International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate educational program is a pre-university course of study leading to the award of a Diploma or Certificate. The IB is a comprehensive two year curriculum that has external examinations. The IB is taught in over 110 countries. All Australian universities and world universities accept the IB.

What is the IB?

The IB is a program that aims to develop internationally minded students that strive to be:

·         Inquirers
·         Knowledgeable
·         Thinkers
·         Communicators
·         Principled
·         Open-minded
·         Caring
·         Risk-takers
·         Balanced
·         Reflective

The program promotes the education of the whole person by emphasising intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth in all domains of knowledge. It provides intellectual rigour in pre-university courses and develops responsible global citizenship through the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) program.

Benefits of enrolling in the IB

The IB is a challenging program that will extend the academically able student. The program ensures a broad and balanced course of study and assists in developing skills required for further university study and in the workplace.   All courses are accredited with the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies and the International Baccalaureate Organisation, resulting in the award of both the ACT Year 12 Certificate and an IB Diploma upon successful completion.

The IB Program of Study

Students study a subject from each of six groups. At least three of the subjects are studied at Higher level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL). Students also study core elements of Theory of Knowledge, complete an extended essay, and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).

GROUP 1 LANGUAGE A1

English is the group 1 language studied. Students complete the World Literature units of the English T course.

GROUP 2 MODERN LANGUAGE

Language B - Students proficient in the language or with several years’ prior study of the language undertake a study of Japanese, French or German. The language may be studied at Higher level or Standard Level.

‘Ab initio’ Language – Students with limited or no experience in the language chosen. Japanese or French languages are available and can only be taken at standard level.

GROUP 3 INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES

Psychology, 20th Century History and Economics are available for study at Higher Level or Standard Level.

GROUP 4 EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES

Students select from Chemistry, Physics or Biology, all of which may be studied at Higher Level or Standard Level. 

GROUP 5 MATHEMATICS

Students may choose from 3 levels of IB Mathematics through the appropriate selection of units within the ACT Mathematics courses.

IB Mathematics (Higher Level) Students undertake 2 lines of Mathematical Methods (ACT) in Semester 1, leading to a Specialist Mathematics course.

IB Mathematical Methods (Standard Level) Students undertake the Mathematical Methods (ACT) major course (equivalent to 1 line of Mathematics).

IB Mathematical Studies (Standard Level) Students begin in the first unit of Mathematical Methods (ACT) before moving into the Mathematical Applications (ACT) course in Semester 2, leading to a Mathematical Applications major course.

Computer Science

GROUP 6 ELECTIVE

Students may choose from either Theatre Arts (Drama) or Visual Arts (Photography, Film, Art) or Music. A second subject from groups 2, 3 or 4 may be elected rather than an Arts subject.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) Program and The Extended Essay complete the course of study for the Diploma.

TOK emphasises the development of critical thinking and higher order skills. It explores theories of knowledge and understanding.

CAS has a focus on values education/citizenship and involves 150 hours of creative, action and service-oriented activities. Students maintain a log book to record their involvement. Each element is a minimum of 50 hours in total. Activities may be in a group organised through the college or an outside organisation.

The Extended Essay develops the independent research and writing skills expected by universities and allows for a deeper study of a particular area of student interest.

IB Assessment:

Students complete examinations and internal assessment. Internal assessment is marked and then sent to experienced moderators. Examinations are marked externally. External exams are conducted in November of the candidate’s second year (Year 12).

Certificates:

Students may study individual subjects of the Diploma Program, leading to the award of an IB certificate and grade in that subject.  This is a popular option for students wanting an extra qualification in visual art, performing art, film or music. Many universities will give credit towards a degree for certificate studies. Registration fees are not required for this option.

Diploma Program Fees:

As the International Baccalaureate is an external program, registration and exam fees are payable in advance and are non refundable. Program registration fees are payable at the time of enrolment. Examination fees are payable at the commencement of the second year of the program (Year 12). Fees are in addition to the normal parent contribution.

Scholarships

MCSS offers five scholarships valued at $1000 each to Year 11 students to cover the cost of registration in the Diploma program.