a guide to the international baccalaureate diploma
TRANSCRIPT
1
A Guide to the International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme
Cypress Creek High School
Dr. W. John McHale, IB Head of School
Mrs. Esthner Kusner, Assistant Principal
Ms. Meagan Sheehan, IB Coordinator
Mrs. Julie Grammier, IB Guidance Counselor
C o n t a c t I n f o r ma t i o n
1101 Bear Crossing Drive
Orlando, FL 32824
(407) 852-3400 Office
(407) 850-5160 Fax
www.cchs.ocps.net
Dr. W. John McHale
Principal
4078523400 ext. 6033410
Mrs. Esther Kusner
Assistant Principal
407-852-3400 ext. 6033443
Ms. Meagan Sheehan
IB Coordinator
(407) 852-3400 ext. 6032692
Mrs. Julie Grammier
IB Guidance Counselor
(407) 852-3400, ext. 6033456
Mr. Jeffry Oswald
CAS Coordinator
407-852-3408
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
Cypress Creek IB Achievements
2016 IB Student Results 2016 IB Student AP Results
IB Diploma Recipients – 56 National AP Scholars – 87
National Merit Finalists – 2 AP Scholars with Distinction – 26
AP Scholars with Honors – 23
National AP Scholars – 4
CCHS is in the top 1% of all IB World Schools; the majority of Cypress Creek IB Diploma
Candidates go on to careers in engineering and medicine.
IB Students Honors & Distinctions
2013 dollar amount of scholarships earned - $820,900 per year for the next four years
2013 students with “full rides” to Universities – 5
Aspen Ideas Festival
Bank of America Student Leaders Internship
Bezos Scholars
Columbia Engineering Weekend
Columbia Summer Program
Harvard Summer Program
Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience
Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science at MIT (MITES)
Mt. Holyoke Women of Color Program
Questbridge College Match Program
University of Texas – Austin, Women in Engineering
Youth Empowerment Learning Leadership (YELL!)
Cypress Creek IB Diploma Pass Rate*
*Statistics provided by the International Baccalaureate Organization, July 2013
Based on data provided by International Baccalaureate of the overall students who received the IB diploma.
Cypress Creek IB SAT Results**
**Statistics provided by the OCPS Student Assessment and Data Management Office, September 2013
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WorldPass Rate
CCHS Pass Rate
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OCPS Florida Nation CCHS CCHS IB
SAT Reading
SaT Math
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
Acceptance into Prestigious Universities
American University
Amherst College
Annapolis
Auburn University
Baylor University
Barry University
Bethune‐Cookman College
Boston College
Boston University
Brandeis University
Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Eckerd University
Emory University
Drexel University
Duke University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical
College
Fairleigh‐Dickenson
University
Flagler College
Florida Agriculture and
Mechanical University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Hospital College of
Health Science
Florida International
University
Florida Institute of
Technology
Florida Southern University
Florida State University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Tech
Harvard University
Jacksonville University
Kansas State University
Loyola University – Chicago
Maine Institute of Marine
Biology
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
Mercer Alaska Pacific University
New College of Florida
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Ohio State University
Princeton University
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute
Rice University
Rollins College
Rutgers University
Smith College
Southeastern University
State University of New York
Stetson University
Syracuse University
Texas A & M
Tufts University
Tulane University
United States Air Force Academy
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Buffalo
University of Arizona
University of California
Berkeley
University of California Los
Angeles
University of Central Florida
University of Chicago
University of Florida
University of Hartford
University of Illinois ‐ Champaign
University of Miami
University of North Carolina
University of North Florida
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburg
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Southern
California
University of Tampa
University of West Florida
University of Texas Austin
Villanova University
Wake Forrest University
Washington University St.
Louis
Williams College
Yale University
The IB Learner Profile
The aim of all IB Programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing
their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more
peaceful world.
IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to
conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They ac-
tively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout
their lives.
Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global signifi-
cance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop under-
standing across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively
to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical
decisions.
Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice
and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They
take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accom-
pany them.
Open-Minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories,
and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals
and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of
points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings
of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a
positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional bal-
ance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Risk-Takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and fore-
thought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and
strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience.
They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in or-
der to support their learning and personal development.
Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently and crea-
tively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communica-
tion. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
IB Faculty
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. W. John Mc Hale- Principal
Is the former principal of Deerwood Elementary School in Orlando, FL. The school served a di-
verse community, and was dedicated to providing an environment that fosters creativity, builds
confidence, challenges limits, and rewards excellence. Last year, Deerwood Elementary made
awe-inspiring growth in their school grade, landing an A+. The school was particularly success-
ful in the STEM assessments. The school had the single highest point gain in FCAT Science in
all of central Florida and the Math scores jumped by nearly 20%. The school won the Florida
Science Olympiad and placed second in the Orange Math competition. In the 2015 school year,
Dr. McHale was the recipient of the Little Red School House award from the Florida Association
of School Administrators in recognition for the tutoring partnership with UCF and its positive
effects on student achievement.
Prior to Deerwood, Dr. McHale was Assistant Principal of Instruction (API) at Timber Creek
High School, the only traditional high school to achieve all AYP goals as part of the No Child
Left Behind initiative. He has presented to young educators on the future of education. He
brought VCC courses to the Timber Creek campus to propel student achievement. Prior to being
API, he taught Economics, including Advance Placement, in which he had a pass rate twenty
points higher than the national average while maintaining an open door enrollment.
Dr. McHale has run a sub 4 hour marathon, visited China on an educational exchange and com-
pleted his Ed.D at UCF. His wife is an accomplished attorney, and he has three children who are
all attending colleges or universities. Dr. McHale’s philosophy is that he believes children are
capable of great things, and he works to empower all.
IB Coordinator
Megan Sheehan has a Masters in Educational Leadership and has primarily worked in
Hillsborough County Public Schools. As an educator, she has had multiple experiences from
classroom teacher to testing coordinator and assistant principal.
Of the 25 dedicated IB faculty members, 2 hold doctorate degrees, 14 hold master
degrees, and 6 are National Board Certified.
Mrs. Cynthia Cohen was the 2007 Teacher of the Year
Dr. Deborah Horzen was the 2015 OCPS Foreign Language teacher of the year. .
Mrs. Shari Foster-Hennighan was the CCHS 2008 Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Roy Jones was the CCHS 2010 Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Sam Reisner was the 2011 Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Jennifer Fleming was the 2009 Social Studies Teacher of the Year for OCPS. She has
been an IB Reader for EE and HOA as well as an AP Reader and/or Table Leader for AP
World History.
Mr. Rogers, and Mrs. Fleming are Assistant Examiners (teachers hired by the IB to score IB
exams) for their respective subjects.
Ms. Lynne Newsom is an IB Assistant Examiner for TOK and History of the Americas
John Dunlop is an IB Assistant Examiner for Psychology
Mrs. Shari Foster-Hennighan is and assistant Examiner for Sports Science
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
Campus
Cypress Creek High School opened in August of 1992. It sits on a 96-acre campus. We are
currently under renovations that will modernize our Campus with new facilities and the latest
technology.
Our student population consists of more than fifty different cultures and nationalities.
Ten building facilities, plus portables, including:
o Main building with Media Center, Guidance Offices with College & Career
Planning area, TV and Radio Production Studio, and Culinary Arts
classrooms.
o Science wing with twelve full labs.
o Band and Orchestra wing
o Two gymnasiums
o Visual Arts wing
o Auditorium with Black Box Theater
In addition to the gymnasiums, Cypress Creek has fully-functioning athletic facilities and
resources:
o Tennis courts
o Basketball courts
o Softball field
o Baseball field
o Football/Soccer Stadium with track
TECHNOLOGY
Cypress Creek is a one-to-one technology school.
All classrooms have access to wireless internet.
When the campus renovations are complete, all classrooms will LCD and Document
Projectors for use in instructional technology. Two computer labs are available, in addition
to a mobile lab.
Most classrooms have student computer stations for students to do independent research
The Media Center provides access to the following electronic resources: JSTOR, ABC Clio,
American Decades, American Decades Primary Sources, Cold War Reference Library,
Complete Health Resource, InfoTrac, and many others.
