SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL

INTERNATIONAL BACCLAUREATE

DIPLOMA PLANNING PACKET

Committing to the Diploma

Students who commit to the IB Diploma may waive any of the following SHS graduation requirements:

PE, Health, Software Tech, and CTE. Committing to the IB Diploma means agreeing to complete the

following, as stated in the IB Diploma Candidate Agreement, which students and parents sign by

March of 10th grade:

Sample IB Diploma Candidate Agreement

In order to receive a Skyline diploma as an IB Diploma student, students must complete the following in grades 11-12:

• A student must successfully complete a total of 6 IB courses: One IB course from each of the 5 core subject areas - English: Lang

& Lit. (HL), World Languages**, Social Sciences, Science and Math; and one IB course that is “free choice” – it may be from Fine

Arts, or any of the other subject areas.

• **Study an IB World Language (Language B) that is, in the words of IBO, "...a challenging educational experience for the student,

offering not only the opportunity to learn an additional language but also the means of learning, appreciating and effectively

interacting in a culture different from the student's own."

• 4HL+2SL courses OR 3HL+3SL courses.

• No IB exams allowed in grades 9 and 10. Students may take a maximum of 2 SL exams during grade 11, and must take the

remaining exams during grade 12. No HL or SL ab initio exams may be taken until grade 12.

• Successfully complete the Theory of Knowledge course (grade 11+12).

• Successfully complete an Extended Essay in the subject area of the student’s choice.

• Participate in CAS on a weekly basis during the school year and document a two-year program of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), verified by adult supervisors.

• Sit for IB exams/successfully complete all other IB Assessments in all 6 IB subjects.

• Complete Northwest Studies if not completed prior to grade 11.

• For each IB Diploma course taken, the student must complete all internal assessments and receive a passing grade in the class.

If a student fulfills all the above requirements and sits for all exams in good faith, that student is considered to have met all

Skyline High School graduation requirements. If students complete all of the above, they may receive a Skyline diploma even

if they do not score high enough on their IB assessments to earn an IB Diploma.

Students are responsible for being aware of, and completing, college and university entrance requirements at schools to which

they intend to apply.

All IB Diploma candidates are expected to fully comply with Skyline’s academic honesty policy throughout their time at

Skyline. Any violation of the policy, as determined by teaching staff and/or administrators, could result in an F in a course

and/or other school sanctions, including removal from the IB Diploma course of study.

Failure to complete all components of the IB Diploma AND to sit for the full IB Diploma will result in the nullification

of any waivers, and will require the student to complete all Issaquah School District graduation requirements.

Creating a 4-year Diploma Plan

Changes to course offerings may be made based on enrollment and other factors. Information about each course can be found in the course guide on Skyline’s website .

Group 1: Language A – English Grade 9: Honors English is suggested Grade 10: Honors English is suggested Grade 11: IB English: Lang & Lit 11(HL) is required. Grade 12: IB English: Lang & Lit 12 (HL) is required

Group 2: Language B (World Language)

Completing the IB Diploma normally requires at least 4 years of a language. IB World Language (Language B) is designed as a language acquisition course. The IBO states that the "...Language B course should be a challenging educational experience for the student, offering not only the opportunity to learn an additional language but also the means of learning, appreciating and effectively interacting in a culture different from the student's own." (emphasis added) As you start planning for your student's World Language pathway please ask yourself the following guiding questions: 1) Has the student had more than 2 years of classroom based instruction in the language? 2) Does the student speak the language at home on a regular basis? 3) Could the student travel to a country of origin for this language and navigate their stay without help from translation services or other bilingual people? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions AND you plan to take any IB level Language B courses, it would be more appropriate to enroll in a different world language in order to complete the IB course in the spirit in which it was designed. Because every student's experience is unique please do not hesitate to contact your student's world language teacher, your school counselor, and/or the IB Diploma Coordinator at Skyline High School to help assist you in finding the best possible placement for your student. Students transferring to Skyline whose previous schools did not offer Skyline’s languages should consult with the IB Coordinator for options. Students who have started language in middle school and are able to take year two of their language in grade 9 may choose to take the SL exam after year four (junior year) or continue on and take year five of the language senior year and take the HL exam. Beginning your world language in middle school can give you more flexibility in planning the diploma of your choice. It is essential to start World Language in grade 9 to ensure the greatest chance to create a successful IB Diploma plan.

