International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
Offered at Garland High School
The IB program is a comprehensive curriculum offering greater academic challenges for gifted high school students. The four-year program employs a curriculum that provides a broad liberal arts experience for the college-bound student. Upon completion of course work and examinations at the junior/senior level, students may earn credit or advanced placement at colleges and universities throughout the world.
"Without question, candidates who are enrolled in the extremely challenging IB Diploma program will be well-equipped to handle the rigors of almost any college curriculum." - a quote from Marquette University
The IB program is a comprehensive curriculum that addresses the gifted high school students' need for greater challenge. The program is designed and administered by the home office in Geneva, Switzerland, and it encompasses internationally-based standards of achievement.
The curriculum is designed to provide a broad liberal arts experience for the college-bound student. Each student will become proficient in language and mathematics studies, the two most important tools of communication and analysis. Students also participate in an in-depth exploration of the study of human behavior and the process of educational inquiry.
Participation in the International Baccalaureate program may begin with the pre-IB courses at the freshman/sophomore level with a review prior to entering the full program at the junior level. Course work in the ninth and tenth grade emphasizes higher levels of thinking and critical analysis. At the eleventh and twelfth grade levels, IB courses focus on advanced curriculum, guided coursework, and preparation for externally moderated exams.
The resulting educational experience will provide the student with a well-rounded, high academic course of study emphasizing the development of the total individual. Successful completion of coursework and examinations at the junior and/or senior level may earn students credit or advanced placement at colleges and universities world-wide.
To obtain the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a student must complete all course requirements and exams prepared by the IB office in Cardiff, Wales. The student must demonstrate mastery in each of the following six areas of study:
- Language A English a two year course of study
- Language B A Second Modern Language (Spanish, French, or German)
- Individuals & Societies History or psychology
- Experimental Sciences Choice of Emphasis (biology, chemistry, or physics)
- Mathematics
- Sixth Subject Choice of Emphasis in one of the following six areas:
- Computer studies
- A second modern language
- A second individuals & societies
- A second science
- Art
- Music
- Theatre
The IB Diploma candidate must also:
- Complete a "theory of knowledge" course
- Write an extended research essay
- Participate in creative, aesthetic, and social service activities (CASS) 150 hours during the junior/senior year.
International Baccalaureate Certificate A student may opt to pursue "certificates" in specific content areas in lieu of work towards the full diploma by completing all requirements and mastering the examination in the declared content field. This may earn them credit or advanced placement in that specified area.