International Baccalaureate
Patty Hammes - IB Coordinator
WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE?
The IB is a two year, internationally renowned program for juniors and seniors, which can lead to their receiving first year course credit at most universities and colleges. Its comprehensive curriculum provides able and ambitious students around the world an opportunity to receive a first class education as well as to experience what it means to be a responsible, global citizen. Case High School is proud to be the first (1979) of ten authorized Wisconsin high schools to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
CASE HIGH SCHOOL’S IB MISSION STATEMENT:
Challenge each IB student to become a critical thinker, reader, writer, and speaker who is a compassionate, life-long lover of learning; and a responsible global citizen.
IB DIPLOMA
IB Diploma candidates are required to complete six separate academic areas, leading to IB examinations in May. Some of their work and all of the exams are evaluated by international educators. Three of the required courses must be Higher Level/2 years of study. The other three may be Standard Level/1 year of study. The six academic areas are:
- English A1: IB Junior and Senior World Literature HL/2 years
- 2nd Language: IB French, German, Spanish SL/5th year and Ab Initio/4th year
- Individuals/Societies: IB Junior and Senior European History HL/2 years
- Experimental Sciences: IB Junior and Senior Biology HL/2 years
IB Junior OR Senior Chemistry SL/1 year- Mathematics: IB Advanced Math (Prerequisite)
IB Mathematics (includes Calculus) SL/1 year
IB Math Studies SL/1 year
IB Statistics (included in Mathematics SL exam)
- Fine Arts: IB Studio Art SL/1 year (two 3-D or 2-D courses prerequisite)
IB Examinations are given in each subject group in May. Along with completing the specific subjects and exams, IB Diploma candidates must meet three additional requirements:
Theory of Knowledge—an interdisciplinary course which
Encourages critical thinking
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)—participation in 3-4 hours
of extra-curricular activities per week over two years.
Extended Essay—a 4,000 word essay written independently
with guidance from a faculty advisor.
IB CERTIFICATE
IB Certificate candidates complete only some of the Diploma requirements. They may select any number of courses from the six subject groups and take examinations in their chosen subjects. Certificate candidates need not complete Theory of Knowledge, CAS, or the Extended Essay.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF IB?
By choosing the IB curriculum and instruction, a student may:
a) receive a rigorous and comprehensive high school education, specifically designed for the college bound.
b) become eligible to receive credit at many colleges and universities if choosing to test.
SOME TYPICAL IB STATISTICS
Each year more and more Case students take at least one IB course. The number of IB courses and the number of students who take IB exams has grown over the years; most take several tests. In May of 2009, 144 exams were given to 56 candidates, compared to 1990 when only 50 exams were taken by 21 students.
The number of junior and senior Case candidates who attempt to do the Full Diploma in any given year has run from 0 - 9. Between 1990 and 2009, 89% earned the Full Diploma. This number compares to approximately 82% who earn it throughout the world.
At present there are 2,002 IB Diploma schools in the world. Each registers their students for examinations held in November (southern hemisphere) or in May (northern hemisphere). Exam scores for college credit range from 4-7 on a scale of 1-7. Scores for the two-year, or Higher Level scores, generally earn more credit than the Standard Level one-year courses. Since 1999, Case students have scored 4 or better on 85% of their exams, giving them the opportunity to enter their college or university with credits already earned.
WHO MAY ENROLL?
Students who are capable of doing rigorous, academic work and consider homework a normal part of the day are typical IB students. Anyone who attends Case and lives within the Case boundaries and is up to the challenge is welcome to enroll in IB classes. For over 300 sophomores, juniors, and seniors who presently take at least one IB class, school is a top priority.
WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE IN THE CASE DISTRICT BUT WANT TO BECOME AN IB STUDENT?
Contact Patty Hammes to find out what you can do to enroll your student in the IB Program at Case High School.
Phone - (262) 619-4607IB Testimonials
"Taking the IB exams was invaluable preparation for the Board exams that we take in each of our Medical School subjects. Knowing how to tackle a large subject and organize my study is an essential skill that I learned principally in the IB program."
Mary Faith Cashion, class of '90
"...our teachers instilled in us an enthusiasm to learn and a motivation to do well. We acquired the study skills needed for college because we were putting them into action in high school."
Jennifer Klaus, class of '97
"Completing the IB program with the Full Diploma eased my transition from high school to college flawlessly."
Ranjani Ananth, class of '05
Mr. Gerard Speaks
on 91.1 FM
Listen to Mr. Gerard speak to WGTD about the IB Program at Case High School. This is a conversation that occurred on October 31, 2009. Thank you to Mr. Gerard for representing Case High School.
