cbe.ab.ca/b816

641 - 17 Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2S 0B5 t | 403-228-5363

The International Baccalaureate Program at Western Canada High School 2016-17

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Statement of Interest Deadline January 15, 2016

Introduction The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) has been an integral part of Western Canada High School since 1981. The Western Canada school community has embraced the IB because it provides students with an opportunity for an enhanced academic education and, at the same time, emphasizes breadth of knowledge and experience. The IB Programme is “designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national education systems; it is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of many.” Because Western is also a French Immersion high school, it is possible for students to pursue the IB Diploma exclusively in English or to earn a Bilingual Diploma by including up to three courses taught and studied in French. In addition to emphasizing the importance of learning in the languages, humanities, mathematics and sciences, the IB offers the opportunity to complete an in-depth study on a topic of individual interest (Extended Essay); provides exposure to a philosophical look at “knowing” (Theory of Knowledge); and requires students to be engaged in creative pursuits, physical activity and service projects (CAS).

“Intellegentia, Vires, Virtus” Understanding, Strength, Courage

At Western, our team is philosophically committed to the values and intent of the IB Diploma Programme and provides our students with an outstanding IB experience. In an early evaluation of Western’s IB Program, done by Alberta Education, the evaluator noted that “the IB Programme is of a high quality because of the dedication of staff and students and the support provided by the school administration and parents. Western’s IB Programme offers many benefits to students.” The same holds true today. The IB Programme at Western is a program that provides one way of meeting the Results of the Calgary Board of Education: to enhance student learning and to strengthen character. The staff and students are very proud of the IB programme and the achievement of success by students both in the program and in their subsequent post-secondary experiences. As a staff, we are committed to maintaining the excellent quality of instruction and achievement that is a foundational pillar of our school. We are proud to be offering “learning as unique as every student” through the International Baccalaureate Programme.

Experience the World Within our Doors Gateway to Excellence for the 21st Century

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The IB Programme An Overview The IB Programme provides a rigorous, pre-university course of study leading to examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated and academically oriented secondary students. It develops in students a broad intellectual, social and critical perspective. In the 21st century, knowledge continues to expand exponentially. Advances in technology and global economies are linking vastly different cultures. Thus, it is imperative that education of the whole student be the focus of our classrooms. Students must be able to see beyond provincial and national ideologies. Success in the world community requires appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity. The focus of the IB Programme is to expand these horizons while providing a strong foundation of knowledge and skills of the subjects being taught. In content, the IB curriculum is a deliberate compromise between the preference for specialization in some countries and the emphasis on breadth preferred in others. The intent is that students will learn how to learn, how to analyze, how to reach considered conclusions about people, their languages and literature, their ways in society and the scientific forces of the environment.

A short history of the IB Programme “One of the rewards of the IB programme is the amazing friends you meet.” - Aidan Y., Grade 12 student

The concept of the International Baccalaureate grew out of concerns of various international schools about the mobility of their clientele. School authorities found that they required an internationally recognized curriculum so that their students’ achievements would be accepted by universities world-wide. In 1965, the International Baccalaureate Office (IBO) was set up in Geneva. By 1967 an experimental programme was launched and by 1970 the programme was offered in 20 schools. Much of the curriculum work was done at Oxford University. Since that time, the programme has grown to incorporate more than 3400 participating schools in some 143 countries, working in three official languages (English, French and Spanish). The IB Programme enjoys the respect and support of many governments and recognition by an ever growing number of colleges and universities. In North America, IB has been adopted in large measure by public schools as an enrichment program for their highly motivated academic students although it is designed to be accessible by all students. At present, more than 150 Canadian high schools teach the IB diploma curriculum.

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IB at Western Canada High School Course Offerings The IB curriculum provides courses at two levels. Higher Level (HL) courses go much beyond the normal high school curriculum and are generally recognized for advanced placement or credit at universities. Standard Level (SL) courses are enriched high school courses and, generally, make the student’s transition from high school to university much smoother and less stressful – some institutions offer advanced credit. The IB courses offered at Western are: HIGHER LEVEL (HL)

STANDARD LEVEL (SL)

Group 1 ENGLISH LITERATURE

Group 1 ENGLISH LITERATURE

Group 2 FRENCH B (FLA) SPANISH B

Group 2 FRENCH B FRENCH ab initio SPANISH ab initio SPANISH B (Mandarin ab initio, B and Cantonese B Off-campus)

