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San Gabriel Mission High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Handbook

1 THE MISSION OF THE IB PROGRAMME

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people

who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

IB Learner Profile – IBDP Students aim to be…

inquirers knowledgeable thinkers communicators principled

open-minded caring risk-takers balanced (spiritual) reflective

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About SGMHS & International Baccalaureate Authorization

For the past three years, the San Gabriel Mission High School community has been working towards

acquiring International Baccalaureate authorization. A feasibility study was conducted in the summer of

2011, and the application for candidacy was submitted to the International Baccalaureate organization

in the spring of 2012. The application for authorization was submitted a year later, and after two

successful site visits, San Gabriel Mission High School received authorization to implement the

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme on January 30th, 2014. Currently, San Gabriel Mission

High School is one of 11 all-girl High Schools in the United States recognized as an International

Baccalaureate Diploma Programme World School.

About the International Baccalaureate Organization

The IB works with 3,661 schools in 146 countries to offer the four IB programmes to approximately

1,132,000students around the world.

In The United States, There are…

1,465Schools offering the IB Programme

394 offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) -for students aged 3 to 12 started in 1997.

487 offer the Middle Years Programme (MYP)-for students aged 11 to 16 started in 1994.

800 offer the Diploma Programme (DP) - for students aged 16 to 19 started in 1968 with first

examinations in 1970.

Career related certificate (IBCC) -for students aged 16 to 19 is a new programme within the IB.

San Gabriel Mission High School an IB World School

As an IB World School, San Gabriel Mission High School is a proud member of a global community

committed to the development of inquiring, knowledgeable, caring, youth who seek self- edification

through active global citizenship. San Gabriel Mission High School received authorization to implement

the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme on January 30th, 2014.

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2 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME -

CURRICULUM

What is IBDP? Students are placed in a cohort and participate in a series of vigorous courses

meant to solidify their Academic experience. The IBDP program is intended for juniors and

seniors.

3 IBDP AT SAN GABRIEL MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

San Gabriel Mission High School provides ample opportunities for students who seek an intellectually stimulating path of study. For those students seeking a more rigorous academic program, Honors, Pre-Diploma, IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses (AP) classes are offered in a various subjects.

Pre-Diploma Programme Sophomore year The Pre-Diploma Programme is meant to provide a solid academic foundation for students who seek to

challenge themselves and their perspectives of the world. This course of study is intended for

sophomores who would like to prepare themselves for the rigors of the IBDP program. Students must

apply at the end of their freshman year.

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Other Requirements:

Students must agree to complete Geometry during the summer, immediately following their

freshman year.

Minimum GPA 3.5.

Students who did not participate in the Pre- Diploma program will need to speak with a

counselor about making up Government/ Economics if they are accepted into the IBDP program

junior year.

Students who are planning on applying to the IBDP program junior year will have to complete

her service learning requirements (80 hours) by August 15th (prior to the start of junior year).

These are hours students have been completing since their freshman year at SGMHS and are

an Archdiocesan graduation requirement.

Participation in the Pre-Diploma program does not guarantee admission into the IBDP

program junior year.

Satisfactory Progress & Pre-Diploma Programme

Participation in the Pre-Diploma Programme requires time, effort and commitment on behalf of

students. Pre-Diploma students who earn D’s or F’s within the first quarter of their first year will be

placed on Academic Probation. At this point, a conference will occur between the teacher(s),

parent(s)/guardian(s), student, Academic Counselor and IB Coordinator. If the Pre-Diploma student’s

performance remains unsatisfactory at the next marking period, the student may be asked to withdraw

from the Pre-Diploma Programme. However, the student will still be allowed to apply for the IB Diploma

Programme Junior year if the student chooses to do so, and especially if the student demonstrates

significant improvement and growth.

Sample Sophomore Pre-DP Schedule: Sophomore English

2: AP English

Foreign Language: Spanish 2 NSS or Spanish 2

Pre-DP Social Science: AP U.S. Government/Economics

Science: Chemistry

Math: Algebra 2 or Pre-Calculus

Religion: Religion 10

IB Diploma Programme at SGMHS

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is designed for juniors and seniors who seek an

intellectually stimulating path of study. IBDP students are placed in a cohort and participate in a series

of vigorous courses meant to solidify their experience as upper class women. These two year courses

are designed to allow for in - depth study and inquiry. Diploma Programme candidates must complete

courses in six specific areas:

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Language A: IB Literature SL/HL (English)

Language B: Language Acquisition ( IB Spanish SL/HL or French ab initio if enough students

demonstrate interest in the course )

Individuals and Societies: IB History of the Americas (year 1) /IB World History (year 2)

Mathematics: IB Math Studies or IB Math SL

Sciences: IB Biology SL

The Arts: IB Film Studies or IB Visual Arts

In addition, Diploma Programme Candidates must complete a service requirement (CAS -creativity,

activity, service) an epistemology course (Theory of Knowledge), write a 4,000 word extended essay,

and take the IBDP exams. IBDP students must agree to complete SGMHS, Archdiocesan, and state of

California graduation requirements as well. In order to comply with all requirements, students must

commit to participating in summer school. In addition, IBDP students must complete 80 service learning

hours (Archdiocesan requirement/ SGMHS requirement) by the start of their IB Candidacy August 15t.h.

