Diploma Program students are required to select one subject from each
of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken
at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL). HL courses represent
240 teaching hours; SL courses cover 150 hours. By arranging work in this
fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more
broadly over the two-year period; this is a deliberate compromise between
the early specialization preferred in some national systems and the breadth
found in others.
Distribution requirements ensure that the science-orientated student is
challenged to learn a foreign language and that the natural linguist becomes
familiar with science laboratory procedures. While overall balance is maintained,
flexibility in choosing HL concentrations allows the student to pursue
areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university
entrance.
Successful Diploma Program students meet three requirements in addition
to the six subjects. The interdisciplinary theory of knowledge (TOK) course
is designed to develop a coherent approach to learning that transcends
and unifies the academic areas and encourages appreciation of other cultural
perspectives. The extended essay of some 4,000 words offers the opportunity
to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with
the independent research and writing skills expected at university. Participation
in the creativity, action, service (CAS) requirement encourages students
to be involved in creative pursuits, physical activities and service projects
in the local, national and international contexts.
The aim of all International Bacclaureate programs is to develop internationally
minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship
of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills
necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning.
They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained
throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local
and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge
and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically
and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned,
ethical decisions.
Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently
and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of
communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with
others.
Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense
of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups
and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the
consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal
histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of
other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and
evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the
experience.
Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and
feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act
to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with
courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore
new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending
their beliefs.
Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and
emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning
and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths
and limitations.
The above information has been taken from published materials of the
International Baccalaureate Organization and the copyright for this information
resides with the IBO. For additional information, please go to www.ibo.org.
The
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program has been designed to encourage
the well-round development of the student,
an unquestionable
characteristic of the Colegio Álamos student profile.
The primary aims of the IB Diploma Program are:
• To
offer a pre-university curriculum, acknowledged by the international
community
• To help students learn how to learn
• To help students develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture
• To help students develop the ability to communicate with and understand
people from other countries and cultures
On
20 March 2006, Colegio Álamos joined the international community
of IB World Schools. The high school teachers and directors of Colegio
Alamos are particularly attracted to the IB Diploma Program’s comprehensive
and intensive curriculum, the academic challenge which the program provides
for our students, and the acceptance by the international community of
the IB Diploma.
Colegio Alamos has selected the following curriculum for all students
in high school grades 11 and 12. The IB Diploma Program officially begins
in August of 2006 and our first group of diploma candidates will take
the IB Diploma Program examinations in May of 2008.
GENERAL DIPLOMA PROGRAM DETAILS
To fulfill the requirements of the IB Diploma, students must take six
IB subjects, three at Higher Level (240 hours of classroom instruction
required) and three at Standard Level (150 hours of classroom instruction
required), to be chosen from each of the following groups:
GROUP 1: Language A1
The Language A1 program is a literature course studied in the first language
of the student or the language in which the student is most competent.
This will normally be the language of the environment to which the
student has been exposed from an early age or for an extended period.
For
this subject group, Colegio Álamos students will be study
Spanish A1 (Higher Level) and
English A1 (Higher Level)
Requirements:
• 15 whole works of literature over four semesters
• Two papers of approximately 1500 words each
• Two oral expositions (5 and 15 minutes each, recorded for internal evaluation
and external moderation)
• IB Examination
Please note: English A1 will be limited to those students whose level
of English is at the near-native level of comprehension and usage. Students
not at this level may select English B as a second language option.
GROUP 2: Language B
For the IB Diploma Program, Group 2 consists of a broad spectrum of
modern language courses and two classical languages: Latin and Classical
Greek. The main emphasis of the modern language courses is on language
acquisition and usage. The English B course is an content-based program
in which students learn the fundamental language skills of reading, writing,
speaking, and listening through the study of written, visual, and oral
texts.
For
this subject group, Colegio Álamos students may select English
B at Higher Level.
Requirements:
• 40-48 short to mid-length literary and non-literary selections studied
over four semesters
• 2 to 4 whole works of literature over four semesters (novels, dramas,
poetry collections)
• Various writing assignments to prepare students for the IB English B
examination
•
Two activities – one individual oral of approximately 10 minutes
in length and another interactive oral activity of optional length. Both
activities will be recorded for internal evaluation and external moderation
• IB Examination
GROUP 3: Individuals and Societies
For
this subject group, Colegio Álamos students will offer History
of the 20th Century (Standard Level) and Business and Management (Standard
Level)
History of the 20th Century
The study of history from an international perspective is increasingly
important today. In the contemporary context, one of globalization
and technological development, different cultures and societies are
increasingly in contact and interdependent. Now, more than ever, there
is a need for an understanding of the present as well as the past.
Requirements:
• Independent research project of 1500-2000 words using original sources
and following specific research guidelines
• IB Examination
Business and Management
Business and management is the rigorous and critical study of the ways
in which individuals and groups interact in a dynamic business environment.
It is an academic discipline that examines how business decisions are
made and how these decisions make an impact on internal and external
environments. The ideals of international cooperation and responsible
citizenship are at the heart of business and management.
Requirements:
• A written assignment of 1000-1500 words to present and solve a real business
situation or problem
• Two IB examinations (case study and understanding of the syllabus)
If
the student chooses, he may take an additional Group 3 subject to take
place of
a Group
6. In the case of Colegio Álamos, students
may choose Business and Management instead of Visual Arts.