Path for Four Years of Language (SL) Path for Five Years of Language (option to take HL) Grade 9: Year one of language Grade 9: Year two of language Grade 10: Year two of language Grade 10: Year three of language Grade 11: Year three of language Grade 11: Year four of language (SL) Grade 12: Year four of language (SL) Grade 12: Year five of language (HL) Current Language Options: French SL and HL Spanish SL and HL Japanese SL and HL Chinese ab initio SL, Chinese SL and HL

Group 3: History/Social Sciences: Grade 9: Honors Social Studies is suggested Grade 10: Honors Social Studies is suggested Grade 11: IB History of the Americas HL 1 is required (meeting Washington State’s US History requirement) Grades 11 and 12: An exam in the social sciences is required. Options are: SL Options: IB Psychology (SL): this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12. Exam is taken in May of year course is taken. IB Business (SL): this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12. Exam is taken in May of year course is taken. IB Environmental Systems and Societies (SL): this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12. Exam is taken in May of year course is taken. IB counts this course as both a Social Science and a Science, so it meets IB requirements for Group 3 or Group 4. IB World Religions (SL): this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12. Exam is taken in May of year course is taken. HL Options: IB History (HL): this is a 2-year course consisting of IB American History (required in grade 11) and IB History of the 20th Century (taken in grade 12). Both years are required. Students test at the end of senior year. IB Business (HL): this is a 2-year course consisting of IB Business SL and a second year of IB Business HL. This course may only be taken if the student completes IB Business SL in junior year. Students test at the end of senior year.

Group 4: Sciences: For all students intending to take an IB Science:

1. All students should take Biology by end of grade 9 (a year-long class).

a. This class may be completed in grades 8 or 9, but if taken in grade 8 be aware that some colleges want to see Biology on the high school transcript. When placing middle school courses on the high school transcript be aware that those grades contribute to the high school GPA.

b. It is also possible for a student to wait until grade 10 to take the year-long Biology class if the student has advanced math application skills which prepare the student for the use of math in the IB Sciences.

2. All students who are university bound must take an algebra-based science at some time during high school.

3. In order to ensure success on IB science exams and therefore also achieve the IB Diploma, the science department

strongly recommends that students take, in addition to a year of Biology, either a year of Chemistry, a year of Physics, or

the following two semester-long classes: Chem Lab Methods & Physics Lab Methods, prior to beginning their IB Science.

IB Environmental Systems SL can be an excellent science choice for a more Humanities oriented student wishing to pursue the IB Diploma and needing an IB science, as it is an inter-disciplinary course that can fulfill either of IB’s Group 3 or Group 4 requirements.

Grades 11 and 12: An exam in the sciences is required. Options are: SL Options: IB Chemistry (SL): this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12. Exam is taken in May of the year course is taken. This is a fast-paced and challenging class. IB Environmental Systems and Societies (SL): this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12. Exam is taken in May of the year course is taken. IB counts this course as both a Social Science and a Science, so it meets requirements for both Group 3 and Group 4.

IB Exercise Science (SL): this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12. Exam is taken in May of the year course is taken. This course counts as a PE credit. IB Computer Science (SL): this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12. Exam is taken in May of the year course is taken. HL Options: IB Biology (HL): this is a 2-year course consisting of IB Biology 1 and a second year of IB Biology 2. Both years are required to test. Students test at the end of grade 12. IB Physics (HL): this is a 2-year course consisting of IB Physics 1 and a second year of IB Physics 2. Both years are required to test. Students test at the end of grade 12. IB Computer Science (HL): this is a 2-year course consisting of IB Computer Science SL and a second year of IB Computer Science HL. Both years are required to test. Students test at the end of grade 12.

