to the IBO for moderation.

Liz Hutton
IB Diploma Program Coordinator

More Information from IBO.org

Search

Site
Web

Boca Prep International School United States of America

Menu

IB Diploma Program

Search

Follow us!

Facebook