Frequently asked questions about the IB Program

 

Is IB too hard for most students?

 

IB is designed as a model of holistic education for the mid-range student and above.  Statistically speaking, most students who earned the IB Diploma worldwide were of average or above average ability.  It is not a program designed only for geniuses.  What the IB program requires students to have are a strong work ethic, good time management and solid study skills.  The IB program offers courses at different Levels (higher level and standard level).  In addition, language courses range from introductory level to native speaker level.  Students who feel that the demands of the IB program are above their capacities have the option to take non-IB college preparatory classes.

 

 

Are students at ISP required to take IB Classes?

 

ISP offers the IB program as means to enrich their secondary school experience.  Students at ISP have the freedom to register for some IB classes, all IB classes or non-IB college preparatory classes.   Some students opt for the IB Diploma as well as the Panamanian diploma which requires taking both IB and non-IB classes.

 

How are IB students assessed in the IB Program?

 

There are two kinds of IB assessments:  external and Internal. Some assessment methods include portfolios/Dossiers, written essays, studio works, experimental work, oral commentaries as well as written exams and are tailored for the different learning styles.  Considering that exams may or may not reflect what a student really knows and what he or she is able to do, having a variety of assessment tools allows the IB organization to fairly assess the student’s true ability.  In addition, the IB organization’s grading system is criterion referenced to allow each student’s performance to be measured against well-defined levels of achievement.   Assessments with oral and written components are assessed by more than 3400 examiners worldwide and monitored by chief examiners with ample experience.

 

When are the IB exams taken?

 

The IB exams are taken in May of the second year (Senior Year)

 

Are students required to take the IB exams?

 

IB certificate candidates taking all or some IB classes may choose to take exams in IB subjects of their choice or they may have the choice of not taking any IB exams at all.  IB Diploma candidates must sit for exams in all 6 subjects in order to qualify for the IB Diploma.

 

What happens if students decide not to take the IB exams?

 

 Any student who does not take the IB exams will be given a parallel ISP exam.  In this case, no IB certificate or IB Diploma will be granted but the student will get an ISP grade.  It’s important to note that in order to get college/university credit for IB subjects, the student must sit for IB exams.

 

 What is the difference between higher level and standard level IB subjects?

   

 There is more breadth and depth in higher level subjects.  The content in HL subjects requires 240 teaching hours versus 150 hours for standard level.  Generally higher level subjects are more rigorous than Standard level.

 

What criteria do universities use for giving college credit to IB classes or for recognizing the IB Diploma?

 

The criteria varies from one university to another and from one country to another.  Generally, Universities give credit to higher level subjects with grades (5-7) and up to one year college credit for a good IB diploma score. Due to the fact that the requirements of individual universities or countries are constantly changing, the International School of Panama cannot guarantee recognition of the IB Diploma or IB certificate.  It is the sole responsibility of students and their parents to verify the university/country requirements prior to initiating the IB Program.    The IBO website provides a searchable database of countries and their recognition policies.  It is strongly recommended that parents contact the universities directly to verify that the information is up to date.  Visit the International Baccalaureate Organization’s website (http://www.ibo.org) for more details.

 

Does my son/daughter have to be an IB Diploma candidate?

 

No.  However, it’s important to know that for some countries (Ex. Europe) the IB Diploma meets the minimum requirement for entry into university. 

 

What if my child fails to score the minimum 24 points required to earn the IB Diploma or has a failing condition?

 

Credit will be given for the individual courses passed, and the student will receive an IB certificate (not an IB diploma).

 

Is the IB program so stressful?

 

The IB program is a rigorous two-year program.  It is not a stress free program.  The level of stress can vary from one student to another and can be reduced depending on the student’s acquisition of healthy study and organizational skills.  A student who procrastinates and doesn’t know how to manage time effectively will find it difficult to reduce the stress.  All students are encouraged to complete assignments on time and meet the internal assessment deadlines.  The teachers at ISP are also working hard to coordinate major test and assignment deadlines to keep student stress to a minimum.

 

How do colleges view students who have taken IB courses?

 

Colleges are very aware of the fact that the IB curriculum represents the highest level of rigor of any high school program and they value students who have taken challenging courses.


What can be done during the summer time in order to be better prepared for the following year?

 

IB students can attend enrichment/introductory IB classes at some of the US universities.  Furthermore, IB Students can get a head start by reading some of the books assigned in language A1, or work on their IB Extended Essay.

 

 What is the profile of a successful International Baccalaureate student?

 

q       excited and enthusiastic about learning,

q       self-motivated, mature, self-disciplined and goal oriented

q       fluent in written and oral communication

q       strong study and organizational skills and an efficient time manager

q       intellectually inquisitive and creative

q       an independent, critical thinker

q       performing well academically

q       proficient in math               

q       involved in school/community activities

 

How do students enroll in the IB program at ISP?

 

Students and parents are invited to attend an orientation session on the International Baccalaureate program.  IB diploma aspirants will have to complete an application process that includes:

 

1)       Application form

2)       Written essay

3)       Teacher recommendations

4)       Student records for 9th and 10th grade

 

An IB committee comprised of the principal, IB Coordinator and the counselor will evaluate each application carefully and make recommendations for placement of applicants in one of the following categories: Full IB Diploma, IB Diploma (on probation), IB Certificate, or non-IB.  

 

Which IB subjects should a student register for?

 

The choice of IB subjects should be according to:

1)       Areas of strength

2)       Future career

3)       University requirements for each country- (Please check the IBO website http://www.ibo.org/universities/listalluniversities.cfm for country policies. 

 

Can a student drop from the IB diploma program?

 

Yes.  A student can change his/her status from IB Diploma to IB certificate before the registration deadline (First semester of the senior year).     This means that the student will no longer be required to complete the IB extended Essay.   Students who aim to earn a Panamanian Diploma must continue to fulfill the TOK and CAS requirements.

When are IB payments due?

IB Diploma fees are paid in two installments.  The first installment is paid in May of the junior year and the second installment is paid in September of the senior year.     IB Certificate fees are paid in September of the senior year.  For a detailed list of fees, please check our IB website under IB Registration.

Are IB fees refundable?

IB fees are not refundable.