Clubs & Activities
Academic Teams/Clubs
Anime Club
Art Club
Asian Student Association
B.E.A.R.S. Mentoring
Band
Beta Club
Business Professionals of America
CCHS Bears Medicine
Central Florida Cappies
Debate Club
Environmental Science
ESOL
French Club
Freshmen Class
Health Occupation Students
IB Student Organization
IB Tutoring
Indian Student Association
International Thespian Society
Junior Class
Junior State of America
NJROTC
Photography Club
Psychology Club
Quiz Bowl
Radio
Robotics Club
School Advisory Council
Senior Class
SMART Team
Social Justice in Action Club
Sophomore Class
Student Government Association
TV Production
UMOJA Club
World Math Day Club
Writer’s Club
Yearbook Club
Honor Societies
National German Honor Society
National Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
National Technical Honor Society
Special Interest Groups
Chess Club Magic – The Gathering Club
FCA Student Venture SAFE Ambassadors Club
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Table Tennis Club
Gay/Straight Alliance Club
IB Parent Organization
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
Sports Teams
Men’s Teams Women’s Teams
Baseball Basketball
Basketball Bowling
Bowling Cheerleading
Cross Country Cross Country
Diving Diving
Football Flag Football
Golf Golf
Soccer Lacrosse
Swimming Soccer
Tennis Softball
Track and Field Swimming
Volleyball Tennis
Water Polo Track and Field
Weightlifting Volleyball
Wrestling Water Polo
Weightlifting
Wrestling
Curriculum Planning
The IB Diploma Programme requires students to take courses and be assessed in six subject
groups: four academics, one world language, and one chosen subject.
Students are assessed in three subjects at the Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard
Level (SL). Both HL and SL are college levels courses; HL demands additional in-depth
study and students should choose HL courses in areas which they are most passionate.
We will begin working with students in 9th grade to help students make good decisions
regarding their HL and SL selections in 11th and 12th grades.
To remain in good standing with the IB Programme, both Pre-IB and IB students are
expected to have no grade below a C and a minimum un-weighted GPA of 3.0.
IB students prepare for four
years to take assessments in
each of the six IB Subject
Groups. Although assessments occur in
11th and 12th grades, students take
Pre-IB courses in 9th and 10th
grades that prepare them for suc-
cess.
Cypress Creek IB Course
Offerings:
Group 1: English
Group 2: German & Spanish
Group 3: History of the Ameri-
cas, Psychology (elective), &
ITGS (elective)
Group 4: Biology; Chemistry;
Physics; & Sports, Exercise
and Health Sciences
Group 5: Math Studies, Math
SL, & Math HL
Group 6: Music, Theater, Film
& Visual Arts
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
Cypress Creek High School IB Course Sequence
IB Curriculum
Areas
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Group 1
English
Pre-IB English I
Honors
Pre-IB English II
Honors
IB English III
HL/AP English Lit-
erature
IB English IV HL
Group 2
New Second Lan-
guage
Pre-IB German I
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Spanish I
Honors
Pre-IB German II
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Spanish II
Honors
IB German III SL
OR
IB Spanish III SL
IB German IV SL
OR
IB Spanish IV SL
Group 3
History
AP Human Geogra-
phy
AP World
History
IB History of the
Americas HL
IB Contemporary
Topics HL
Group 4
Science
Pre-IB Biology I
Honors
Pre-IB
Chemistry I Honors
IB Biology SL/HL
OR
IB Chemistry SL/HL
OR
IB Physics SL
OR
Good Morning,
IB Biology HL
OR
IB Chemistry HL
Group 5
Math
Pre-IB Geometry
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Algebra II
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Algebra I
Pre-IB Algebra II
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Geometry
AND
Pre-IB Algebra II
Pre-Calculus Honors
OR
Analysis of Func-
tions
Honors
IB Maths
Studies I SL
OR
IB Maths SL/HL I
(AP Calculus AB)
IB Maths
Studies II
OR
IB Maths II SL
OR
IB Maths II HL
Group 6
Electives
Elective Choice Elective Choice ITGS SL
OR
IB Psychology
SL/HL
OR
Visual Arts SL
OR
Theater Arts HL
IB Film
IB Music
IB Psychology II HL
OR
Visual Arts II SL
OR
Theater Arts II HL
ITGS
IB Film
IB Music
IB Core Community Service Community Service Theory of
Knowledge/Inquiry
Skills
Theory of
Knowledge/Inquiry
Skills
Pre-IB Algebra IPre-IB Algebra II Honors and Pre-
IB Geometry
IB Math Analysis (Math
Studies I)
IB Math Studies II SL
Pre- IB Geometry Pre-IB Algebra II
IB Math Analysis (Math Studies I)
IB Math Studies SL
Pre-IB Algebra II Pre-IB
Pre-CalculusAP Calculus AB
IB Calculus/DiscreteOR
AP/IB Calculus BC HL
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
What Colleges and Universities are say about the IB program:
FL High School
Diploma
College Credit Exams Scholarships Program
Diploma
International
Baccalaureate
High school diploma
conferred when a stu-dent successfully com-
pletes IB
Curriculum through senior year—even if IB
diploma is not awarded.
