Colonel Gray IB Pre-IB Diploma Programme Application Form

Transcription

1 Colonel Gray IB Pre-IB Diploma Programme Application Form Colonel Gray Senior High School 175 Spring Park Road Charlottetown, PE The IB is a rigorous two-year academic programme that challenges students to learn how to learn, analyze, and reach considered conclusions about people, language, literature, science and mathematics as it affects our world. It effectively prepares students for success in university by asking them to push beyond their perceived educational comfort level. In doing so, they develop the skills needed for post secondary education while in high school. Students should have strong a scholastic background, excelling in both Language Arts and Science/Math based courses. The successful IB student possesses a high degree of motivation, self-discipline, and a genuine love of school and learning. The Colonel Gray Pre-IB Diploma Program is an option meant for students who fully intend to pursue the IB through to graduation. It is not meant as enrichment for students wanting to continue in provincial classes in grade 11/12. Pre-IB classes are taught at an accelerated pace to allow students time to develop essential skills that we feel are helpful for success in IB. Pre-IB students take science, English, writing and math as a pre-ib cohort, in addition to History (French or English), French, physical education and an elective. The latter courses are not specifically with pre-ib students. While pre-ib courses have the same learning outcomes as their provincial counterparts, there is a greater expectation that students develop their time management, communication, and study skills in preparation for IB. Pre-IB marks are often lower than what a student could achieve in the same regular provincial courses. Students who are looking for easy high marks should not consider pre-ib as an option. Enrollment is limited. It is important to note that students who do not take pre-ib courses are still eligible to enter into the IB Programme. A strong performance in provincial courses and a demonstrated work ethic should give most students the skills needed to enter the IB after the 10 th grade. We have had students succeed the IB Programme who did not take pre-ib courses. Because of the need to maintain acceptable student-teacher ratios in all subjects, we are limiting the number of students who enter our pre-ib Programme to thirty students. You may or may not be successful in your application at this stage. Application Steps I. Complete your application form and return it to Mrs. Lori Ronahan c/o Colonel Gray Senior High School on or before Friday, March 14 th via the main office (8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.). II. You will be asked to participate in a scheduled interview and on-site writing exercise (TBA). Information regarding this process will be communicated to applicants via . III. As a result of the application, interview and writing process, candidates will be given one of the following status options: a. Accepted b. Wait Listed c. Not Ready for the rigors of IB at this time Those wait listed during the school year will be kept on file until the end of August after late registration candidates are interviewed. Students who are accepted in August will be contacted. This completed form must be submitted to Lori Ronahan, IB Diploma Program Coordinator, care of Colonel Gray Senior High School by Friday, March 14 th

2 I. THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU APPLY Pre-IB is meant for students who fully intend to pursue the IB program in grade 11/12. A three year commitment is expected in most cases. If you want provincial classes in grade 11/12, please take regular classes in grade 10 and leave the pre-ib spaces for those who are sure they would like to be in IB. Pre-IB is not a pre-requisite for IB. You can still go into IB without pre-ib. Some students prefer it that way. The IB does not guarantee scholarships or acceptance to university. Most will develop skills needed for success in post secondary education, but you must still meet minimum standards for university acceptance and scholarships. Top rated universities accept only the highest scoring IB candidates into their more competitive programs. While the IB itself has a large variety of courses, our smaller enrollment numbers mean that we offer a limited course selection. If you intend to go into business/commerce, our provincial stream might provide you with more elective options to better suit your career goals. The same could be said for areas like architecture and engineering. Still, it is a personal choice. We have had graduates pursue these areas of study at university. A few university programs have requirements for IB courses that our school does not offer (example: higher level math or higher level physics). If you know what you want to study in your post-secondary education, you should look up IB course requirements for acceptance into that program in at least three universities of your choice. Please note that you should check each year sometimes the requirements change. For those who want three sciences, you will need to take your third science course outside of Y11/12 school year. This could mean fee based correspondence courses or summer school. The IB Programme requires students to do summer homework between grade 10/11 and 11/12. IB students in grade 11 are required to work on their Extended Essays for one full week after Y11 exams have finished. Because the IB Programme has due dates that are not flexible, families should plan vacation time to fit within scheduled breaks and not take extended holidays, particularly in grade 12. The IB is a mentally demanding program. Once in grade 11/12, IB assessments, tests and exams are unlike anything students have experienced in their academic career. Despite the increased rigor, studies have shown that IB students cope with academic stress as effectively as their peers in regular programming for many reasons, including: o being with supportive and like-minded students with similar goals, o having teachers who are also supportive and aware of the students needs, o having a unique team approach to learning that is quite enjoyable (teachers and students together) o having a coordinator who oversees the programme, monitors student progress, keeps parents informed and makes sure that staff and students are able to address their individual needs and concerns. Although though most students cope well with the rigours of the IB, not everyone will be up to the challenge. Please see me if you have concerns about your child s ability to deal with the more stressful moments in the IB Programme. II. PRE-REQUISITES FOR APPLICATION TO PRE-IB You must be in good academic standing at the time of your application. You must be eligible to enroll in English 421B or English 421A at the start of grade 10. Note that students who are taking EAL during the summer are welcome to apply but will automatically be put on the wait list. A few places will be held until the end of August to accommodate late registrations and summer school students. Pre-IB is a standard set of courses. Unless space permits, only students applying for the full course set will be considered. Detach this page and keep it for your own reference. Do not submit with your application.

