a guide to the international baccalaureate diploma

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

[email protected]

Mrs. Esther Kusner

Assistant Principal

407-852-3400 ext. 6033443

[email protected]

Ms. Meagan Sheehan

IB Coordinator

(407) 852-3400 ext. 6032692

[email protected]

Mrs. Julie Grammier

IB Guidance Counselor

(407) 852-3400, ext. 6033456

[email protected]

Mr. Jeffry Oswald

CAS Coordinator

407-852-3408

[email protected]

http://www.cchs.ocps.net/

mailto:[email protected]





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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400

500

600

700

OCPS Florida Nation CCHS CCHS IB

SAT Reading

SaT Math


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.


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


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


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


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


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.


“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.


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.

a guide to the international baccalaureate diploma

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