• Amy Bomke
    International Baccalaureate Coordinator
    abomke@amphi.com
    520-696-5592

     

    IB Logo Student wearing gloves and googles pours solution into a beaker

    Canyon del Oro was authorized to offer the Diploma Programme in February 2012, for students in Grades 11 & 12.

    What is IB?

    • The International Baccalaureate (IB) focuses on having students make connections; explore relationships between all subjects, and learn about the world in ways that reach beyond each single subject/discipline.
    • IB education encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners with international awareness - qualities highly sought after by the most selective colleges and universities in the United States and around the world.
    • The IB encourages a positive attitude toward learning by encouraging students to ask challenging questions, to reflect critically, to develop research skills, to learn how to learn, and to participate in community service designed to build leadership skills.
    • IB education focuses on ways students can connect learning beyond the classroom into real world action.

     

     Why IB at Canyon del Oro?

    By continuing to provide rigorous academic standards at Canyon del Oro High School, the International Baccalaureate provides opportunities for students to be prepared compete in the 21st Century marketplace. IB learners strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective all characteristics that are valued in the Amphitheater School district and at Canyon del Oro High School.

    • Canyon del Oro is one of only three International Baccalaureate schools in Southern Arizona (and the only high school in Oro Valley).

    Below, Assistant Dean of Admission for Stanford University, Debra Von Bargen, who has firsthand experience working with many IB graduates, including her son, discusses the 21st century skills developed as result of the IB Diploma Programme.

    What sets IB apart?

    • IB programmes are recognized around the world and ensure an increased adaptability and mobility for IB students. The curriculum and pedagogy of IB programmes focus on international perspectives of learning and teaching, while insisting that students fully explore their home culture and language.
    • IB World Schools must undergo an exhaustive authorization process in order to offer one or more of the programmes, which includes a study of the school's resources and commitment to the IB mission and philosophy.
    • IB teachers participate in a wide variety of professional development opportunities to constantly update their knowledge and share their expertise with colleagues around the world.
    • The core components of IB programmes encourage students to participate in creative and service-oriented activities, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of reflection on a personal and academic level. (From the IB website)
    • The IB Diploma Programme receives international recognition with potential scholarships. For a sampling visit: 50 Scholarships for new IB graduates

    The mission statement of the IB is expressed in the IB Learner Profile. The Learner Profile is a central theme supported in subjects throughout the IB Programmes and represents the mission statement in action. Find out more about the IB Mission Statement in the video below:

    IB & AP Considerations

    • IB Courses are not intended to replace AP classes at Canyon del Oro High School. AP courses will continue to represent an attractive college-prep course of study for students who desire more flexibility in their class schedules.
    • In contrast, IB Diploma Candidates will take college level courses in each of the six areas of academic study with a comprehensive focus on learning with a global focus.
    • Both programs will enable high achieving students to earn college credit and academic accolades.
    • The IB Diploma requires the study of a second language in both the junior and senior years emphasizing linguistic skills and increased cultural understanding.
    • IB courses provide multiple assessment types in which students are assessed in practical applications such as fieldwork, lab experiments, literary performances, mathematical investigations, presentations, reflections and formal exams. 
    • Each course has a series of assessments thus giving a more accurate depiction of student learning.
    • Students can also choose to take 1-3 IB Courses in combination with non-IB courses. 

     

    Hear from actual DP Students in the video below:

    Diploma Programme

    The Curriculum
    IB Diploma Programme students can undertake the full IB Diploma which incudes the study of six courses at higher level or standard levels. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or students may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5 dependent on scheduling. Note the additional core requirements below. The core requirements are considered a cornerstone connecting all 6 subjects and thus required to earn full IB Diploma. This option has associated fees for registration and testing. Note certain pre-requisites are required to enroll. 

    Student also have the option to patriciate in the IB Certificate Pathway. In this option, students take 1 to 3 IB courses if they choose not to take the full IB Diploma. The IB Issues certificates and transcripts for courses students register for and take examinations. This option has associated fees for registration and testing. Note certain pre-requisites are required to enroll. 

