IB - International Baccalaureate Courses (Natrona County High School)

What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program at Natrona County High School offers a comprehensive, rigorous two-year course of study for highly motivated students in grades 11 and 12, culminating in a diploma (providing requirements are met) that is recognized and respected by universities worldwide. IB students are provided a balanced education that promotes international understanding and appreciation. The IB Program emphasizes the development of the whole student physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. Through their participation, IB Diploma Candidates acquire the skills and discipline required to be successful both in college and in the highly competitive world beyond.

The Curriculum
Students interested in the IB Programme should communicate with their counselor at NCHS prior to the start of the student’s freshman year.  The IB Diploma Programme requires seven (7) courses per year to earn the diploma. Courses will be taken in 6 areas: Language, World Language, History, Science, Math, and the Arts.  Students will also take Theory of Knowledge and be required to complete CAS (creativity, activity, and service) experiences and an Extended Essay. The IB Diploma is recommended for high-achieving students who score in the 80th percentile or above on standardized tests.

Assessment
Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their combined results on the theory of knowledge and the extended essay. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay and of CAS experiences. Assessment is criterion-based, which means student performance is measured against pre-specified assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each subject curriculum rather than the performance of other students taking the same examinations. Statistically, the range of scores that students have attained have remained stable, and universities value the rigour and consistency of Diploma Programme assessment practice.

International Baccalaureate Certificate Track
Students also have the option to register and test in any number of individual IB subject areas as well.

IB Plan 

Students taking Algebra I in 9th grade will need to either or take both Geometry and Algebra II during 10th grade.

Graduation requirements also include a second full credit of Physical Education and a full credit of Financial Literacy. Because pursuing the full IB Diploma leaves little room for electives, students who are anticipating pursuing the IB Diploma are allowed to take Financial Literacy during their sophomore year.

Higher Level: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Foreign Language (Spanish, French or Russian)

Standard Level: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems & Societies, Psychology, World Religion, Foreign Language (Spanish, French or Russian), Art, Anthropology

Further information can be obtained from Brandi Ramage, brandi_ramage@natronaschools.org