Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is IB?

The Diploma Programme provides a challenging, rigorous academic program. IB is committed to prepare students to be citizens in an international community.

 

What is the IB Mission Statement?

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world, intercultural understanding and respect.

 

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

 

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

 

What is the IB Learner Profile?
IB learners strive to be:

• Inquirers                                                                                                          
• Knowledgeable
• Thinkers
• Communicators
• Principled
• Open-minded
• Caring
• Risk-takers
• Balanced
• Reflective

When does the program start?

The program starts in the 11th grade. At Seneca Valley High School we have a rigorous honors program that will help prepare students to enter the program. The honors program starts in the ninth grade.

 

Are there any admission requirements?

The IB program is open to all students at Seneca Valley High School. We ask that students who have an interest in the IB program fill out an application in the eighth grade.

 

Students must fill out an application for the IB Diploma Programme in their sophomore (spring semester) year.

 

To be successful in the IB program students should be self motivated, with good time management, and love to read.

Once accepted into the IB program, students must maintain a high level of academic achievement.

 

What is the IB course of study?

Diploma Programme candidates are required to study six subjects and a curriculum core. One subject is chosen from each of the groups listed below.

Group 1 – Language A1

Group 1 consists of literature courses in a student’s first language. The courses introduce students to literature from a variety of periods, genres and styles.

 

Group 2 – Language B

Group two includes allows students to choose a second language. Currently we offer Spanish, French and Latin.

 

Group 3 – Individuals and Society

Group 3 includes courses in the human experience. All students will take a course in European History.

 

Group 4 – Experimental Sciences

Group 4 subjects include biology, chemistry and physics. Students study and become familiar with the experimental and laboratory techniques.

 

Group 5 – Mathematics and Computer Science

Group 5 subjects include a mathematical continuum to accommodate students of all levels. These courses help students develop logical and creative thinking.

 

Group 6 – The Arts

Group 6 courses emphasize the making of art. students gain an understanding of the arts and lean to express themselves artistically.

What is the curriculum core?

The core of the Diploma Programme consists of the theory of knowledge course (TOK), the extended essay and creativity, action, service (CAS).

 

If your question has not been answered here, please contact:

 

Beth Schmetz

Beth_S_Schmetz@mcpsmd.org

301-353-8037