Group 3 HISTORY of EUROPE (SOCIAL STUDIES) in both English and French PHILOSOPHY

Group 3 PHILOSOPHY

Group 4 BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY PHYSICS

Group 4 BIOLOGY PHYSICS

Group 5 MATHEMATICS

Group 5 MATHEMATICS in both English and French MATHEMATICAL STUDIES

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Full Diploma Candidates Those students who pursue the full IB Programme (Diploma Candidates) will work towards the attainment of two high school diplomas: one granted by IB and the other by Alberta Education. Although Diploma Candidates write IB exams in May of both their grade 11 and 12 years, they receive diplomas only in their final year of IB studies. As well, Diploma Students (full IB) must complete three core aspects of the IB Programme. These are Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and the C.A.S. components. Theory of Knowledge (TOK): TOK examines how and why we can claim to know what we know. The flagship course for IB, TOK attempts to develop an appreciation for the similarities and differences of what it means to know something in a discipline, such as History. Moreover, students will develop a perspective on what they have learned in the subjects taken over the three years of high school. Areas discussed in Theory of Knowledge include Language, Emotion, Reason, and Sense Perception as “ways of knowing” as well as Mathematics, Natural Science, Human Sciences, History, Ethics and Art as “areas of knowledge”. This course contributes to the overall IB diploma score, is awarded Alberta Education credits, and is conducted as a three credit course in Grade 11 and continued in Grade 12: first semester on-line and second semester twice a week in place of higher level classes.

“In IB, the ends justify the means!” - Christian B., Grade 12 student

The Extended Essay: Full diploma candidates must complete and submit an Extended Essay. The essay, which is begun half-way through Grade 11 and submitted in February of their grade 12 year, must reflect, as the name implies, an extension beyond their normal course requirements. The essay (approximately 40 hours work and 4000 words) must be the result of the student’s own research into a student-chosen topic and is completed outside of regular school hours. Western Canada High School has a superb library and flexible access to computers with a wide variety of computer databases and the World-Wide-Web to assist students in their search for resources. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): The requirements of a full IB diploma promote students’ involvement in a variety of activities outside the classroom in order to broaden their perspective of the world and society. A Diploma Student (full IB) must complete a range of CAS activities. More importantly, the student should complete the seven CAS “outcomes” in the activities they choose as well as a collaborate CAS project. The explanations below are very general. Each student will be matched with a CAS Advisor in grade 11 to ensure that his or her extra-curricular activities meet the required outcomes.

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Creativity entails development of an appreciation for aesthetic aspects of life through involvement in pursuits such as music, choirs, dance and art. Activity requires participation in group activities such as intramural, varsity or community sports, scouts, guides and other similar endeavors. The Service component requires that students give something back to the community which supports them. Students may volunteer for the Canadian Blood Services, at the Food Bank, at hospitals, as peer tutors or other service clubs, guide/scout leaders or as camp counselors, etc. The range of possible activities is quite extensive. A Diploma Candidate must take three of the higher level (HL) courses listed above and three of the standard level (SL) courses (at least one in each of groups I through V). In grade 11, Diploma Candidates write IB and Alberta Education exams in a maximum of two SL subjects. In grade 12, they write IB and Alberta Education exams in 3 HL subjects and at least 1 SL subject. In French ab initio, Spanish ab initio or Spanish B, students write an IB exam in Grade 12 only. The following pages illustrate the potential timetable and course selections for IB diploma students. We have so many choices we can personalize timetables so that any diploma student can take two international languages OR two sciences OR two subjects from Group 3 (History & Philosophy).

Sample Timetable #1 for a F.I. or International Languages Student Group

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

IB Exams

1

English 10 WCpreIB

English 20 IB

English 30 IB & 35 IB

English Literature HL

2

French 10 WCpreIB* or FLA 10 preIB & Spanish 10 preIB*

French 20 IB or FLA 20 IB Spanish 20 IB

French 30 IB or FLA 30 IB Spanish 30 IB

French ab SL French B HL Span ab SL

3

Social 10F preIB

Social 20F IB

Social 30F IB & 35F IB

History of Europe HL

4

Science 10 preIB** (offered in English only)

Biology 20 IB & 30 IB

Theory of Knowledge in Grade 11/12

Biology SL

5

Math 10F WCpreIB & Math 20F IB

Math 30F IB & Math 31F IB

Phys Ed 10

C.A.L.M. outside of the timetable

Math SL (or Math Studies) Electives (IB or non-IB)

* Students with previous experience in FSL or Spanish may take French 20 IB or Spanish 20 IB in Grade 10, continue to 30 IB in Grade 11, and 31 IB in Grade 12 for Language B SL ** Students who wish to take Chemistry IB or Physics IB will only have room in their timetable for one language (as they will have to take “Chemistry 20 IB” in Grade 10)

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Sample Timetable #2 for a Math/Science Student IB Exams