Group 5: Math:

SL Option:

Analysis and Approaches 1 & 2: IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL (IB Math AA SL) is a class spanning two consecutive years that prepares

students to take the IB SL Math exam. This two-year course meets the needs of students interested in Math and places an emphasis on real-world

applications of mathematics. This course prepares student to sit for the SL Math exam after completion of IB Math Analysis and Approaches 2.

HL Option:

Analysis and Approaches 1 & 2: IB Math Analysis and Approaches HL (IB Math AA HL) is a two-year class that immediately follows Pre-HL Math,

making a 3-year consecutive series of math that prepares students for the HL Math exam. This multi-year course meets the needs of students who

have a passion for math and a strong interest in pursuing a STEM major. This course is for those who enjoy exploring math at a deeper level,

specifically with a calculus focus. The HL Math exam may be taken in grade 12 only.

IB Sixth Subject – Group 6 or a second subject from Group 2, 3, or 4 Planning Ahead: As many colleges require a full year of fine art, unless you are planning on taking an IB Fine Art you would be wise to complete your fine art in grade 9 or 10, even though you could choose to waive it. Note that UC schools (University of California) require a full year of the same fine art. A sixth IB subject is required. Your sixth subject may be:

• a second language, a second social science, a second science, a fine art.

Fine Arts Electives include:

SL Options:

IB Film SL (this is a one-year course that can be taken in either grade 11 or grade 12). This course does not have an exam, but has several project-based assessments which are completed during the year the student takes the course.

IB Visual Arts SL (this is a one-year course and can be taken in either grade 11 or grade 12). Rather than an exam students complete a portfolio of work which is evaluated by IB.

IB Music SL (This is a one-year course which can be taken in either grade 11 or grade 12.) • Students will learn to analyze, compose and perform music. • This class is a seminar which meets once a week after school. • Exam is taken the year student takes the course.

IB Theater SL (this is a one-year course and can be taken either in grade 11 or grade 12.) Students do not take an exam; they

complete several project-based assessments during the course which are assessed by IB.

HL Options:

IB Visual Arts HL (this is a 2-year course consisting of IB Visual Arts SL and a second year of IB Visual Arts HL. Both years are

required to be assessed. Rather than an exam students complete a portfolio of work which is evaluated by IB.) • Students must complete IB Visual Arts SL in their junior year in order to enroll in IB Visual Arts HL as a

senior. • Portfolio is assessed at the end of grade 12.

IB Theater HL (this is a two-year course consisting of IB Theater SL and a second year of IB Theater HL. Both years are required.

Students do not take an exam; they complete several project based assessments during the course which are assessed by IB.

Steps to Planning a Diploma: 1. Fill in required boxes:

Grade 11 HL/SL Grade 12 HL/SL

IB English: Lang. & Lit. IB English: Lang. & Lit. HL

IB History of the Americas 1

TOK X TOK X

2. Fill in your World language:

Grade 11 HL/SL Grade 12 HL/SL

IB English IB English HL

IB History of the Americas

Spanish 3 IB Spanish (year 4) SL

TOK X TOK X

3. Fill in your Math:

Grade 11 HL/SL Grade 12 HL/SL

IB English IB English HL

IB History of the Americas

Spanish 3 IB Spanish (year 4) SL

IB Math SL 1 IB Math SL 2 SL

TOK X TOK X

4. Evaluate the number of SL and HL you currently have. This student has one HL and two SL exams, so he will need two more HL and one more SL exam.