GROUP 4: Experimental Sciences
Biologists have accumulated huge amounts of information about living
organisms and it would be easy to confuse students by teaching large
numbers of seemingly unrelated facts. In Diploma Program biology, students
will acquire a limited body of facts and at the same time develop a broad,
general understanding of the principles of the subject.
For
this subject group, Colegio Álamos students will offer Biology
(Higher Level).
Requirements:
• 12 to15 lab experiments in written form following international experimental
science reporting criteria
• Project 4 (extended field trip with published results)
• IB Examination
GROUP 5: Mathematics and Computer Sciences
The nature of mathematics can be summarized in a number of ways: for
example, it can be seen as a well-defined body of knowledge, as an abstract
system of ideas, or as a useful tool. For many people it is probably
a combination of these, but there is no doubt that mathematical knowledge
provides an important key to understanding the world in which we live.
For
this subject group, Colegio Álamos students will offer Mathematical
Studies (Standard Level)
Requirements:
• Independent research project guided by a mathematics teacher
• IB Examination
GROUP 6: Arts
Learning and practice in visual arts today invariably extend beyond
traditional boundaries to connect many areas of study and human experience
through collaborative, as well as individual, production and interpretation.
For
this subject group, Colegio Álamos students will offer Visual
Arts (standard Level).
Requirements:
• Exhibition of studio work
• Interview by external assessor appointed by International Baccalaureate
• Evaluation of portfolio/notebooks compiled over four semesters
ADITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The following are required additional elements of the Diploma Program.
The Extended Essay
• Independent
research project in a specific subject area of 4000 words (guided by
a subject area teacher)
The extended essay is defined as an in-depth study of a limited topic
within a subject. Its purpose is to provide candidates with an opportunity
to engage in independent research. Emphasis is placed on the process
of engaging in personal research, on the communication of ideas and information
in a logical and coherent manner, and on the overall presentation of
the extended essay in compliance with these guidelines.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
The TOK course, a flagship element in the Diploma Program, encourages
critical thinking about knowledge itself, to try to help young people
make sense of what they encounter. Its core content is questions like
these: What counts as knowledge? How does it grow? What are its limits?
Who owns knowledge? What is the value of knowledge? What are the implications
of having, or not having, knowledge?
Requirements:
• One essay of 1600-2000 words on a prescribed topic
• One 10 minutes class presentation
• One written evaluation of the class presentation
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
The
creativity, action, service (CAS) requirement takes seriously the importance
of
life outside
the world of scholarship, providing a counterbalance
to the academic self-absorption some students may feel within a demanding
school curriculum. The creative, physical and social development of human
beings can be shaped by their own experiences. Participation in CAS encourages
students to share their energies and special talents while developing
awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
The IBO’s goal of educating the whole person and fostering more
caring and socially responsible attitudes comes alive in an immediate
way when students reach beyond themselves and their books. The educational
benefits of CAS apply in the school community, and in the local, national
and international communities.
Requirements:
• 150 hours of social service
IB ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATION
Assessment
• All courses are externally assessed (usually in the form of written examinations
over a three week period in the month of May, beginning in 2008 for Colegio
Alamos
•
Most subjects also include an element of internal assessment – a
research project, research paper, oral presentation evaluated first by
the Colegio Alamos teacher and then by an international moderator appointed
by the IBO
• The Extended Essay is assessed externally
• Theory of Knowledge is assessed both internally and externally
Examinations
• External assessment in the form of written examinations for most IB Diploma
Program subjects average approximately 3 hours in length and are administered
in May of the final semester of the IB Diploma Program
Examination Costs:
The cost for International Baccalaureate Diploma Program examination
is determined by two optional choices (1) Students will take all six
subject area exams with the additional requirements of Extended Essay,
Theory of Knowledge, and CAS thereby earning the coveted IB Diploma
or (2) Students may take subject area examinations only. With this
option, students may select one or more examinations in subject areas
that appeal to their interests or abilities. In this case, however,
students will not earn the IB Diploma. Certificates are awarded for
each subject area exam.
In either case, the Colegio Alamos board of directors and general director
have determined that International Baccalaureate examinations will be
administered to any student who completes the requirements of the Diploma
Program. These exams will have no additional cost to the student or his
family. The entire cost of individual IB Diploma Program exams will be
borne by Colegio Alamos. Parents will be responsible, however, for the
texts and supplies required for each IB course.
IB DIPLOMA & UNIVERSITIES IN MEXICO OFFERING ADVANCED CREDIT
The following is a list of universities in the Republic of Mexico that
have an agreement with the International Baccalaureate Organization to
offer advanced academic credit for high school courses completed in the
IB Diploma Program. Each university has its own grade level requirements
which students must achieve in order to receive either advanced credit
or advanced standing in that university. These qualifications are at
the discretion of each of these universities in cooperation with the
International Baccalaureate Organization.
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Escuela Bancaria y Comercial, S.C. (Mexico City)
Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (all campuses)
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (Mexicali)
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM)
Universidad de las Américas, Puebla
For
a complete list of universities around the world extending advanced
credit or standing to successful IB Diploma students, please consult
the IBO webpage at www.ibo.org Click
on the link Where We Work – Latin
America. Then click The IB in (choose a country) near the bottom of
the page. Finally, click on Universities that recognize the IB Diploma
at the bottom of this page.
Fore
more information please contact:
pkellyw@colegioalamos.edu.mx
Some of the above information has been taken
from published materials of the International Baccalaureate Organization
and the copyright for this
information resides with the IBO. For additional information, please
go to www.ibo.org
|