Group

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

1

English 10 WCpreIB

English 20 IB SL or HL

English Literature English 30 IB SL or SL or HL English 30 IB & 35 IB HL

2

French 10 preIB or French 20 IB* or Spanish 10 preIB or Spanish 20 IB*

French 20 IB or French 30 IB or Spanish 20 IB or Spanish 30 IB

French 30 IB or French 31 IB or Spanish 30 IB or Spanish 31 IB

French ab SL French B SL or Span ab SL Span B SL

3

Social 10 WCpreIB

Social 20 IB

Social 30 IB & 35 IB or **Philosophy 20/ 30IB and regular Social 30

History of Europe HL or Philosophy SL

4

Science 10 WCpreIB & Chem 20IB

Chem 25 IB/ToK+ & Bio20 IB & 30 IB or Physics 20 IB & 30 IB

Chem 35 IB & Chem 30 IB

Math 10 WCpreIB & Math 20 IB

Math 30 IB SL & Math 31 IB SL or Math 30 IB HL & Math 31 IB HL

***Math 35 IB HL

Phys Ed 10

C.A.L.M. outside of the timetable

One option could be a third (non-IB) Science, Spanish 31 IB, CALM, HL Math/ Physics or HL Bio***

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Chemistry HL & Physics SL/HL or Biology SL/HL

***Biology 35 IB or Physics 35 IB

Math SL (or Math Studies SL) or Math HL

* See table 1 ** Students who choose to do Philosophy IB SL may take non-IB Social Studies to the 30 level and write ONLY the Alberta Diploma Exam for Social Studies (Biology HL Physics HL or Math HL could be the third HL course for a full diploma) *** Taking 4 HL courses may result in unresolvable timetable conflicts. ToK+ = Theory of Knowledge which is a single term course backed up against Chemistry 25 IB. If Chemistry IB is NOT selected as a diploma course, ToK may have to be taken partly online in Grade 11 and the majority in Grade 12 (taking up an option space).

Note | There is only one “free” block in all of the 3 years so it is not possible to take 3 IB Sciences if you are a full IB diploma student (unless you take your language through The Chinese Academy).

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Sample Timetable #3 for a Social Studies/Philosophy Student Group

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

1

English 10 preIB

English 20 IB

English 30 IB & 35 IB

2

Language 10 preIB (or 20 IB with experience)

Language 20 IB (or 30 IB)

Language 30 IB (or 31 IB)

3

Social 10 preIB

Social 20 IB Social 30 IB & 35 IB & Philosophy 20/30 IB

4

Science 10 preIB & Chem 20IB

Chem 25 IB/ToK+ Chem 35 IB & or Chem 30 IB Bio20 IB & 30 IB or Physics 20 IB & 30 IB or Biology 35 IB

5

Math 10 preIB & Math 20 IB

Math 30 IB SL& Math 31 IB SL

Phys-Ed 10

C.A.L.M. outside the One or two timetable options depending on third HL choice

IB Exams English Literature HL French SL or Spanish SL (ab or B)

History HL & Philosophy SL Chemistry HL or Physics SL or Biology SL (or Bio HL) Math SL (or Math Studies SL)

*See Table 1 +ToK = Theory of Knowledge which is a single term course backed up against Chemistry 25 IB. If Chemistry IB is NOT selected as a diploma course, ToK may have to be taken partly online in Grade 11 and the majority in Grade 12 (taking up an option space).

Diploma Courses Students (Partial IB Candidates) Students may choose not to take a full diploma, but rather to complete a portion of their high school course work from the IB curriculum and the rest from the regular Alberta Education curricula. Thus, students may seek to be challenged in areas of strength or interest. Students are to aim to take at least two IB courses to completion. Diploma courses candidates receive a statement with results for each IB course in which they write an IB examination. Timetables of Diploma Courses students would vary greatly depending on which IB courses they choose from the full program. Partial IB students may now take the Theory of Knowledge course, write an Extended Essay, and should still strive to complete significant C.A.S. requirements. It is encouraged to take IB courses in different areas of knowledge to fulfill the spirit of IB – which is to develop well-rounded students.

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IB Examinations Each sequence of IB courses (Math 20 IB, 30 IB and 31 IB, for example) has an internally assessed component and culminates in an externally marked set of comprehensive examinations. Students write the IB examination in May of the academic year in which the sequence is completed. In each year that a student writes an IB examination (in grade 11 and/or 12 only), payment of the registration and examination fees associated with writing the examination is the responsibility of the student. The fee schedule is not included, because it may be changed yearly by the IB Head Office. Payment of fees and registration for examinations are done in September/October. It is important to note that there is a YEARLY registration fee for each year a diploma courses (partial IB) student writes exams so students may want to timetable their exam courses in the same year.

