IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate ('IB') Programme is a world-renowned pre-university course of studies, offered during the last two years of secondary school. The IB Programme was first conceived at the International School of Geneva, Switzerland in the early 1960s. Its comprehensive curriculum has a dual purpose:
-
"To prepare bright, highly motivated students for an internationally recognized university entrance.
-
To provide a curriculum which will challenge the whole student beyond the traditional realm of the high school experience. "
All diploma candidates are required to engage in the study of languages, sciences, mathematics, and humanities. This broad curriculum is a deliberate compromise between the specialization desired in some countries and the emphasis of breadth often preferred by others. Students will learn how to learn, to analyze, and to reach informed conclusions about other people, their culture, and the scientific forces of the environment.
Three Special Features
The IB Programme offers in addition to the traditional strengths of a liberal arts curriculum:
1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Is a required inter-disciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK is the key element in the IB educational philosophy. It helps students to develop a coherent approach to learning that transcends and unifies the academic subjects and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives
2.Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
Is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship. These activities encourage young people to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work co-operatively with others.
3. Extended Essay (EE)
Diploma candidates are also required to undertake original research in the writing of an extended essay of 4000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of interest and acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university.
The Curriculum
The diploma is displayed in the form of a hexagon with six academic areas around the course. Students are exposed to two great traditions of learning - the humanities and the sciences.
Diploma candidates select one subject from each of the six groups and at least three are taken at the Higher Level (HL) = 240 hours; three at the Standard Level (SL) = 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period.
The six groups and subjects offered at Turner Fenton are:
| Group | Level | Subject | Description |
| 1 | HL | Language A - English | A main objective of the course is literary analysis of classical and contemporary literature. Students will also develop their oral and written communication skills. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 2 | SL | Language B - French | SL French teaches students to read and process in a second language. Students also improve their oral and written communication skills. French vocabulary and expressions are studied to improve fluency. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 2 | HL | Language B - French | This three semester course fosters an increased comfort in expressing oneself using a broader French vocabulary base. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 3 | HL | History of the Americas | History of the Americas is a three semester examination of global events, world leaders and peace & conflict studies. This course enables the individual to develop essay writing, critical thinking and document analysis. Providing a strong preparation for law, humanities, and business. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 3 | SL | Economics | Economics caters to a student who wishes to understand world events and how it might impact their choices. Students study macroeconomics, microeconomics, international trade and development. This course is especially well suited to students who wish to pursue business studies, humanities and the social sciences, but would be helpful for everyone. SL Economics can not be taken with HL Business Management. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 3 | HL | Business Management | This three semester course is intended as mini-MBA. Students will learn how to analyse case studies and make sound financial decisions. There are units in marketing, economics, accounting and financial securities. SL Economics can not be taken with HL Business Management. |
| 3 | SL | ITGS - Information Technology in a Global Society | Students will develop advanced computer skills in database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing and internet use. In addition, essay writing and analysis skills are developed to help students understand the impact of technology in our modern world. |
| 3 | SL | Geography | Geography is an interdisciplinary course aimed at creating global citizens. Students will gain an awareness of many pressing issues facing society including climate change, water security, aging population and development issues. Field work and GIS, computerized mapping, is a component of the course. Many sectors in industry, including medicine, law and politics, all have some level of environmental policy. |
| 4 | SL | Chemistry | Students will develop an understanding of many concepts including stoichiometry, periodicity, bonding, enthalpy, equilibrium and organic chemistry. In Standard Level the optional topics of medicine and analytical chemistry are covered. This course is intended for students who wish to gain a general understanding of chemistry. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 4 | HL | Chemistry | All of the same topics covered in SL Chemistry are covered in more quantative depth in HL. This course is intended for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine, pharmacy or engineering. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 4 | SL | Biology | IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 4 | HL | Biology | IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 4 | SL | Physics | IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 5 | SL | Standard Level Math Studies | Students will develop an introductory understanding of functions and an advanced understanding of probability, statistics, sets, and logic. Useful for students entering the arts, social sciences and some business programs. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 5 | SL | Standard Level Mathematics | Students will develop an understanding of introductory calculus, vectors, probability and statistics. Suitable for students entering the sciences and most business programs. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 5 | HL | Higher Level Mathematics | Students will develop an understanding of advanced calculus, vectors, probability, statistics and discrete mathematics. Suitable for students entering mathematics, physics or engineering programs. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 6 | SL | Visual Art | The IB Visual Arts course in catered towards the exploration of the self. No previous art experience is required. The course is not scripted with any assignments: the students get to choose what they want to create. This course to open to all students, and is mandatory for students pursuing the arts, architecture, or any university program requiring a Portfolio. |
| 6 | SL | Music | This course will examine music through listening to and studying examples of different musical styles from around the world. Students will also have the opportunity to perform music as a way of learning the the unique elements of different cultural styles. While having experience musical performance is necessary, students who do not play traditional band instruments are welcome. Students can perform their own unique style of music, whether they play the Tabla, Sitar, Piano, Violin or sing. Students who do play band instruments have the option of being evaluated as part of one of the extracurricular bands. IB's Curriculum Brief is here. |
| 6 | SL | Computer Science | Students master basic programming constructs including loops, methods and arrays. Simple data structures are also designed and manipulated. Useful for future engineers (required to take programming first year), future computer science or mathematics majors. |
| 6 | - | Your choice | In the place of a group 6 subject, students may select a second subject from one of the other subject areas. |
Grading System
The IB evaluation system is criterion-referenced. This means that each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one exam session to the next. Grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards equally applied to all schools. Each subject is graded out of 7 points. The TOK and the Extended Essay are awarded a combined total of 3 diploma points for a total of 45 possible points.
Assessing Student Work
Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidate work rests with the examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with international authority. Many teachers at Turner Fenton are examiners.
A variety of assessment methods are used to judge both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns.
Conventional external examination techniques are complemented by internal assessment of course work by the teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period. Their evaluation is moderated by examiners from the IB to assure consistency in grading.
Award of the Diploma
The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS activities. The maximum score of 45 includes three diploma points for an exceptional essay and course work in TOK. Turner Fenton has had two perfect diplomas. Only 1% of the world's IB students attain this grade.
All students are encouraged to engage in the full Programme as it provides the most benefits. Those who do not meet all requirements are awarded a certificate for examinations completed.
University Recognition
IB students will apply for admission to universities based on their IB and their Ontario scores (converted using a provincially agreed upon scale). IB Diploma holders gain admission to selective universities throughout the world. Most universities offer advanced standing or course credit to those with a score of 5 or more in HL subjects.