International Baccalaureate

What is International Baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), founded in 1968, is a recognized leader in the field of international education. It is a non-profit, mission-driven foundation that works with 1,550 schools to develop and offer three challenging programs in 117 countries to approximately 200,000 students.

The International Baccalaureate program is designed to serve the learning needs of all students. IB promotes classes that are inclusive and receptive to many different learning styles. The requirements for success are rigorous yet achievable.

What is the IB Diploma?

It is a credential that students earn after successfully completing assessments in six curricular areas, writing an extended essay, completing the Theory of Knowledge assessments, and engaging in a creative, athletic, or service project. Students who achieve at least 24 total points out of the 45 available points in assessment will be awarded an IB Diploma. Students who score 23 or fewer points will receive certificates for the curricular areas that they studied.

What are the advantages of IB?

The IB program helps develop critical thinking, time management, organizational skills, writing skills, interdisciplinary study, and speaking skills. In addition, all UW-system schools-and most other schools-accept IB scores for credit. Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays may be used for college applications and scholarship applications, and the service component of the program deepens the extracurricular experience of each student.

Does a student have to complete all six subjects for an IB Diploma?

Yes. However, students may also choose to earn IB Certificates in one or more of the subjects. Most universities, including all of the UW-system schools, accept IB Certificates for college credit if the student has scored at a university-prescribed level on the assessments for that certificate.

What is Theory of Knowledge?

Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. TOK should involve at least 100 hours of teaching time spanning the Junior and Senior years.

How is a student graded and assessed?

The grading system for the Diploma program is criterion based: each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination session to the next. Grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards that are applied equally to all schools. Top grades are not, for example, awarded to a certain percentage of students.

What is the cost to pursue an IB Diploma?

Because we want the IB Diploma to be available to all students, Catholic Memorial plans to pick up the student's expenses for pursuing an IB Diploma (approximately $700) with funds from corporations and foundations interested in supporting the highest level of academic achievement.

When was IB first available at CMH?

CMH will began offering the opportunity to earn IB certificates in the 2005-2006 school year, and the first diplomas were earned in the 2006-2007 school year.