presentation here - St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School
IB Diploma Programme
IB Learner Profile
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Inquirers – independent learners who enjoy learning
Knowledgeable – explore concepts, ideas and issues
Thinkers – apply thinking skills critically and creatively
Communicators – understand and express ideas
 Brave – approach unfamiliar situations
 Principled – recognize universal human rights
 Caring – empathy, compassion and respect for others
 Open-minded – perspectives, values and traditions
other than their own
 Well-balanced – physical and mental balance
 Reflective – thoughtful consideration-learning and
personal development
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International Baccalaureate
Community
 Over 2,400 schools
 Over 665,000 students
 In 130 countries (122 schools in
Canada offering Diploma
Programme)
 70,000 teachers plus parents, staff,
examiners and other colleagues
 Integration with Grade 11 and 12
Ontario Curriculum and Ontario
Catholic Graduate Expectations
 STA is one of 68 Diploma Programme
Schools in Ontario
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IB Course Offerings
Grades 11 and 12
 Group 1 – Literature (English)
 Group 2 – Second Language
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(French, Spanish)
Group 3 – Individuals and Society
(History, Economics)
Group 4 –Experimental Sciences
(Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Group 5 – Mathematics
(Math, Math Studies)
Group 6 – The Arts (Music)
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Central Elements of the IB Diploma
Extended Essay (EE)
4,000 word investigation of a topic of special interest outside of the
regular curriculum which acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of
independent research and writing skills expected by universities.
Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
Challenges students to question the basis of knowledge, to develop the
ability to analyze evidence and to appreciate other cultural perspectives.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Continuous community involvement demonstrating
reflective/experiential learning completed in grades 11 and 12.
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Success Rate for Aquinas Students
2014-2015 Results
 French: 50% of students received a 6 or 7 (93%-100%)
 Includes 3 scores of 7
 Physics: 50% of students received a 6 or 7 (93%-100%)
 Includes 3 scores of 7
 Math: 46% of students received a 6 or 7 (93%-100%)
 Includes 12 scores of 7
Student Voice
Andres Lombo
 Zooni Khosla
Testimonials from STA IB Graduate
"I would describe my IB experience as challenging. The IB
programme challenged me to become a globally-minded
individual and to develop my critical thinking skills. It is a rigorous
academic programme, however, (my) determination coupled with
the efforts of my incredible mentors made the IB a rewarding
experience.“ – Chantelle Colangelo, 2014 STA IB Graduate
 Attending Dalhousie University Global Development and preLaw Program
 Earned 4 university transfer credits
 Earned $25,000 scholarship based on IB marks
Testimonials from STA IB Graduate
“I found the IB programme at STA to be very well-rounded. My
teachers were instrumental in developing (my) interest in areas
outside of what I thought I would like to study. CAS (the
Creativity, Activity, and Service graduation requirement) really
helped me develop those leadership skills that IB looks to
encourage in their students. CAS helped me look at the
community and see if I could fill a need.” – Sebastian Morales,
top graduate in IB Class of 2015
 Attending McGill University Biochemistry Program
 Earned 3 university transfer credits
 Major Undergraduate Renewable Scholarship
Testimonials from STA IB Graduate
“I chose the IB programme at for its academic challenges and also
because it helps to develop students as “global citizens”. My
teachers and the courses I studied at STA encouraged me to see
beyond my own abilities – to how I can make a difference in the
world.” – Sarah Figueroa, IB graduate Class of 2015
 Attending Waterloo University, Engineering - Chemical
 Received the President’s Scholarship for an average between
90-94.9%
What does IB offer the student?
 high academic standards
 prepares for the rigors of post-secondary education
 educates the whole person
 students appreciate cultures and attitudes other than their
own and to be informed, tolerant and be willing to
communicate with others
 The IB diploma is widely recognized by the world’s leading
universities.
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University recognition
 The IB academic community works closely with universities in
all regions of the world to gain recognition for the IB diploma:
 Direct online access for university admissions officers and
government officials to syllabuses and recent examination
papers
 A database of university admission policies on www.ibo.org
 Recognition in over 100 countries
 Recognition by over 2,000 universities
 Most universities offer scholarships and advanced placement
for IB students (e.g., first-year credits, second-year standing)
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Academic Findings
 IB graduates tend to be better prepared to adjust to the
academic environment of higher education, both in terms of
academic performance and how prepared they feel
 IB graduates tend to pursue and be involved in the kinds of
experiences valued by many institutions (e.g., research
projects)
 IB graduates, regardless of how well they did, tend to perform
well academically.
 The IB graduates have a resiliency to perform and remain in
academically demanding programmes.
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Sample Pre-IB Timetable
Grade 9
Semester 1
Grade 9
Semester 2
Grade10
Semester 1
Grade 10
Semester 2
Pre – IB English
Pre – IB
Mathematics
Pre – IB English
Pre- IB French
Pre- IB French
Pre – IB
Science
Pre – IB
Mathematics
Pre – IB
Geography
Religion
Pre – IB
Mathematics
Grade 11
Pre – IB History
Pre – IB Science
Music/Drama/
Visual Art/
Tech/Business
Phys. Ed.