Interested students can submit an application to the IBDP at the end of their sophomore year.

IBDP Cohort Curriculum (Junior and Senior Year)

SL = “Standard Level” Exam

HL = “Higher Level” exam

Group 1: Literature (English):

Language A (SL/HL) Literature is a two year course in which students practice critically reading literature,

and oral and written communication skills. The aim of the course is to develop students who recognize

language as an art form, are confident and able writers in many contexts, and can form independent

literary judgments. Selections for the course draw on a wide variety of literary forms and genres,

including; poetry, novels, and non-fiction reading. There are several assessments for the course

throughout the two years, including; presentation, writing, assignments, and a final 8-10 page research

paper.

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Language B Spanish (SL/HL) aims to develop intercultural studies of the target language and culture.

The HL course will consist of two years in which students will develop their interdisciplinary skills in

Spanish learning about the culture, history and language of Spanish speaking countries. Students in the

HL will take part an in depth study of the different cultures within Latin America and Europe through the

reading and analyzing of major works of literature, modern and classic, authentic materials such as

newspapers, internet based articles and other media sources. Students will gain appreciation for the

target language and express their understanding through writing, speaking and projects within the

themes of communication and media, global issues and social relationships.

Language B French ab initio (SL) - IB French ab initio (from the beginning), is a language acquisition

course that stresses the practical application of language skills. Students will gain an appreciation for the

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target language and express their understanding through writing, speaking, and projects within the

themes of social relationships, communication and media, and global issues.

Group 3: Individuals & Societies:

History of the Americas/ World History (SL/HL)- IB World History with Aspects of History of the

Americas is a two year (SL/HL) course. Students will focus on History of the Americas year one, and

World History year two. A student of history is an open- minded, reflective, thinker who understands

that history is not the study of facts, but of perspectives. For this reason, students will be exposed to

various historical interpretations so that they can begin to formulate their own understanding. Students

will be encouraged to keep an open mind and attempt to be critical about various historical

interpretations, so that they acquire the ability to develop sharper inquiry and communication skills. In

the process, students will find that this history course will serve to enhance their intellectual and

academic growth. Throughout the two year course of study, students will be encouraged to voice their

questions, and communicate their perspectives while being respectful towards their classmates’

opinions. Students will be expected to be demonstrate the aforementioned IB learner attributes on a

regular basis in class discussions, as well as in their original historical investigation ( to be completed

year 1).

There are six key concepts that have particular prominence throughout the DP history course. They are as follows: Change Perspectives Consequence Significance Causation Continuity

Group 4: Experimental Sciences:

Biology (SL/HL)is a two-year experimental science course that will cover topics with both breadth and

depth, and highlight the underlying themes of structure and function, universality versus diversity,

equilibrium within systems, and evolution. Students will understand, experience, and exercise science

as a process driven by inquiry and their own desire to uncover the truths of the living world. Utilizing

means of investigation, communication, collaboration, technology, and analytical and critical thinking

skills, students will appreciate science within a global context and see how it bridges us with our

neighbors from across the globe.

Group 5: Mathematics & Computer Science (Math Studies or Math SL):

Math Studies (SL) is a two-year, standard-level course designed for students who have already mastered

intermediate algebraic skills. We will study many different branches of mathematics with a focus on

problem solving in the real world. We will solve equations and graph functions, calculate probability,

use descriptive statistics and statistical applications to analyze data (the largest section of study), apply

trigonometric ratios in solving problems, manipulate arithmetic and geometric sequence and series to

find terms and sums, use differential calculus to model rates of change and study financial

math. Students will complete individual projects based on their own inquiry and research.

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Math SL is a two-year study of mathematics for students with a solid background in algebra and

geometry. Course topics include: logarithms; sequences and series; linear and quadratic functions and

equations; binomials; arcs and sectors; trigonometry; functions and calculus; vectors and matrices; and

probability and statistics. Students will sit for the Math SL exam at the completion of the course.

