IB Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, established in the 1960s and recognized as the worldwide gold standard of education, provides an academically challenging and balanced program of study to talented and motivated 11th and 12th graders around the world. IB coursework balances subject breadth and depth with a concern for an understanding of the connectedness of disciplines and intentionally fosters international mindedness. Its reputation is based on rigorous external assessments which emphasize the development of the whole student: physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. For more information, visit the International Baccalaureate website.

International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates are expected to do IB coursework in six major areas, including literature, languages, social studies, the experimental sciences, mathematics and elective of either arts or an additional course from one of the other subject areas. At least three and not more than four subjects are taken at higher level; the others, at standard level. The Diploma Program has three additional core requirements intended to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply what they learn in personally and socially meaningful ways. These requirements include a 4,000-word extended essay on a subject of the student’s choice; a course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course that examines the nature of knowledge and different ways and kinds of knowing, and a requirement called Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) which requires 150 hours of personally and socially relevant activity beyond the classroom and, in many cases, beyond the school.

IB examinations are taken at the end of the two-year program and are marked by external examiners around the world. Internal assessments are marked by classroom teachers; samples of those are “moderated” by external examiners to assure consistency and quality of assessment. Annie Wright students may choose to participate in the full Diploma Program, to earn certificates in individual subject areas, or to focus on completion of the Annie Wright diploma, which continues to be highly regarded by college and university admissions officers.

Annie Wright School believes an IB education and an Annie Wright diploma will prepare graduates to compete and excel in university and, more importantly, in a global society. The mission of International Baccalaureate aligns with and expands the mission statement of Annie Wright School. In particular, IB has translated its mission into a Learner Profile of ten characteristics which inspire and motivate the work of students and teachers. IB learners strive to be inquiring, thoughtful, expressive, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced, risk-taking and reflective.

Also, participation in IB coursework gives distinct advantage to students in the college admission process. Universities around the globe recognize the rigor and value of an IB education. As evidence, students are asked on the Common Application—the application form used by most students and accepted by most universities in the United States—whether they are IB Diploma candidates, a sign of the value placed on this distinction by U.S. universities. In 2003, applicants to major universities throughout the U.S. were accepted at a rate of, on average, at least 20% higher than applicants with no IB experience. Many universities will also award academic credit for successful examination results in specific subject areas or after completion of the full IB Diploma. Most IB exams occur at the end of the two-year program.

Students seeking the finest [high school] preparation available for an American college should consider the International Baccalaureate. The IB offers an integrated curriculum that provides students with the skill needed to be world-class scholars and an educational philosophy that prepares them to be first-class citizens. I do not know of a more comprehensive and appropriate learning model.

Jim Crowder, Director of Admissions, Macalester College

IB is well known to us for excellent preparation. Success in an IB programme correlates well with success atHarvard. We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Programme on the transcript.

Marilyn McGrath Lewis, Director of Undergraduate Admission, Harvard University

Send us prepared students á la IB... It is the best high school prep curriculum an American school can offer.

Marilee Jones, Director of Undergraduate Admission, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its structure and quality. It is a coordinated programme, well established, well known and well respected. We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific.

Christoph Guttentag, Director of Undergraduate Admission, Duke University

I have always been a supporter of the International Baccalaureate. It is a thoughtful and genuinely intellectual curriculum with an unusually high degree of integrity and connectedness. There is no other curriculum anywhere that does a superior job of both educating students and inspiring a true and broad-based love of learning.

William Shain, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Vanderbilt University

The International Baccalaureate Programmes' emphasis on critical thinking skills, increased content knowledge and an interdisciplinary approach to education not only prepare students for success at the postsecondary level, but also for life and the world of work.

Dr. Kathleen Plato, Supervisor of Advanced Placement Programs, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Similarities

1. Both are rigorous programs devoted to educational excellence; each program sets high performance standards for students and faculty.
2. Both programs involve dedicated and creative teachers committed to their students, their disciplines, and their profession.
3. Both programs attract highly motivated students who wish to excel academically and attend the most selective colleges and universities.
4. Both programs provide for articulation with middle-school curricula, IB through its Middle Years and Primary Years Programs, and AP through its Pre-AP program and its K-12 initiative.
5. Both programs have attracted the attention of international educators, educational policymakers, and the general public as ways to improve the quality of education around the world.
6. Both programs value students doing independent research, thinking and writing. IB students are expected to produce a 4,000-word Extended Essay as a formal requirement of the IB Diploma. AP teachers and IB teachers typically require students to write extended research essays, papers, and reports that involve the use of both primary and secondary sources and that also require independent thinking, analysis, and interpretation.
7. In support of the academic programs, both AP and IB offer extensive professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators.

In the 11th and 12th grade years at Annie Wright School, all students will do IB coursework; all students will receive IB recognition on their transcripts whether or not they are involved in the full Diploma Programme.

The first class of students eligible to receive the IB Diploma—issued mid-summer following Upper School graduation—will be the Class of 2011.

IB Courses will begin in the fall of 2009. In this school year, juniors will begin their IB coursework, which will last for two years; seniors will participate in some IB courses and may opt to test for certificates in several one-year courses being offered.

Students are responsible for standard fees associated with education at Annie Wright: books, tuition, uniforms, laptop, etc. Additionally, when testing for IB Certificates or the IB Diploma, students will be charged for the following:

• a one-time registration fee of $123 (whether pursuing the Diploma or Certificates)
• a subject exam fee of $84 per exam
• a one-time postage fee for international mailings of $20

These fees are due at the time of registration for the exams, in most cases in October of the senior year. Other costs may include studio supplies or tutoring fees, which are at the student's expense. (The prices above are based on 2008-2009 rates.)

For more information about IB education at Annie Wright School, contact Jenny Graupensperger, IB Coordinator, or Susan Bauska, Director of the Upper School. For more information about International Baccalaureate, visit the organization's website at www.ibo.org.