International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
11th and 12th grades
The IB Diploma Program is a 2-year college preparatory program taken during the 11th and 12th grade years, culminating in an opportunity to earn the IB Diploma, an internationally recognized credential. Since 1968, the mission of the International Baccalaureate (IB) has been “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.”
Full diploma candidates study six subjects from six academic areas, including: Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies (“Social Studies”), Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. Central offers over twenty IB courses. For each course of study, students sit for exams and complete a project authentic to the academic discipline, known as the Internal Assessment (IA). Courses encourage critical thinking, finding connections between disciplines, pursuing authentic research questions, and developing supportive learning communities.
In addition to the subjects studied, students complete three core elements to the Diploma Program. Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) engages students in a holistic education beyond the classroom through activities of their choosing. The Extended Essay (EE) challenges students to become scholars by conducting in-depth research of a topic of special interest with faculty supervision, culminating in a 4,000 word paper. The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course promotes curiosity by exploring questions about the nature, process, and ethics of knowledge.
IB classes carry the same weight, rigor, and potential for college credit as AP classes.
Students interested in the IB Diploma Program should see Mr. Palazzolo in Room 209 or email him at npalazzolo@philasd.org
What Central IB Alumni Say About the Diploma Program:
“I liked the smaller community that helped me get closer to my classmates and teachers for a support system, and also to make some of my closest friends.”
“IB gave me college credit!!!!!! Also, I really loved the IA process, for literally all of my classes. Like even though I’m not a STEM girlie, I still enjoyed learning and doing my ESS and Math IAs. I think that IB also had a way of great teaching that engrained information in people’s minds through doing. Like so much of what I learned in history and historical context from English I have already seen in my upcoming college curricula.”
“IB constantly challenged me. It ditches busy work and actually intellectually stimulates you.”
“I appreciate all the work that came with IB. At the time I wanted to explode, but now in college I know how to deal with my anxiety and maximize the use of my time. The teachers were so supportive and intelligent. I love them.”
“The program opened my mind to the inner workings of the world and made me feel like I could genuinely make a difference in it with my specific skills. I became more informed about the world around me, even in subject areas that were not my strong suit. I also feel more confident in developing my own opinions about subjects I’m not strong in.”
IB Courses
All Diploma students are required to take IB Literature Higher Level, IB History Higher Level, and Theory of Knowledge for two years. Students must also complete two years of a World Language at the IB level, at least one year of an IB Math and one year of an IB Science. Finally, they must take one additional IB subject from any academic area.
IB Literature (“English”) Higher Level
IB Lit HL is a two-year, intensive study of literature. Students engage in various approaches to textual criticism to explore three key areas: 1) the relationships between readers, writers and texts, 2) the range and functions of texts across geographical space and historical time, and 3) aspects of intertextuality. Novels include Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Handmaid’s Tale, Kafka on the Shore, Maps, Devil on the Cross, and Beloved. Students also study drama, such as Antigone, non-fiction such as essays by James Baldwin, and poetry such as the works of Warsan Shire. Students are required to write a 1,200 word paper demonstrating a focused line of inquiry relating to one of the works studied. They also conduct an oral presentation demonstrating their understanding of two works in relation to a global issue of their choosing. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the IB Diploma Program.
IB History Higher Level
IB History HL is an intensive, two-year course designed to cover key topics in the history of the United States and the world in the 20th century. Students develop skills in historical analysis, understanding multiple perspectives, conducting historical research, and analyzing scholarly and primary sources. The course explores the following questions: How do people in power make decisions? How do those decisions reflect or fail to reflect the will of the people? How do communities build collective power and movements for liberation? How do these movements influence decision-making? In particular, juniors study the Cold War, Cuba, and US domestic and foreign policy from Truman to Reagan. Seniors study social movements in the United States, the movement against apartheid in South Africa, and independence movements in Vietnam, India, and Zimbabwe. Juniors conduct an historical investigation into any historical topic of their choosing. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the IB Diploma Program.
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation Standard Level
This one-year course emphasizes the applied nature of the subject and is designed for students who wish to understand how mathematics relates to the real world and to other subjects. This course is suitable for students who may go on to further study in subjects that utilize mathematics in this way, such as social sciences, natural sciences, statistics, business, psychology or design. This course caters to students with varied backgrounds and abilities who do not anticipate continuing their study of math further. The five topics below are covered during the SL course – each of these topics has sub-topics: Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, and Calculus. Students complete an exploration of a specific area of mathematics, culminating in a paper designed to grow students’ skills in mathematical communication. Prerequisite: Participation in IB Diploma Program and completion of Algebra 1 and Geometry
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Standard Level
This one-year course is designed for students who wish to study mathematics as a subject in its own right or to pursue their interests in areas related to mathematics. It will appeal to students who are interested in exploring real and abstract applications of mathematical concepts. They will enjoy problem solving and generalization. This course is suitable for students who may go on to further study in subjects that have any level of mathematics content from the social sciences and natural sciences to engineering and economics. The five topics below are covered during the SL course – each of these topics has sub-topics: Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, and Calculus. Students complete an exploration of a specific area of mathematics, culminating in a paper designed to grow students’ skills in mathematical communication. Prerequisite: Participation in IB Diploma Program and successful completion of Algebra 2 and Geometry.
IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Higher Level
This two-year course is designed for students who wish to study mathematics as a subject in its own right or to pursue their interests in areas related to mathematics. It will appeal to students who are interested in exploring real and abstract applications of mathematical concepts. They will enjoy problem solving and generalization. This course is suitable for students who may go on to further study in subjects that have a significant level of mathematics content, for example mathematics itself, engineering, physical sciences or economics. HL students study the same five topics as the Analysis and Approaches SL course but with additional sub-topics and greater depth: Number and Algebra, Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, and Calculus. Students complete an exploration of a specific area of mathematics, culminating in a paper designed to grow students’ skills in mathematical communication. Prerequisite: Participation in IB Diploma Program, successful completion of algebra 2 and geometry.
IB Biology Standard Level/Higher Level Year 1 (11-12)
IB Biology SL is a one-year course; it can also serve as the first year of the IB Biology HL course. The major topics include molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. Students study various sub disciplines, such as biochemistry, genetics, human physiology, ecology, and evolution. In addition to studying these topics in depth, students will also learn about cultural, historical, and philosophical issues pertaining to biology. Assessment includes the IB Biology SL exam at the end of the year and completion of a student-designed experiment. Prerequisite: “B” or better in Biology and Chemistry.
IB Biology Higher Level Year 2
IB Biology HL expands on the material from IB Biology SL, studying biochemistry, genetics, and evolution in more detail. Additional topics are covered, including animal physiology, plant physiology, and neurobiology and behavior. In addition to studying these topics in depth, students will also learn about cultural, historical, and philosophical issues pertaining to biology. Assessment includes the IB Biology HL exam at the end of the year and completion of a student-designed experiment. Prerequisite: IB Biology HL Year 1.
IB Environmental Science Standard Level
Known as Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) in the IB, students study the science and social aspects of environmental and ecological issues such as food production, biodiversity, soil, atmosphere, and climate. They examine public policy and law, ethics and societal changes as they relate to environmental challenges. ESS includes practical work, experimenting directly with environmental phenomena, examining real-world data, and contact with public officials and scientists who are involved in the field. There will also be opportunities for social action and the expression of legitimate concerns. The overall intention is to assist the student to become comprehensively aware of the issues involved and the science behind solutions to environmental challenges. Students will be required to design and carry out an independent research project. This course is an alternative (not a successor) to the regular Environmental Science: you may only take one or the other, not both. Prerequisites: “B” or better in Biology and Physics.
IB Astronomy Standard Level (11th and 12th grade)
IB Astronomy is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. Astronomy is arguably a unique branch of the sciences in being an area of study in which non-scientists often take a keen interest. In this sense, it is a discipline that is open to all. In studying the stars, the planets, galaxies, and cosmology, students will not only experience the wonder of the cosmos but also increase facility in their use of mathematics. They will also make use of the scientific method to complete a scientific exploration into a focused topic in astronomy. This course is open to students in and out of the IB program. Prerequisite: A or B in any Central physics course.
IB Chemistry Standard Level
IB Chemistry is an experimental science primarily concerned with identifying patterns that allow us to explain matter at the microscopic level. This then allows us to predict and control matter’s behavior at a macroscopic level. The subject therefore emphasizes the development of representative models and explanatory theories. Chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. Chemistry is often a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental science. Teachers provide students with opportunities to develop manipulative skills, design investigations, collect data, analyze results and evaluate and communicate their findings. Prerequisite: Participation in the IB Diploma Program.
IB Physics SL/HL
IB Physics is co-taught with AP Physics 2. Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences as it seeks to explain the universe itself, from the very smallest particles to the vast distances between galaxies. Despite the exciting and extraordinary development of ideas throughout the history of physics, observations remain essential to the very core of the subject. Models are developed to try to understand observations, and these themselves can become theories that attempt to explain the observations. Besides helping us better understand the natural world, physics gives us the ability to alter our environments. This raises the issue of the impact of physics on society, the moral and ethical dilemmas, and the social, economic and environmental implications of the work of physicists. Teachers provide students with opportunities to develop manipulative skills, design investigations, collect data, analyse results and evaluate and communicate their findings. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the IB Diploma Program. Completion of AP Physics 1.
Language Acquisition Courses in the IB (“World Language”)
These IB level courses are designed to prepare the highly motivated language learner for their internal and external assessments in their senior year to enable them to freely communicate in the target language in any given situation.
We offer Spanish, French, Italian, Latin*, and Mandarin (Chinese Language) IB classes.
Level 3 IB – (junior year)
Students will deeply delve into grammar and are expected to master complex tenses and concepts. Students will utilize and be assessed in the four domains of the language. They will familiarize themselves with the IB rubrics and gain comfort in speaking and writing in context.
Level 4 IB – (senior year)
Emphasis will be placed on higher ordered thinking and will be treated as a bilingual class where topics such as literature, history, culture and current events will be studied in the target language by using authentic materials and relevant literature. Students are expected to perfect their prior language skills at home (with guided help from the instructor), assuming that they have basically mastered the level 3 material. Students record their oral commentaries in the spring of their senior year.
