IB Course Sequence for East High School   (PDF)

IB Course Sequence for Northwest High School (PDF)

Curriculum and Enrollment Materials for Northwest High School

The IB Program consists of six areas of study. These subjects are represented by the hexagon shown below. A candidate must select one subject from groups 1-5. The sixth subject can be selected from group 6 or a candidate may select an additional subject from groups 1-5.

The IB Program Components

Each student must successfully complete six examinations, one from each of the following areas. Please note that not every exam is offered at both schools. Refer to the course sequence links at the top of this page for specific exams by school. The information below gives the general exam areas and sample exams.

1. Language A: English SL or HL
2. Language B: French SL/HL, Latin SL/HL, German SL/HL, or Spanish SL/HL
3. Chemistry SL/HL, or Physics SL/HL , Biology SL
4. History of the Americas: History SL or HL
5. Mathematics: Math Studies SL, Math SL or Math HL
6. Sixth Subject: (elective) Music SL/HL, Visual Art SL/HL, Theatre SL/HL, Computer Science SL/HL, second Science, second language, Psychology SL,  Dance SL/HL beginning in 2010.

Students must choose 3-4 high level tests and 2-3 standard level tests.  In their junior year, students may take up to two SL examinations.

The Theory of Knowledge course

The Theory of Knowledge course (TOK) is the cornerstone of the IB program. TOK is a seminar course organized around concepts of knowledge taught in the six IB core subjects. Oral discussion, defense of ideas, and critical thinking are key components of the course. The ToK course explores questions of philosophy and the origins of knowledge. ToK is offered during zero hour (prior to the school day).  Many students see this class as one of the "perks" of the program.

Quotes from College and University Admissions Directors

• "Send us prepared students a la IB...it is the *best* high school prep curriculum an American school can offer."
  Marilee Jones, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, M.I.T.
• "One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its structure and quality. It's a coordinated program, well established, well known, and well respected. We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific."
  Christoph Guttentag, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University
• "Advanced Placement and IB examinations for most highly selective institutions are the 'gold standard' in terms of quality and in terms of predicting success on our campuses."
  Dan Walls, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Emory University
• "The IB is a first-rate program, one we are familiar with, and it prepares students well for a univesity like ours."
  Fred Hargadon, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Princeton University
• "IB is well known to us as excellent preparation. Success in an IB program correlates well with success at Harvard. We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Program on the transcript."
  Marily McGraff Lewis, Assistant Dean of Admissions, Harvard University
• "The rigor of IB Diploma requirements meets our recommendation for the strongest high school preparation possible. The Extended Essay echoes William & Mary's belief in the value of original research as well as the College's emphasis on strong writing skills, and the Theory of Knowledge course fosters active and critical learning and is philosophically akin to the goals of our freshman seminar program. The CAS component answers our call for students who have been exposed to community service and creative endeavors and who understand the importance of developing the whole person. In sum, the IB diploma candidate who has met the challenge successfully receives strong consideration from the William & Mary admission committee.
  Allison Jesse, former Associate Dean of Admissions, William & Mary.