Religion
Arts/Tech/
Phys.Ed/
Business/ Civics
& Careers**
**Careers/Civics (Summer school or on-line as possible option)
Our Programme is a Four Year Commitment
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Sample IB Timetable
Grade 11
Semester 1
Grade 11
Semester 2
Grade 12
Semester 1
Grade 12
Semester 2
French
French
(IB Exam)
English
English
(IB Exam)
Math
Math
(IB Exam)
History
History
(IB Exam)
Chemistry or
Biology
Religion/TOK
Chemistry or
Biology
English
History
Chemistry or
Biology
(IB Exam)
Economics or
Physics or
Biology
Economics or
Physics or Biology
(IB Exam)
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Application Process
Grade 9
a)
Submission of the Application Package, Birth Certificate, a copy of
Grade 7 Final Report Card, Grade 8 Progress Report, Grade 8 Mid
Term Report Card, CAT 4 results, proof of status in Canada (if not
born in Canada) by February 12th, 2016
b) Completion of the Canadian Achievement Test (CAT) Version 4. The
CAT is a testing system that assesses the essential learning
outcomes of the following basic skill areas: reading, writing, and
mathematics. The CAT will be written at St. Thomas Aquinas on
Saturday, November 14th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm or on Saturday,
November 21st from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The cost of the test is
$30.00. Registration is required for this testing.
c)
You will be notified upon acceptance into the IB Programme in
March 2016, provided the application package is complete.
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Admission
Grade 9
Admission is based on an evaluation of a
student’s learning skills, grades in Math,
English and French for both grade 7 and
grade 8 and the CAT 4 test scores.
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Application Process
a) Students are required to register in their
home school.
b) When “cross boundary” students decide
to leave the St. Thomas Aquinas Pre-IB
programme or Diploma Programme they
are required to return to their home
school.
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Transportation
a) No “special” bussing is provided.
b) Transportation is only provided for
students living within the STA boundaries
who qualify for bussing according to
board policies.
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Programme Fees
Grade 9: $250
Grade 10: $350
Grade 11: $600 (includes the cost of 2 IB Exams)
Grade 12: $1,000 (includes the cost of 4 IB Exams)
Fees are used to provide resources and training specific to the
IB Programme
Grade 9 fees secure a seat and are non-refundable after June
21, 2016
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Frequently asked questions
1.
How much homework can a student expect as part of the IB Programme?
The short answer is that there is generally more homework for IB students than in an
academic program.
2.
Is it possible for me to get both my IB Diploma and my Extended French
Certificate?
Yes, it will require students to take slightly different courses in both grade 9 and
grade 10 to meet the required amount of hours for the Extended French Certificate.
3.
Why do you have students write the CAT 4 test? What kind of preparation
should I do for the test?
The CAT 4 test is based on the elementary curriculum and is an additional tool that
we use to determine student readiness for the pre-IB programme. Most students
find the test straight forward and fair. As the test is based on the elementary
curriculum for Language and Mathematics, no studying is necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
4.
Can I start counting hours for my CAS requirements before grade
11?
No, because the Diploma Programme is intended as a 2 year span. Our
students complete all of this course work beginning in September of the
Grade 11 year. In order to prepare for the program, students apply to
join our St. Thomas Aquinas pre-IB program, which focuses on the
knowledge and skills necessary in the IB Diploma.
5.
When do students actually work on their diploma?
All work towards the IB diploma must be completed over a 2 year span.
Our students complete all of this course work beginning in September
of their Grade 11 year. In order to prepare for the program, students
apply to join our St. Thomas Aquinas pre-IB program, which focuses on
the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the IB Diploma.
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Frequently asked questions
6. How are IB exams different than regular high-school exams?
Grade 11 and 12 IB exams are held in May each year; the dates and
times are determined by the IB Organization. Exams content is
determined by the IB Organization, and marked externally by their own
markers.
7. Can I join the Programme in Grade 10?
There are very few spaces available in grade 10. Applicants will be
assessed on an individual basis. The application for grade 10 students
will be made available in January on our STA website.
8. Can I join the IB Programme in Grade 11?
In order to join the IB DP Programme in Grade 11, students must meet
the pre-requisite course requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
9. I am an IB Student from another IB School, can I join your
programme in Grade 12?
It is very difficult to join the IB Programme mid-way through. Contact
the IB Coordinator with your specific questions.
10. What is the difference between Advance Placement (AP) and IB?
◦ AP
- opportunity for advanced placement in university
- taken on a course-by-course basis
- mark is based solely on an end of term AP exam
◦ IB
- opportunity for advanced placement in university
- offers a complete program and diploma internationally recognized
- marks determined by both internal assessment and final IB exams
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Frequently asked questions
11. If I have any more questions, what is the best way to get in touch
with the IB Coordinator?
Via email. We will do our best to get back to you within 72 hours. Email
address are listed on the website.
Or
IB Guidance Secretary
IB Guidance Office is open Monday – Friday from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm
12. Can applicants make an appointment to discuss their application
with the IB Coordinator?
It is not possible for us to meet with each applicant individually. We
receive many applications and find the most effective way to handle
questions is by email to the Coordinator or the IB Guidance Secretary.
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Frequently asked questions?
13. How do you decide which students are admitted into the programme?
A committee reviews the applications and makes a determination. The
committee reviews and evaluates the students learning skills, grades in
Math, English and French for both grade 7 and grade 8 and the CAT 4 test
scores.
14. Is the application for the Grade 9 Pre-IB Programme available online?
Yes, the grade 9 pre-IB programme application is available on line, we will
not be accepting the applications until the new year. Please review the
application for all necessary documents that need to be submitted.
16. When is the deadline to submit registration applications?
Important dates are listed on the Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary
School website – The application for Grade 9 is due February 12th, 2016.
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Frequently asked questions?
17. How many students do you let into the programme in each grade?
We receive many applications for the IB Programme. Each grade and
year is reviewed on an individual basis. Last year, we had approximately
300 applicants for approximately 100 seats.
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Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Website: sta.hcdsb.org/IB
Twitter: @STAOakville
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staoakville
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