     At Canyon del Oro we currently offer:

    • Group 1: Language Literature HL, Literature and Performance SL
    • Group 2: Language Acquisition SL, HL, Spanish, French, German, Language ab initio SL Spanish, French
    • Group 3: Individuals and Societies: History – The Americas Route HL  
    • Group 4: Chemistry SL/HL
    • Group 5: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL, Applications and Interpretations SL/HL 
      • Both Math courses are new, in which more information will be available in May 2019 
    • Group 6: Arts: Visual arts SL/HL, Dance SL/HL, Music SL/HL, Computer Science SL/HL, Social and cultural anthropology SL & HL

    The full CDO Course catalog with pre-requisites can be found at: High School Course Catalog

    In addition the full IB Diploma has three core requirements (not required for IB Certificate Pathway) that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding:

    • The Extended Essay is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.
    • Theory of Knowledge (TOOK) is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing. TOOK distinguishes between eight areas of knowledge: mathematics, the natural sciences, the human sciences, the arts, history, ethics, religious knowledge systems, and indigenous knowledge systems. Students must explore a range of areas of knowledge, and it is suggested to study six of these eight.
    • Creativity, activity, service  requires that students actively learn from experience extended from the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately. For more detailed information access our CAS Guide. 

    IB Entrance Requirements

    Entrance requirements for the IB Diploma include sophomores who are inquisitive, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective are encouraged to apply to participate in the IB diploma programme during the fall of their sophomore year. Students will be required to complete a formal application and provide: 

    1. Teacher Recommendations
    2. 3 semesters of high school grades
    3. Extracurricular activities
    4. Personal, academic, social, and extracurricular goals
    5. A 3 year high school academic plan
    6. 300-500 word essay response to a given prompt.
    In addition, students and their parents will meet with the IB Diploma Coordinator and the IB counselor before the final selection takes place.

    IB Certificate Pathway

    Entrance requirements for IB Certificate Pathway include students who are inquisitive, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. Students are encouraged to apply during February course registration in addition to the following: 

    1. Teacher Recommendations 
    2. 3 semesters of high school grades 
    3. A 3 year high school academic plan 
    4. Completion and approval of the IB DP Certificate Pathway Course Selection form. 
    In addition, students and parental representatives will meet with the IB Diploma Coordinator prior to the commencement of classes for an orientation session. 

    Requirements to earn the full IB Diploma

    Students are required to take six IB subjects, three at the higher level and three at a standard level. In addition, the diploma candidates must meet the following three requirements:

    1. Complete an interdisciplinary course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
    2. Prepare an Extended Essay reflecting independent research
    3. Complete a CAS portfolio (extracurricular activities that can be categorized as creativity, activity, and/or service).

    Each subject is graded on a 1-7 scale, with 7 being the highest level of achievement. TOK and the Extended Essay are assessed on an A-E scale; with A being the highest level of achievement. TOK and the Extended Essay grades are then combined to contribute between 0-3 additional points potentially added to the total. CAS is not assessed but must be completed in order to pass the diploma.

    The overall maximum points from subject grades and TOK/EE is therefore:

    (6 × 7) + 3) = 45

    The minimum threshold for completing the programme is 24 points, below which the diploma is not awarded.

     IB Diploma Handbook 

    Additional details can be found in the DP Handbook. DP handbooks are updated annually beginning in January 2017 to reflect scheduling options and programme information for the next year's incoming cohort. Programme fees, course availability and other items are subject to change with each new cohort. IB Certificate Pathway students are also directed to the appropriate DP Handbook.

    CDO ManageBac Access: access ManageBac to view a centralized calendar of IB key due dates and subject specific course information. Students are provided access information during August orientation. 

    Amy Bomke
    International Baccalaureate Coordinator
    Canyon del Oro High School
    25 West Calle Concordia
    Tucson, Arizona 85704
    abomke@amphi.com
    520-696-5592

    updated 9/25/2019