5. Decide on your Science:

Grade 11 HL/SL Grade 12 HL/SL

IB English IB English HL

IB History of the Americas

Spanish 3 IB Spanish (year 4) SL

IB Math SL 1 IB Math SL 2 SL

IB Biology 1 IB Biology 2 HL

TOK X TOK X

6. Figure out how many more SL and HL exams you need. This student now needs one more HL and one more SL exam.

7. Decide on your Social Science:

Grade 11 HL/SL Grade 12 HL/SL

IB English IB English HL

IB History of the Americas IB History HL

Spanish 3 IB Spanish (year 4) SL

IB Math SL 1 IB Math SL 2 SL

IB Biology 1 IB Biology 2 HL

TOK X TOK X

8. Now this student is up to 3 HL exams and 2 SL exams. We need one more SL exam.

9. Choose your IB Sixth Subject:

Grade 11 HL/SL Grade 12 HL/SL

IB English IB English HL

IB History of the Americas IB History HL

Spanish 3 IB Spanish (year 4) SL

IB Math SL 1 IB Math SL 2 SL

IB Biology 1 IB Biology 2 HL

IB Film SL

TOK X TOK X

10. Choose your 7th subject:

Options:

1) Take a PE, Fine Art, CTE ‘creative’ class or Leadership class and some of the classwork can

help to fulfill your CAS requirements for IB Diploma.

2) Take an elective that provides you a needed practical skill for the future. (ex. Web Design,

Accounting, Film Editing, etc…)

3) Take an elective you thought you might be interested in college. If you don’t like it you saved

an elective slot in college for something else; if you find you like it maybe you discovered a

new area of study for college.

4) Take a senior waiver period (1st or 7th hour ONLY). Additional enrollment paperwork

required.

11. Double Check your schedule. It should include: TOK for two (2) years Two years of IB English: Lang. & Lit. (Group 1)

IB History of the Americas in grade 11 One exam in a world language (Group 2)

One exam in math (Group 5) One exam in science (Group 4) One exam in a social science (Group 3) A sixth exam from either World Language, Social Science, Science or the Fine Arts. (Group 6)

Either 3 HL and 3 SL exams, or 4 HL and 2 SL exams No more than two SL exams junior year. Note that the student above has only one SL exam junior year. All HL exams in senior year (students completing IB HL Math 2 as a junior will wait and take the HL Math exam senior year – not advised)

NOTE: IB History of the Americas in grade 11 is a requirement due to Washington State law; however, on its own, it does not fulfill a Group 3 course requirement for the IB Diploma. IB History at Skyline is a 2-year HL course. Students may take the second year of the course (IB History HL) to meet one HL subject requirement (at least 3 HL courses are required in total.) Alternately, as their schedule allows, students may choose to use another subject to complete the Group 3 (Individuals & Societies) requirement. All IB Diploma students must take exams in at least one Group 3 subject exam.

11. Finally, consider which Skyline Graduation Requirements you have already completed and which you are choosing to waive. Remember that if you withdraw from the IB Diploma program, you must complete all Skyline graduation requirements. Note that this student has completed Fine Arts, plans to take one semester of PE and a full year of CTE, and will waive 1 P.E. credit, Health, and Software Tech.

12. If you are a sophomore, please request an intake appointment with the IB Coordinator to be completed prior to the end of February of 10th grade. The appointment request tool is located on the SHS IB home page under “Upcoming Events” sometime in January each year.

13. If you are a freshman, you do not need to complete an intake appointment until February of sophomore year.

14. If you and your student still have questions please contact the IB Coordinator Chris Wilder at wilderc@issaquah.wednet.edu .

Candidate Agreement Form

(found on following two pages)

IB Diploma Candidate Agreement

In order to receive a Skyline diploma as an IB Diploma student, students must complete the following in grades 11-12:

• A student must successfully complete a total of 6 IB courses: One IB course from each of the 5 core subject areas - English: Lang

& Lit. (HL), World Languages**, Social Sciences, Science and Math; and one IB course that is “free choice” – it may be from Fine

Arts, or any of the other subject areas.