Group 6: The Arts (Film Studies or Visual Arts):

The IB Visual Arts (SL/ HL) is a two year course which emphasizes both students' creative process and their final artistic product in 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional art forms. Students will produce investigation workbooks to support, inform, develop and refine studio work through sustained contextual, visual and critical investigation. A multicultural understanding of the moral and social values of art will be developed. IB Visual Arts students will actively pursue the questions “what is art?”, “why do people create art?”, and “what makes art valuable”? This will enable the student to develop critical thinking and to form their own perceptions. This course will culminate in an individual exhibition of studio work at the end of the second year. A specific and clearly defined criterion is set for both the studio component of the course as well as the investigation workbook.

IB Film Studies (SL/HL) is a two-year course that fulfills the arts component of the International

Baccalaureate diploma program. The Diploma Programme film course aims to develop students’ skills so

that they become adept in both interpreting and making film texts. Through the study and analysis of

film texts and exercises in film-making, the Diploma Programme film course explores film history, theory

and socio-economic background. The course develops students’ critical abilities, enabling them to

appreciate the multiplicity of cultural and historical perspectives in film. To achieve an international

understanding within the world of film, students are taught to consider film texts, theories and ideas

from the points of view of different individuals, nations and cultures.

Other Program Requirements for IBDP Candidates:

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a fundamental part of the Diploma Programme which centers on

community involvement. It takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, and

provides a refreshing counterbalance to academic study. The CAS program enables students to enhance

their personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning, is challenging, enjoyable

and is a personal journey of self-discovery. Through this program, students become reflective thinkers

who accept new challenges and new roles and are aware of themselves as members of communities

with responsibilities towards each other and the environment. Students become active participants in

sustained, collaborative projects which make them balanced individuals intellectually, physically,

creatively and emotionally.

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Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary course that asks students to reflect on what they know and how they know it. TOK challenges students to reexamine all that they have learned to date, to become more aware of both themselves as thinkers and the amazing complexity of knowledge. The course is centered on the questions of “what is knowledge?” and "how do we know what we know”? Therefore, students will continually be asked to reflect critically on how and what they have learned. Questions surrounding beliefs, certainty, culture, evidence, interpretation, intuition, and truth will be explored. Class time will largely be devoted to examining questions and engaging in discussions based on reading as well as the students’ own knowledge and experiences. The purpose of TOK is to empower students to THINK, ultimately shaping them into well-rounded, open-minded, critically thinking lifelong learners.

Course Goals:

The goals of TOK are to engage students in reflection on and in the questioning of, the bases of

knowledge, so that they:

Develop an understanding of why critically examining knowledge claims is important. Develop a critical capacity to evaluate beliefs and knowledge claims. Make interdisciplinary connections. Become aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge including personal and ideological

biases. Consider that knowledge may place responsibilities on the knower. Understand the strengths and limitations of individual and cultural perspectives. Develop a concern for rigor in formulating knowledge claims, and intellectual honesty. Identify values underlying judgments and knowledge claims pertinent to local and global issues. Demonstrate an understanding that personal views, judgments and beliefs may influence their

own knowledge claims and those of others. Use oral and written language to formulate and communicate ideas clearly.

Extended Essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. As a required component, it provides:

Practical preparation for the kinds of undergraduate research required at tertiary level. An opportunity for students to engage in an in-depth study of a topic of interest within a chosen subject.

Emphasis is placed on the research process: Formulating an appropriate research question. Engaging in a personal exploration of the topic. Communicating ideas. Developing an argument.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to: Analyze Synthesize Evaluate knowledge

Students will be supported throughout the process with advice and guidance from a supervisor.

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Sample International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Schedule Junior Group 1:

Studies in Language and Literature/ Language A: IB English Literature (Yr. 1)

Group 2: Language Acquisition/ Language B: IB Spanish (Yr. 1)

Group 3: Individuals & Societies IB Aspects of the History of the Americas (Yr. 1/HL only)

Group 4: Sciences IB Biology (Year 1 SL/HL)

Group 5: Mathematics IB Math Studies (Yr. 1 SL) OR IB Math SL (Yr 1 SL)

Group 6: The Arts IB Film Studies (Yr. 1 SL/HL) OR IB Visual Arts (Yr. 1 SL/HL)

Religion 11 (Summer) Theory of Knowledge –TOK Fridays After school

Senior Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature/ Language A: IB English Literature (Yr. 2 SL/HL)

Group 2: Language Acquisition/ Language B: IB Spanish (Yr. 2 SL/HL or French ab initio (SL)

Group 3: Individuals & Societies IB World History (Yr. 2 SL/HL)

Group 4: Sciences IB Biology (Year 2 SL/HL)

Group 5: Mathematics IB Math Studies (Yr 2 SL) IB Math SL (YR 2 SL)

Group 6: The Arts IB Film Studies (Yr. 2 SL/HL) IB Visual Arts (Yr. 2 SL/HL)

Religion 12 (Summer) Theory of Knowledge TOK – Fridays After school

IBDP Exams and Scoring

The IB diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of

performance across the whole diploma and to satisfactory participation in Creativity, Action, and Service

(CAS).

