Advanced Programmingat

Southridge High School

Overview

Competitive Colleges & Universities

Honors

Advanced Placement (AP) / International Baccalaureate (IB)

SR Scholar

Dual Credit thru PCC/PSU

Career Academies

Extra curriculars

Competitive Schools:What they look for

Academic rigor in high school

Grades/rank in class

Weighted vs. unweighted

Test scores

Community involvement

Extra & co-curricular activities

Depth vs. breadth

Honors and Awards

How should my child prepare for AP/IB or Challenge courses?

4 year plan

Honors coursework

CAPS (9th or 10th grades)

Pre ToK course

Students will be asked to speak and write with clarity and precision on a variety of thought provoking topics

AP US History (sophomores)

Involvement in Clubs /Activities

‘Honors’ Designation9th graders can earn ‘Honors’ in World History and Government 9, Physics 1, and Lit & Comp 1 classes

Freshman project / paper

10th graders can earn ‘Honors’ in Lit & Comp.

STEM Chemistry

Students need to have one of the following:

Explore Science score of 21-25

Explore Math score of 21-25

OAKS science score of 247 or above.

Advanced Placement

College Level coursework

Offered in US History (blocked with Lit & comp)

Offered in Statistics

Offered in Music Theory

AP Calculus exam available after Math HL I

College credit awarded through AP exams

Exams given the first two weeks in May

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

What

ToK, CAS, Extended Essay

CAPS (for freshmen & Sophomores)

College credit

Brochure

IB night on Feb. 27th for more information

What is IB?The IB Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university program leading to assessment in six subject areas. IB is noted for its challenging curriculum and international perspective.

Students are also required to engage in community service, individual research, and an inquiry into the nature of knowledge.

Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

An additional class compulsory for full Diploma candidates. ToK explores different ‘ways of knowing’ through different academic disciplines and cultures. A philosophical exercise culminates in an essay that is assessed externally by an IB examiner.

ToK is available to anyone

CAPS (9th or 10th grade)

Critical Analytical Problem Solving Prepares students for the IB Theory of Knowledge class by analyzing knowledge and developing critical thinking skills

Examines the history of philosophy and debate, as well as several Ways of Knowing

CAS

Students must engage in Action (physical activity outside of PE class), Creativity (creative endeavors outside of classes), and Service (in the community) for a total of 150 hours across two years of the Diploma Program. Students write reflections on the activities.

Extended essay

A 4000 word authentic research paper on a topic chosen from any IB subject. IB externally assesses this. Although students select faculty advisors, this is independent student research.

IB FAQ’s

Can students take IB courses and exams without be a diploma candidate ?

Can students take an IB course and not take an exam?

Do colleges and universities give credit for IB exams ?

Is it possible to participate in Band or sports and the IB program?

How rigorous is the diploma program ?

Dual Credit CoursesPSU credit offered for IB Spanish coursework

PCC credit offered in: ASL coursework

Several computer courses

Southridge Scholar Diploma

GPA of 3.5 or higher (unweighted)

Minimum of 26 credits earned

Third level of a world language

1.0 credit in the Fine Arts (visual / performing)

Career Academy Endorsement /Senior project

At least 2 extra curricular activities

• IB Diploma candidates automatically earn a Southridge Scholar Diploma

Career Academies

Performing Arts: vocal, instrumental, theater

Publications

Business: Accounting, management, marketing

Engineering & Design

Information & technology

Social, human & government services

Career Academies

Complete prescribed course work

Propose and complete a Senior Project

Mentorship, job shadow, or internship related to project

Research/reflection paper

Presentation to teachers, student, comm. members

Endorsement

Examples of Past Projects

Designing and creating a prom gown

Re-building a small engine

Establishing a school improvement club

Teaching to elementary students

Science research project

Directing a play

Creating a video

Get Involved !Extra and co-curricular activities

Awareness to Action

Performing Arts

Speech and Debate

National Honor Society

Athletics

Key Club

Leadership / Student Government

Many more !

Thank You