* As Latin is a written language, there is not an oral component of the Internal Assessment. However, they will be required to analyze and translate predetermined works.
** Additionally, we offer Spanish and Chinese at the Ab Initio level, which is for students with less experience and/or confidence in their chosen language. This pairs up with regular language 3 and 4 in the junior and senior year, respectively.
IB ELECTIVES
IB Global Politics SL
(11th-12th grade elective or fulfills Social Science)
This interdisciplinary course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability and peace in a range of contexts. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity and processes, as well as to explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding them in real-world examples and case studies. Issues will be selected on a basis of immediacy and interest. Students write a written report on a political issue explored through direct engagement and research. Prerequisite: B or better in prior social studies classes.
IB Social and Cultural Anthropology SL
This course offers an opportunity for students to explore and understand humankind in all its diversity through the comparative study of culture and human societies. Students will come to appreciate how anthropology as a discipline contributes to an understanding of contemporary issues, such as war and conflict, the environment, poverty, injustice, inequality and human and cultural rights. The study of social and cultural anthropology challenges cultural assumptions and offers critical insight into the dynamics of social change and continuity. Students engage in limited fieldwork and write an ethnographic report.
IB Music Standard Level / Higher Level
Students may choose to IB Music at the Standard Level SL) for one year or at the Higher Level (HL) for two years. HL students take AP Music Theory in the first-year and the IB Music Higher Level 2 in the second-year. This course offers an opportunity to explore the diversity of music throughout the world. Students are encouraged to develop perceptual skills through a breadth of musical experiences. Learning to recognize, speculate, analyze, identify, discriminate and hypothesize in relation to music is a significant component in the curriculum. Opportunities are afforded students to creatively develop their knowledge, abilities, and understanding through various types of performances and/or composition and a musical investigation.
IB Philosophy SL/ HL Year 1
Philosophy is a systematic critical inquiry into profound, fascinating and challenging questions such as: What is it to be human? Do we have free will? What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong? These abstract questions arise out of our everyday experiences, and philosophical tools such as critical and systematic thinking, careful analysis, and construction of arguments provide the means of addressing such questions. The practice of philosophy deepens and clarifies our understanding of these questions, as well as our ability to formulate possible responses. IB Philosophy examines the core theme “Being human,” with a focus on political philosophy. We will explore classic philosophical texts and utilize artifacts from popular culture, specifically films and literature, in order to interrogate the extraordinary nature of “being human” in a political world. Prerequisite: B or better in prior social studies classes.
IB Psychology Standard Level / Higher Level Year 1
This is a one-year course in psychology. It is an intensive study of human behavior through three major perspectives: the biological, socio-cultural, and cognitive approaches. Having acquired a thorough understanding of these approaches, students will then apply these perspectives to the psychology of human relationships. Students will also learn the experimental method as used in psychological research so that they can successfully complete projects that are based on classic research in the field. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: B or better in prior social studies classes.
IB Psychology Higher Level Year 2
The course aims to develop an awareness of how research findings can be applied to better understand human behavior. Students learn to employ cultural, ethical, and gender evaluations throughout their study of psychology to ultimately better understand the biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on behavior. In addition to the SL study of the psychology of human relationships, HL students study developmental psychology in year 2. Prerequisite: B or better in prior social studies classes and successful completion of IB Psychology High Lever Year 1.
IB Visual Arts Standard Level / Higher Level
Students may choose to take IB Visual Arts for one or two years. The course offers students extensive involvement in the study of art history, theory and criticism and relates this to their own studio work. Students conduct research and develop art journals that record their research of historical and contemporary art forms. A multicultural and interdisciplinary approach to the study of art is emphasized and related production of art helps to highlight the role of visual arts to people from around the world. All IB Visual Arts students complete the Comparative Study, the Process Portfolio and the Exhibition of their work. Prerequisite: Acceptance into IB Diploma Program.
ADDITIONAL IB REQUIREMENTS
IB Theory of Knowledge
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a two-year course designed to underpin and unit all the academic subjects in the International Baccalaureate. The course challenges students and their teachers to reflect on themselves as knowers and thinkers, on the different communities of knowers to which we belong, and the role knowledge plays in a global society. During junior years, students are required to create an exhibition of three objects that explores how TOK manifests in the world around us. During senior year, students write an essay in response to one of the six prescribed titles that are issued by the IB for each examination session. Across both years, students work on the Extended Essay, which involves in-depth research of a topic of special interest, culminating in a 4,000 word paper. TOK is a required course for all diploma candidates.
IB Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) engages students in a holistic education beyond the classroom through activities of their choosing. Students must engage in and reflect on a range of activities across the three CAS categories. Creativity involves exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance. Activity involves physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Service involves collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need. Students complete a portfolio of reflections across their two years in the diploma program. CAS culminates in a collaborative, well-considered series of sequential CAS experiences.
*Administrators will have final approval for the placement of all students interested in IB courses and the IB Diploma program.