Western’s Grade 10 Western Canada Pre-IB Programme Western’s grade ten “WCpre-IB” courses are courses designed to prepare students for entry into the International Baccalaureate Programme at Western. These courses cover not only the Alberta Education Curricula, but also the enrichment in content and process-skill development which will enable them to be successful in the IB courses in grades 11 and 12. As a result, the pace of learning and homework load for a 10 WCpre-IB course is greater than it is for the corresponding course at the regular level. Successful students in pre-IB courses demonstrate maturity, responsibility and sound work habits.

“Success cannot be measured in numbers, but by the ability to strive forward in the face of challenge.” - Ka Wing L., Grade 12 student

Transition to the IB Programme Students who demonstrate desire, skill, and aptitude in a particular course in addition to IB learner profile attributes (inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced, reflective) will be encouraged to pursue IB classes in Grade 11. Students will have the chance to tailor their IB programme in Grade 11 (20-level courses) based on the experience and success in Grade 10 classes.

IB and French Immersion Western Canada High School has a French Immersion program. Immersion courses are offered at the IB level and give students the opportunity to earn a Bilingual Diploma from IB, 45 of their 100+ credits in French for their high school diploma from Alberta Education and the Calgary Board of Education’s French Immersion Certificate of Achievement. Students may also choose to take the French DELF international accreditation exam.

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Extra-curricular activities The IB programme has been in operation at Western since 1981. During its tenure, the program has been very successful. Western’s students have traditionally scored above the world average in all subjects. Moreover, a quick inspection of our extra-curricular programs indicates that these students do not just pursue excellence in the classroom. IB students are found in all areas including, but not limited to Drama productions, the Concert and Jazz bands, the Festival and Jazz choirs, on many sports teams, on Students’ Council, in the Speech and Debate Clubs, on the school newspaper and yearbook staffs, in Spanish Club and in the Franco-Western club. IB students provide a valued leadership core in our school. The old adage, “if you have a job to do, give it to a busy person”, is certainly exemplified by the enthusiastic hard work and involvement of the IB students in all areas of school life.

IB and Alberta Education IB courses include the material required by Alberta Education so that our IB students are well prepared to take the Alberta Education Diploma Exams. IB students usually score well on the Diploma Examinations.

Support Services The school provides a wide range of support services for students who require assistance for all types of problems, concerns and queries. Our Student Services department can provide assistance in the following areas: personal counseling teacher/course counseling n ELL support (please refer to our system-wide IB language policy) n scholarship information/applications n university entrance requirements and application forms n peer tutoring/study skills seminars n n

The role of the IB Coordinator The IB Coordinator facilitates the IB Programme at Western. Students or parents who have particular concerns, problems or questions pertaining to IB should first contact Susan Rivers, the IB Coordinator Susan Rivers: [email protected] or t | 403-228-5363 ext 2123

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Some common questions about the IB Programme How is IB different from AP? The AP (Advanced Placement) is a set of exams that Princeton University sells to high schools wishing to offer their students a chance to earn advanced placement or credit when they enter university. There is no monitoring of AP standards except by the exams. In contrast, the IB Programme is a whole high school diploma program encompassing extra-curricular components (CAS), a learner profile (emphasizing individual inquiry as well as collaboration), mandatory teacher training and a prescribed curriculum which is updated on a 5-year cycle. The internal assessments (for example lab portfolios or oral commentaries) are marked by our teachers, and moderated by IB. In each subject an exam is set by IB and externally assessed. These are comprehensive exams spanning the complete course studied over either two (SL) or three (HL) semesters. The diploma is accepted and respected world-wide.

Will my grades be lower in the IB courses? Students in the IB courses receive grades that reflect their progress according to IB standards and Alberta Education requirements. Because IB students are working to succeed in two curricula, their marks may not be as high as those the student would probably receive in a regular class. Therefore, when these marks are entered into records that are to reflect their performance by the criteria of Alberta Education, the marks are adjusted to reflect the progress in this one curriculum. This process is called Standardization, and it takes place in WCpre-IB courses as well. Thus, IB students are not placed at a disadvantage in applying for university entrance, scholarships, etc.

How do I get my grades to universities? After you write exams in May of your grade 12 year, you fill out a transcript request form available from the IB Coordinator. The school will send your form to the IB AMERICAS office in New York, and they will automatically send your transcripts to the universities you listed on the form. The transcripts usually arrive at the universities in July.

learn more | contact IB Coordinator Susan Rivers: [email protected] or t | 403-228-5363 ext 2123 or visit our school website www.cbe.ab.ca/b816

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