BISHOP O'BYRNE HIGH SCHOOL DISCOVERING OUR FAITH, DISCOVERING KNOWLEDGE, DISCOVERING OURSELVES

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMME

Introduction

In 1965, in Switzerland, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) set out to

establish a program of studies that would assure quality educational standards for

students studying in international schools throughout the world. Today, the International

Baccalaureate Programme is offered in more than 3340 schools located in more than 141

countries serving close to 1 million students. The Curriculum and Assessment Center in

Cardiff, Wales is responsible for continuously updating the curriculum, developing

examinations, assessing student work, training teachers, and evaluating the program with

input from IB teachers worldwide.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme at Bishop O'Byrne High School is a

comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum leading to international examinations

for students in grades 11 and 12. The programme is a deliberate compromise between the

specialization required in some educational systems and the breadth preferred in others.

The general objectives of the IB Programme are to provide young people with a balanced

education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international

understanding and responsible citizenship through a shared academic experience. In the

forty years since it's founding, the IB diploma has been a symbol of academic integrity

and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong

commitment to learning, both in terms of mastery of subject content and in the

development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world.

Colleges and universities throughout the world actively recruit these able young scholars.

Eligibility The IB Programme is ideal for students that demonstrate the

following qualities:

• Enjoy school and learning

• Possess a good work ethic

• Experiencing success in school

• Are actively involved in extracurricular activities (sports,

music, arts, service, etc.)

• Plan to maintain an academic focus in grade 11 and 12 with

university aspirations

• Like to challenge themselves

• Read for pleasure

• Are interested in politics and world events

Courses and Requirements Candidates for the IB diploma must take six courses in grades

11 and 12 that include three at the Higher Level (HL) and

three at the Standard Level (SL). Furthermore, courses must

be selected such that there is one from each of the six groups.

At Bishop O'Byrne High School, the following courses are

offered:

Group 1: English A1 (HL) as a first language.

Group 2: French ab initio or Spanish (SL) ab initio as a

second language.

Group 3: History (HL)

Group 4: Biology (HL), Chemistry (SL), or Physics (HL)

Group 5: Mathematical Methods (SL)

Group 6: Visual Arts (HL) or a second course from group 4.

In addition to these six courses, diploma candidates must

complete the following:

• Theory of Knowledge: Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is a

required interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical

reflection upon the knowledge and experience gained inside

and outside the classroom. ToK challenges students to

question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective

and ideological biases, and to develop a personal mode of

thought based on analysis of evidence expressed in rational

argument. ToK seeks to develop a coherent approach to

learning that transcends and unifies the academic subjects and

encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

• Creativity, Action, Service: Creativity, Action, Service is known by its acronym CAS and is a fundamental part of the diploma curriculum. The CAS requirement reflects upon the importance of life outside the world of academics, providing a refreshing counterbalance. The CAS reflective projects are extracurricular activities or volunteering that encourage

young people to share their energies and special talents

while developing awareness, concern, and the ability to

work co-operatively with others in the world. The goal of

educating the whole person and fostering a compassionate

citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students

reach beyond themselves and their books.

• Extended Essay: Diploma candidates undertake original research and write an extended essay of some 4000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected in university. Typically, students complete the Extended Essay over the second semester of grade 11 and by the February Family Day break of grade 12.

Certificate Candidates:

Candidates may enroll in one or more IB classes. Students

intending to complete the IB diploma must plan to complete all

six academic requirements, Theory of Knowledge, the

Extended essay and CAS. For candidates who choose to study

selected IB subjects (certificate candidates), there is no

requirement for any combination of higher level and standard

level courses, nor is there a requirement to undertake Theory

of Knowledge, CAS, and the Extended Essay. However,

diploma candidates will have priority over certificate

candidates with regard to admission into the IB Programme

and availability of individual IB courses.

Fees IB students are responsible for fees associated with IBO

registration and evaluation, which are paid in October of the

grade 11 and 12 years as students are registered with the IBO

for their exams. The approximate fee for a full IB

diploma student over two years would be $1200. A complete

statement of fee structure will be provided in the fall.

Evaluation All IB students are required to write IB examinations for each of their IB courses during

May of their grade 12 year. Chemistry (SL) being the one exception. This exam will be

completed in May of the grade 11 year. These examinations are prepared and marked by

examiners selected and trained by the International Baccalaureate Organization, and

utilize a range of examination techniques. They are complemented by internal assessment

of coursework by the teachers responsible for evaluating the students over the two-year

period. With classroom teachers and international examiners working in partnership, the

emphasis is on ensuring that students have many opportunities to demonstrate what they

have learned.