• **Study an IB World Language (Language B) that is, in the words of IBO, "...a challenging educational experience for the student,

offering not only the opportunity to learn an additional language but also the means of learning, appreciating and effectively

interacting in a culture different from the student's own."

• 4HL+2SL courses OR 3HL+3SL courses.

• No IB exams allowed in grades 9 and 10. Students may take a maximum of 2 SL exams during grade 11, and must take the

remaining exams during grade 12. No HL exams may be taken until grade 12.

• Successfully complete the Theory of Knowledge course in grades 11 and 12.

• Successfully complete an Extended Essay in the subject area of the student’s choice.

• Successfully complete and document a two-year program of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) during grades 11-12, verified by adult supervisors.

• Sit for IB exams/successfully complete all other IB Assessments in all 6 IB subjects.

• Complete Northwest Studies if not completed prior to grade 11.

• For each IB Diploma course taken, the student must complete all internal assessments and receive a passing grade in the class.

If a student fulfills all the above requirements and sits for all exams in good faith, that student is considered to have met all

Skyline High School graduation requirements. If students complete all of the above, they may receive a Skyline diploma even

if they do not score high enough on their IB assessments to earn an IB Diploma.

Students are responsible for being aware of, and completing, college and university entrance requirements at schools to which they intend to apply.

All IB Diploma candidates are expected to fully comply with Skyline’s academic honesty policy throughout their time at

Skyline. Any violation of the policy, as determined by teaching staff and administrators, could result in an F in a course

and/or other school sanctions, including removal from the IB Diploma course of study.

Failure to complete all components of the IB Diploma in good faith AND to sit for the full IB Diploma will result in the nullification of any waivers, and will require the student to complete all Issaquah School District graduation requirements.

By signing below, I am stating that I understand the requirements and stipulations stated above, and am committed at this

time to completing the full IB Diploma at Skyline High School.

Student Printed Name: Student Signature: Student email contact info:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Parent Printed Name: Parent Signature: Parent email contact info:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________________

IB Coordinator Signature:

__________________________________________________

IB DIPLOMA PLAN

STUDENT NAME

GRADUATION YEAR

EMAIL CONTACT

IB Courses at Skyline:

Group 1: English Lang & Lit HL (required) Group 2: French SL, HL Japanese SL, HL Chinese ab initio SL, SL, HL Spanish SL, HL Group 3: Business SL, HL Economics SL Environmental Systems SL History HL Psychology SL World Religions SL

Group 4: Biology HL (Biology 1 + Biology 2) Chemistry SL Computer Science SL, HL Environmental Systems SL Physics HL (Physics 1 + Physics 2) Exercise Science SL

Group 5:

Math SL Math HL

Group 6 (or repeat 1-5):

Film SL Music SL Theatre Arts SL, HL Visual Arts SL , HL Theory of Knowledge (required)

SHS Graduation Requirements

Credit Already Taken Plan to Take:

Skyline HS Plan to Take:

Outside (online,

etc.)

Waive:

PE: 1.5

Fine Arts: 2.0 (*most colleges and universities REQUIRE 1.0 Fine Arts credits for

admission)

CTE: 1.0

Health: 0.5

Software Tech

Civics: .5

Science: 3.0

World History: 1.5

World Lang: 2.0

Northwest Studies

(MUST be

completed)

US History 1.0

(MUST be

completed)

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Language Arts Language Arts IB Language and Lit HL IB Language and Lit HL

History History IB History of Americas

Math Math

TOK TOK

Comments, Questions, Concerns: Checklist (for coordinator use):

___Algebra Based Science ___Minimum 1.0 Fine Art (same subject for U CA college) ___Correct number of HLs and SLs ___TOK ___At least one course from each of Group 1-5 ___Waivers checked ___Reviewed other diploma requirements