IB

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• Q. What are the IB Diploma Requirements?

  The IB Diploma will be awarded to a candidate whose total score is no less than 24 points, provided all the following requirements have been met.
  

  • Numeric grades have been awarded in all six subjects registered for the IB Diploma.
  • All CAS requirements have been met.
  • Grades A (highest) to D (lowest) have been awarded for both Theory of Knowledge and an Extended Essay.
  • There is no grade 1 in any subject.
  • There is no grade 2 at higher level.
  • There is no more than one grade 2 at standard level.
  • Overall, there are no more than three grades 3 or below.
  • At least 12 points have been gained on higher level subjects (candidates who register for four higher level subjects must gain at least 16 points at higher level).
  • At least 9 points have been gained on standard level subjects (candidates who register for two standard level subjects must gain at least 6 points at standard level).
  • The final award committee has not judged the candidate to be guilty of malpractice.

• Q. Why is RNS an International Baccalaureate school?

  The IB Diploma is a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its requirements demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, in both the mastery of subject content and the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world. In addition, the IB Diploma gives our students the high degree of recognition that their accomplishments deserve. Specifically, the IB provides RNS graduates with enhanced opportunities for post-secondary education in North America and abroad.

• Q. What are the aims and philosophy of the IB Programme?

  The IB programme is derived from the liberal arts tradition, with a fundamental belief in concurrent study across the full breadth of the curriculum. At the same time, its philosophy recognizes students’ relative strengths and interests by offering courses at both Higher and Standard levels.
  
  The IB embodies a philosophy of pre-university education with the following aims:
  
  Breadth
  Students follow a balanced program, including elements of each of the major fields of study.

  
  Depth
  Students pursue their particular strengths to an advanced level.

  
  Independent Study
  Students work on their own in developing an area of special interest into a major research essay.

  
  Critical Thinking
  Students develop the intellectual rigour and philosophical background necessary to evaluate and use the knowledge they have acquired.

  
  Creativity, Activity, Service
  Students develop a spirit of discovery and contribute to their community.

  
  International Perspective
  Students develop a broad awareness of a variety of cultures and traditions, and respect for different perspectives within the global community.

• Q. What type of student will succeed in a challenging program such as the IB Programme?

  The IB programme has been designed for well-rounded and self-motivated students looking for intellectual stimulation and seeking the best possible preparation for university and beyond. Students typically spend two to three hours per day outside class time preparing course work and studying, developing strong time-management and exam-writing skills, and pursuing their independent study project. Students must balance their academic responsibilities with significant participation in extracurricular activities such as athletics, cultural pursuits and community service. Students who work consistently have the opportunity to earn a diploma recognized worldwide by post-secondary institutions that may lead to early admission, advanced standing, and degree credits.

   

  Learn more about the IB Learner Profile.

• Q. What is the Theory of Knowledge Course?

  
  Theory of Knowledge is a key element in the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate and is obligatory for every diploma candidate. The program is meant to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience of students both in and outside the classroom. The program encourages students to acquire a critical awareness of what they and others know, by analyzing concepts, arguments, and the basis of value judgments.
  
  

  The objectives of the course are to develop the following:

  • the ability to use language clearly, consistently, and appropriately
  • an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of the various kinds of knowledge, as well as their similarities and differences
  • the ability to relate subjects to one another, to general knowledge, and to personal experience
  • an appreciation of the power and limitations of reason, and recognition of its capacity to overcome ignorance and prejudice, as well as to advance academic knowledge and practical understanding among individuals, communities, nations, and cultures

• Q. What is the Extended Essay?

  The Extended Essay (EE) is a 4,000-word research essay based on an in-depth study of a specific topic within a subject. Emphasis is placed on the process of engaging in personal research, on communicating ideas and information in a logical and coherent manner, and on the overall presentation.

  
  Every student is assigned an EE supervisor to guide and monitor her/his work. During the process of preparing his Extended Essay, each student will be expected to meet certain deadlines. Students must meet several times with their supervisors to report and discuss the progress of the essay.

• Q. What is it about IB that impresses universities so much?

  The IB is strongly committed to the liberal arts tradition in education, which also provides the philosophical basis for undergraduate programs at many of the world's leading universities.

  
  The intellectual rigour of the IB curriculum (in comparison with most contemporary forms of senior secondary education) means that diploma holders are very well prepared for even the most challenging undergraduate programs. This perception is consistently borne out by the grades that IB graduates earn at university.

  
  It is not just knowledge that the IB program imparts, but also skills that are essential to high levels of success at university. These include oral and written expression, research, and analysis.

  
  The IB Diploma is awarded for success in a comprehensive program that, although based on academic pursuits, also involves elements of physical, cultural and service-oriented activities. Universities find that IB Diploma graduates are inclined to enrich the extracurricular life of their institution.

  
  The Theory of Knowledge course provides a binding element in the IB program that gives students a mature and perceptive attitude toward the process of their own education. Further, the Extended Essay encourages students to develop independent learning by exploring a subject of special interest in depth, looking ahead to the approach required in advanced university studies.

  
  In an era of declining standards and mark inflation, the IB Organization is able to assure universities that its evaluation of student performance is thorough, equitable, and consistent. These characteristics of the diploma program provide a significant advantage to universities in the admission process by effectively guaranteeing the calibre of those who are accepted.

• Q. Once a student graduates, how does he/she order an official IB transcript?

  Once an RNS student graduates, the IB coordinator no longer has access to his/her IB transcript. To order an IB transcript, please send a written request via mail with your name, date of birth, name of your high school, candidate code, your signature (if you are over the age of majority) or your parent's/guardian's signature (if you are under the age of majority) and the university/institution (with address) you would like your marks sent to. 

   

  Their mailing address is: Transcripts - IB Americas, 475 Riverside Dr, Ste 240, New York, NY 10115, USA

   

  Alternatively, you can download the transcript request form on the IB website http://www.ibo.org/iba/transcripts/.

   

  Be advised, there is a small fee associated with transcript orders.