Each exam is given a score from 1-7 (42 pts possible)

Students can be awarded 3 additional points for the combined results of TOK, Extended

Essay, and CAS.

Total points possible = 45

Combined score needed for diploma: 24

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Special Recognition at Graduation

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Candidates who complete the all of the requirements will receive special recognition at graduation. Candidates will receive their IB exam scores in the summer. International Diploma Programme Candidates who earn at least 24 points on their exams will be awarded the IB Diploma the summer following graduation.

The Difference Between and an IB Diploma Programme Candidate and IB Certificate

Student

IB Diploma Programme Candidates are required to complete a combination of courses (see above) that

meet IB requirements. Students must also participate in three integral components of the IB Program;

CAS, TOK, and Extended Essay. IB Certificate Students choose to complete free- standing IB courses and

have chosen not to participate in the full curricular IBDP program.

The Difference between Advanced Placement Program and IBDP Program

Both programs offer rigorous courses meant give students a competitive edge when applying to college.

IB courses follow a curriculum mandated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), while AP courses follow a curriculum mandated by the College Board.

AP courses are independent from one another, while IB courses are interdependent. AP students complete their coursework in April and take exams in May. IBDP candidates

complete a two year program of study that includes an extended essay requirement, and completion of Theory of Knowledge course and participation in Creativity, Action, and Service. They also complete internal assessments (throughout the two years), and external assessments at the end of the 2nd year.

AP courses move at a rapid pace, while IB courses are designed to allow time for inquiry, reflection, and analysis.

AP scores are based solely on each individual AP exam. IB scores are based on class work completed over the two years, completion of TOK, CAS, and extended essay, and the combined score of all IB exams taken.

AP recognizes high achievement on AP exams through the AP Scholars Program. Successful IB Candidates receive an IB Diploma.

AP teachers must attend an AP workshop and gain syllabus authorization from the College Board. IB teachers must participate in continuous professional development seminars, workshops, etc.

IB World Schools must endure a stringent three year application and authorization process.

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4 GUIDANCE OFFICE

Mission of SGMHS Guidance Office

All academic counselors have been trained by the IB organization and are ready to help students

navigate through the IB Diploma Program. The Mission of the San Gabriel Mission High School Guidance

office is to:

Advise students on courses taken for the IB diploma and certificate.

Connect with students and families to assist in creating a direction and to navigate through the

college preparation and admission process.

Help students develop skills that will aid in the personal and academic transition to adulthood

and independence.

Help students learn about their interests, aptitudes and talents.

5 APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Application Rules IBDP:

Students must apply to the IBDP at the end of their Sophomore Year. They must successfully

complete Algebra II by the end of their sophomore year.

Students who did not participate in the Pre-Diploma program are welcome to apply. Acceptance

decisions will be made on a case- by- case basis.

Potential IB Diploma Programme cohort Candidates must complete 80 service learning hours

(Archdiocesan requirement/ SGMHS requirement) by the start of their IB Candidacy August 15th.

Potential IB Diploma Programme cohort Candidates must complete the entire application

process and meet all of the deadline requirements. The application process includes completion

of the application forms, essays, teacher recommendations, and personal interview.

IB Diploma Programme cohort candidates must complete all of the courses specified by IB and

complete the CAS, TOK, & Extended Essay requirements. They must also attend summer school

in order to comply with SGMHS / Archdiocesan graduation requirements.

Non IBDP students may enroll in a standalone IB class with teacher signature (these students

are not considered “IB” students).

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6 IBDP POLICIES

Satisfactory Progress & IBDP Withdrawal Policy

Participation in the IB Diploma Programme requires time, effort and commitment on behalf of students.

IB Diploma Candidates who earn D’s or F’s within the first quarter of their first year will be placed on

Academic Probation. At this point, a conference will occur between the teacher(s),

parent(s)/guardian(s), student, Academic Counselor and IB Coordinator. If the IBDP Candidates’

performance remains unsatisfactory at the next marking period, the student may be asked to withdraw

from the IB Diploma Programme. An IBDP candidate and her parents may request an Academic Review

Board if they believe that extenuating circumstances have been a factor. Students who are asked to

leave the programme, as well as those who opt to leave on their own accord will not receive any refunds

and junior and senior schedules may be jeopardized.