Many
standard-diploma
requirements are
waived as result.
Participation in the IB program provides the
most opportunities to earn college credit. IB students take examinations for college credit
in most IB courses.
At minimum, an IB
student will take 12
Examinations for college credit by gradua-
tion. ( Most take more)
IB Foreign Language required for IB Di-ploma; students have opportunity to fulfill
this common college requirement.
Students prepared for 2nd language require-ment for Masters programs.
Externally assessed. IB exams are
the most “user friendly” and not “high
stakes.” A subject’s breadth is
covered for context and prescribed topics for depth. Tests are mostly
essay-style,
with many questions a student
chooses
from—including topics known be-
forehand. Tests results are
combined with externally,-audited
work done in school year for final IB grade.
100% Bright Futures ( students
cohort) is automatically
awarded if student
earns IB diploma— regardless of GPA. If Diploma
not awarded but student earns
1270 SAT or 28 on ACT, 100%
Bright Futures awarded regard-
less of GPA.
Many colleges have Scholarship programs specifi-
cally for IB students.
Eligible for the Florida Scholar
award and Scholarship.
Student must pass 6 IB subjects and satis-
factorily perform in 3 cores
(Extended Essay,
CAS, TOK) to earn the IB Diploma. Over 100 countries
acknowledge IB
Diploma for college entry. Because of the
rigor, colleges do not revoke
acceptance if students do not earn the IB
Diploma.
Successful completion will automatically
be awarded the Florida Scholar designa-
tion.
Advanced
Placement
(AP)
All standard high
school diploma
requirements must be successfully
completed in
addition to whatever
number of AP
courses and exams
are taken and passed.
Although some students can plan and man-
age to take as many as 10 APs
or more by graduation, that is not the typical number of AP classes taken. Therefore they
do not accumulate as much college credit as
most IB students.
No “AP Diploma.”
Colleges like students to take the most rigor-
ous course of study possible.
May exams.
Externally assessed.
AP grade for college credit depends solely
on exam performance and GPA.
There is no opportunity for stu-
dent work to be assessed. There
are multiple choice and essay
parts, with little student choice. Students do not know in advance
what topics will be assessed on
the in written essay.
AP students must
successfully
complete high school
requirements with a
3.5 (weighted by
Bright Futures),
with a 1270 on SAT
or 28 ACT, and 75 hours community
service to receive
100% FL Bright Futures.
No “AP Diploma.” Colleges like students
to take the most rigorous courses possible.
AP does not require students to take
college-level courses in areas that are not
their strength.
Colleges and counselors
generally consider IB program participa-
tion as more rigorous then taking multiple APs. IB
produces a well rounded student.
Advanced
Certificate of
Education
(AICE)
High school diploma
conferred when student successfully
completes AICE
Curriculum through senior year—even if
AICE diploma is not
awarded. Many stand-ard-diploma require-
ments waived as result.
AICE does not require students to take and
pass the AICE exam in order to earn AICE diploma recognition in that course.
Only Florida public colleges are
mandated to accept passing AICE credits for a maximum of 30 hours; private and out-of-
state colleges do not accept AICE credits as
widely as IB and AP.
Students must pass 6 credits worth
of exams to earn AICE diploma. AICE students may earn credit
through AICE exams and take AP
exams. but the AICE diploma does not yet
have as much impact on college
acceptance decisions.
June exams.
Externally assessed exams. AICE exams do not have to be
passed to earn a passing score in
the class. Work done in
school toward AICE
diploma is not externally au-dited.
AICE students must
successfully earn the AICE diploma
for 100% Bright
Futures. If AICE diploma is not
earned, must have
1270 SAT or 28 ACT and has completed the service hours.
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
“Participation in the IB Program shows that students have excelled in multiple and diverse academic challenges and is a strong predictor for success in university.”