In addition all IB students are required to complete a series of parallel outcomes in each

subject to satisfy the requirement of a High School Diploma, as set out by Alberta

Education. In most cases there is considerable overlap between the IB and Alberta

Education programs of study. Each student will be assessed and awarded grades for the

outcomes expected by each educational authority. Two sets of marks will be generated

for each student, one for the IBO and one for Alberta Education. Each mark based on the

outcomes expected by each authority. This will ensure that the student is not penalized

for attempting a more rigorous program of study. The Alberta Education transcript does

not report IB grades. All communication of IB course grades is arranged as a separate

request with the IBO.

Awarding of the Diploma Each examined subject is graded on a scale from 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum) by the

IBO. The awarding of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and

conditions including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the

extended essay, ToK course, and CAS activities. The maximum score of 45 includes

three points for the combination of the Extended Essay and work in ToK. Students, who

fail to satisfy all requirements for the diploma, will be awarded a certificate for each

subject successfully completed.

University Recognition Colleges and universities all over the world recognize the IB Diploma Programme. Most

postsecondary institutions offer advanced standing or course credit to students with

strong IB subject results. In some cases, offers of admission are made to students based

solely on the successful completion of the IB diploma. Some universities offer

scholarships that are available exclusively to IB diploma candidates. A useful web site is:

http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/.

International Baccalaureate Programme

Bishop O'Byrne High School Enrollment Contract

The International Baccalaureate Programme offers an enhanced learning experience that

develops intellectual skills and emphasizes academic achievement through a rigorous

course of study. Internationalism is foundational to foster global citizenship. To meet

those goals a sincere commitment is asked of those families who undertake this journey.

1. Academic expectations and grading standards are high; homework and independent

study are a mainstay for success in all IB courses. The achievement of a student in this

programme will depend solely on the effort of the student, not on the actions of others.

2. IB Diploma and Certificates candidates must be self-motivated and possess or acquire

effective time management and organizational skills.

3. IB Diploma candidates must undertake a major independent research project and write

a research paper of approximately 4000 words during their junior and senior year.

4. Foreign language study is a requirement of the IB Diploma Programme.

5. All diploma candidates must take a rigorous exam in each of the six subject groups by

the end of each course. All certificate candidates must take an exam at the end of each IB

course. Candidates must score a 4 (on a 1 to 7 scale) or above to be successful.

6. The IB Programme emphasizes participation in school and community organizations.

IB Diploma students are required to participate in 150 hours in the areas of Creativity,

Action, and Service during the junior and senior year.

7. Students are expected to maintain satisfactory grades while in the IB programme.

There can be no last minute miracles. Adherence to course and programme deadlines are

a condition of continued enrollment in our IB programme.

8. Academic honesty is a cornerstone of the IB philosophy. Students will only provide

work that is original, reflecting their own study and effort. There are serious

consequences for violation of this principle.

9. Parental involvement and support are crucial to a student’s success in the IB

Programme. Continuous monitoring of student participation, with an open and honest

dialogue, will provide for emotional well being during the student's IB journey.

10. Payments for enrollment and exam fees are sent directly to the IBO and are non-refundable.

Program Plan Grade 10

English 10H

Science 10H

Mathematics 10 H

Religious Studies 15/25

Social Studies 10H

CALM and Active Living

Art 10H or Option

*Second language*Very specific conditions apply

Grade 11

English 20IB Social Studies 20IB (History)

Chemistry 20 IB Chemistry 30 IB

Mathematics 20 IB Biology or Physics or Visual Arts 20

Religious Studies 35 / Theory of Knowledge French 20 or Spanish20 or French 31A

Grade 12

English 30IB Social Studies 35IB/English 35IB

Social Studies 30 IB Mathematics 31 IB

Mathematics 30 IB Biology or Physics or Visual Arts 31

Biology or Physics or Visual Arts 30 French30 or Spanish30 or French 31B

Note: It is also possible to continue with Band or Choral music programs at the school as these programs

will continue to be offered in a morning block before the regular school day.

School Contacts

Bishop O’Byrne High School #500 333 Shawville Blvd. SE Calgary Alberta T2Y 4H3

For more information about the International Baccalaureate Programme contact:

IB Coordinator

Mr. Brendan Bulger

brendan.bulger@cssd.ab.ca

403 500 2103 ext. 516

Vice Principal

Mrs. Pat Toporowsky pat.toporowsky@cssd.ab.ca 403 500 2103 ext. 304

Principal

Mr. Tony Verna

tony.verna@cssd.ab.ca

403 500 2103 ext. 306

OR access our school website for up to information:

http://www.cssd.ab.ca/bishopobyrne