SGMHS Language Policy

San Gabriel Mission High School’s ISO’S (Integral Student Outcomes) were written by faculty and staff

with input by students and parents. These integral student outcomes were fused with acceptable IB

Language Policy Philosophies.

All courses, (with the exception of Language B offerings) will be taught in English. In addition, the goals and philosophy of our Language Policy are as follows:

Goals: A SGMHS IB student will:

Value and appreciate the role and opinion of others.

Continue developing her oral and written communication skills in her quest for academic

excellence.

Use language as a tool of confident self-expression.

Identify, analyze, integrate, and apply information to solve problems.

Appreciate the importance of second language acquisition as it relates to her personal life and

her place in the global society.

Philosophy: A SGMHS IB candidate displays compassion, expresses social awareness, and is mindful of

the power of language. The San Gabriel Mission High School community will encourage students to

contemplate the following:

Language is the root of all communication and learning.

Skills acquired in one language can be transferred to other languages.

Language is representative of culture and is an important component of a person’s self- identity.

All educators, regardless of discipline, are teachers of language.

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SGMHS Academic Honesty Policy

School Academic Honesty Policy:

The San Gabriel Mission High School student is a young woman of integrity who holds herself to a high

standard and practices academic honesty. She is principled, and takes responsibility for her actions at all

times. For this reason, all SGMHS Students are to adhere by the following school wide policy outlined in

the student/parent handbook:

Cheating and dishonesty are contrary to the philosophy of SGMHS. Academic malpractice can be a cause for suspension, probation, or dismissal from school. The school interprets cheating as follows, though not limited to these listed:

1. Collusion:

Copying assignments or allowing another student to copy assignments in or out of class.

Giving or receiving answers to quizzes, tests and examinations.

Looking at another's paper or allowing another to look at one's paper.

Doing another person's work or allowing another to do one's work.

Possession of materials known to be inaccessible to students.

2. Plagiarism:

Passing off the work of another person as one’s own.

The cutting and pasting of text, photographs, illustrations, graphs and data without proper citation.

Copying works of art without proper acknowledgement.

3. Duplication of Work:

The presentation of the same work/assignment/project for different assessment components and in the case of IB candidates, diploma requirements.

When a student is involved in a cheating incident, the teacher takes the following actions: calls parents;

assigns a failing grade to the test, quiz, or assignment; writes a referral and contacts the Dean of

Students. The Dean of Students will issue the referral to students involved in cheating incidents and take

proper action. In addition, IB candidates who are suspected of academic malpractice will be subject to

an investigation on behalf of the IB. The coordinator will alert the proper IB offices, and an investigation

will ensue.

SGMHS Assessment Policy

San Gabriel Mission High School (SGMHS) is a Catholic parish secondary school community which commits itself to the mission of Christian education dedicated to the Dominican charism of “the search for truth together.” The school offers a college preparatory program to young women of diverse backgrounds who strive toward their potential. By encouraging a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and open-mindedness, SGMHS aims to provide a vigorous IBDP program that showcases a student’s

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strengths by demonstrating what they have learned in a holistic manner. The goal of assessment is to illustrate individual comprehension and progress, while remaining true to our VERITAS motto. All assessments will reflect the IB Learner Profile and philosophy and will be holistic in nature. Evaluations may be summative or formative, and will include both internal and external assessments.

In addition:

External IB Assessments will be administered in May.

Internal Assessments will reflect the IB Learner Profile/Philosophy

Internal assessments will be designed to illustrate a students’ mastery of concepts and skills.

Internal and external assessments will be posted in school IBDP calendar.

7 MANAGEBAC SOFTWARE

In order to facilitate planning, assessment, and reporting, SGMHS has purchased ManageBac, a software

program designed specifically for IB world schools. Student progress towards Diploma Programme core

requirements (CAS, EE, and TOK) will be monitored on ManageBac. Exam schedules, reminders and

master calendars will be posted for students on a regular basis. Both IB faculty and students will have

access to the ManageBac site.

8 PRE-DP/IBDP FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Fees Allocation of Fees

Pre-Diploma Programme $ 600 a year (sophomore year only)

AP exam fees are additional

Operations

Full IB Diploma Programme Students

$1200 per year ( junior & senior year)

AP exams are additional (not required)

Student’s summer school commitment, exam fees, operations.

IB Certificate Students *$200 a year per independent (two year) IB course ($400 in total) *$300.00 for one year course *Fee is applicable for students who choose to take the IB exam.

Exam fees and operations