Student Support
The Cypress Creek Community offers a number of supports for IB students, includ-
ing two dedicated IB personnel.
IB SPECIFIC SUPPORT: IB Coordinator – Students can meet with Mrs. Sheehan when they have concerns regarding ex-
ams, curriculum planning, or questions regarding IB requirements. She also plans special IB
events, such as the Academic Year Kickoff, the Sophomore Field Trip, the Junior IB Induction
Ceremony, and the IB Senior Toast. She also works with IB students to develop and plan their IB
CAS project. Any communication with the International Baccalaureate Organization is done
through the IB Coordinator.
IB Guidance Counselor – Students can meet with Mrs. Grammier when they have concerns re-
garding their schedules, curriculum planning, or college planning. Mrs. Grammier also acts at the
CAS Coordinator, ensuring students meet the Creativity, Action, and Service requirements out-
lined by the IB Organization. Mrs. Grammier also regularly speaks to and prepares students in
their classrooms with service, college, and school planning advice. Students will meet individu-
ally with Mrs. Grammier to discuss CAS progress and college applications.
Extended Essay Coordinators – Mr. Rogers is the Extended Essay Coordinator, in addition to
teaching 20th Century World topics and Theory of Knowledge. He is responsible for introducing
students to the Extended Essay and establishing the calendar of dates for students to meet with
their Extended Essay Advisors. He also ensures students turn their Extended Essays in a timely
manner.
Extended Essay Advisors – Cypress Creek allows students to choose from English, History, Sci-
ence, Film, Theater, and Visual Arts for their Extended Essays. Each student is assigned an Ex-
tended Essay Advisor from the appropriate content area.
Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) Coordinator – In order to ensure our IB students engage
in meaningful CAS activities; Mr. Oswald is our CAS Coordinators. In addition, each IB candi-
date is assigned a CAS advisor who approves activities, reads student reflections, and guides stu-
dents in making appropriate decisions about CAS.
IB Math Tutoring – IB-specific Math tutoring is offered every Monday and Thursday. Your
math teachers will be there to help you with your specific needs.
IB Tutoring – IB upperclassmen offer after school tutoring in all IB subjects.
Student success workshops- Targeted workshops on topics such as Time Management, Study
skills, Test anxiety/strategies.
Student Success Plan- Parent, Student and IB Coordinator develop a success plan to help address
the needs of students as needed.
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme
IB Student Organization – This organization represents all IB students on campus. Each grade
level has two elected representatives to bring grade-level concerns to the elected officers. Meet-
ings are held twice a month. The IBSO hosts events throughout the year to bring all IB students
together in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
IB Parent Organization – The IB Parent Organization is open to any parent of an IB student.
Meetings are held quarterly with the objective of planning the annual IB events, including the
Freshmen Ice Cream Social, Sophomore Field Trip, Junior IB Pining Ceremony, and Senior
Toast.
CYPRESS CREEK SUPPORT: Extended Media Center Hours – The Media Center opens at 7 am and closes at 3:30 pm from
Monday – Friday. Saturdays it is open from 8:00am – 1:00pm.
SAFE Coordinator – Ms. Montgomery is Cypress Creek High School’s SAFE Coordinator.
Our SAFE Coordinator meets with students, their families, school faculty and staff, and commu-
nity service agencies if additional support is needed.
Title I tutoring
Freshmen Registration
In April, we host several registration sessions for incoming 8th graders to prepare for their Fresh-
men Year:
In-depth information is provided about various Pre-IB and IB tracks and subjects.
Program expectations outlined.
8th grade students can feel confident that they have made the best registration decisions for their
individual needs.
Incoming Freshmen have the opportunity to address questions and concerns.
The IB Coordinator and IB Guidance Counselor are available to help families with specific and
unique questions or needs.
This is an opportunity to meet current IB students who can answer in-coming students’ ques-
tions.
Begin building your IB resources:
Learn about the IB Student and Parent Organizations, in addition to other clubs and activities
available to all Cypress Creek students.
Meet other new parents and students.
Begin to set goals for success.
Learn about GPAs and the IB Honor Code.
IB Boot Camp:
In April we offer a half day IB boot camp on a Saturday. Incoming IB students were provided
with in depth information on what to expect and how to succeed in the IB program during break
out secessions.
IB Boot Camp is offered on a Saturday from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm to accommodate our fami-
lies’ schedules.