- Columbus Alternative High School
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- International Baccalaureate Programme at CAHS
Columbus Alternative High School Advanced Studies
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What is IB?
International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global program created to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The IB gives students distinct advantages by building their critical thinking skills, nurturing their curiosity, and their ability to solve complex problems. The IB strives to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect, alongside a healthy appetite for learning and excellence.
The IB Diploma Programme, which is what we offer at CAHS, consists of college-level courses that are rich in discussion, reflections, and deep thinking that occur during 11th and 12th grade. Each course is defined as either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL), depending on the depth and breadth of content. Courses can be either one or two years in length and always consist of two assessment components: an Internal Assessment and an External Assessment.
Internal Assessments typically take the form of a project, essay, or presentation. External Assessments occur as end-of-course exams in most cases, split over the course of 2-3 days. This variety in assessment allows students to engage with their course content in different ways and demonstrate their own strengths in understanding. Students in IB receive a score from 1-7 based on the combination of these assessments. Colleges and Universities world-wide may grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the end of course examinations.
Students who choose to pursue the full IB Diploma Programme at CAHS will take all six of their courses through the IB (English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Language, and an Elective) and will also participate in what is called the IB CORE.
Taking IB classes is a great way for students to challenge themselves academically and show colleges that they are deep thinkers, well-rounded, and committed to learning. An IB course on a transcript can signal stronger academic training. Seeing the full IB Diploma Programme on a student's transcript can communicate to college admissions counselors that the student is knowledgeable, open-minded, and a risk-taker.
At CAHS, any student who enrolls in an IB course will also automatically be registered for the IB exam. All exam registration fees are covered by Columbus City Schools. This means that each student at CAHS has an opportunity to take IB courses, regardless of financial status.
All IB teachers at CAHS have been to official training for their coursework and abide by the regulations of the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Visit the IBO's website to access more information about the International Baccalaureate Programme.
Curriculum
Starting their Junior year, students at CAHS can take International Baccalaureate (IB) classes and with the correct qualifications, earn an IB Diploma.
Students who choose to pursue the full IB Diploma will take 6 IB courses and the IB Core. Please follow this link to view sample IB Diploma Candidate schedules as Juniors (Year 1) and Seniors (Year 2).
Find out more about the IB Program Curriculum here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit this document to see responses to frequently asked questions about the IB Programme.
For Parents and/or Students looking to report questions or concerns about the IB Programme @ CAHS, please contact:
Alice Webb, IB Coordinator, awebb@columbus.k12.oh.us
Darryl Sanders, Building Principal, dsander@columbus.k12.oh.us
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The IB Learner Profile:
- INQUIRERS: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
- KNOWLEDGEABLE: We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
- THINKERS: We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
- COMMUNICATORS: We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
- PRINCIPLED: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
- OPEN-MINDED: We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
- CARING: We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
- RISK-TAKERS: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
- BALANCED: We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
- REFLECTIVE: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
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Additional Links for Info:
IB Information for Parents and Students: https://www.ibo.org/information-for-parents/Diploma Programme Guide for Parents: https://www.ibo.org/diploma-guide/DP for Parents: https://www.ibo.org/information-for-parents/dp-for-parents/