3 Return the section below to Mrs. Ronahan c/o Colonel Gray HS by March 14 th. STUDENT NAME: FEEDER SCHOOL: CONTACT PHONE AND (write clearly): III. STUDENT AWARENESS OF THE IB 1. Have you attended any information sessions about the IB Programme? 2. Have you done online research about the IB Programme? YES NO Comment 3. Do you have the support of your parent(s)/guardian(s) to enroll in this program? 4. Are you aware that the homework load for pre-ib and IB are 1½ hours and 2-3+ hours per school night respectively? You will need to time manage for success. IV. STUDENT ACADEMIC BEHAVIORS IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Self Evaluation High marks in grade 9 are not necessarily a good indicator of success in pre-ib/ib because many students have not been academically challenged in class (high marks have come very easily for many). This section asks you to describe your academic behaviors. When you answer the questions below, think about what type of student you are, not about the marks that you get. NOTE: It is recommended that you should have marks HIGHER than 75% if you wish to consider the pre-ib/ib Programme although some exceptions might be made. The IB is more about motivation and the willingness to put in a consistent and strong effort. An excellent attendance record and a proven history of meeting assignment deadlines are also highly recommended. Check the column which best describes your Academic Behaviors 1. Do you demonstrate excellence on class assignments and projects? 2. Do you complete homework and assignments in a timely and thorough manner? 3. Do you grasp new or different concepts in mathematics readily? 4. Do you challenge, speculate, make unusual associations, or draw unique conclusions? 5. Do you take the initiative for your own learning? Do you do work ahead of time, pre-read, study well before tests, review your notes, etc.? 6. Is your oral communication clear, mature, and correct? 7. Is your writing focused, well developed, detailed, and does it demonstrate a unique voice? 8. Do you demonstrate quick recall and mastery of factual information? 9. Do you grasp new or different concepts in language readily? Always Usually Sometimes Seldom Never Not Sure

4 Check the column which best describes your Motivational Characteristics. 1. Do you show genuine excitement and enthusiasm for learning? 2. Are you able to be self-critical and self-correcting? Can you look at your own work critically and then correct your mistakes? 3. Do you handle outside responsibilities as well as school demands? 4. Are you intellectually playful, curious, and imaginative? 5. Do you take the initiative for your own learning? Always Usually Sometimes Seldom Never Not Sure 6. Are you self-confident and emotionally secure? (The IB will challenge you in areas of your strength and weakness you need to accept and face both) 7. Are you able to limit your social networking activities and other distractions in order to effectively study? (Quiet focused study is essential for time management in the IB) V. STUDENT INVOLVEMENT WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL Please list any extracurricular activities in which you have participated since 6th grade making note of any leadership positions or particular personal passions. (Science Projects, book clubs, school newspaper, yearbook, summer programs, sports, performing arts, scouts, clubs, etc.) You can include activities that are not part of school. If you need more space, you can attach an additional sheet but be sure to include your name on that sheet! IV. STUDENT S WRITTEN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST The International Baccalaureate Program is an internationally recognized program that is of a rigorous educational standard. It is meant for academically committed students who set high personal and educational goals and who want to pursue excellence in multiple academic areas, including the humanities in addition to mathematics and science. In the space provided, please write your response to the following, and note that the answer must be hand written in your own words. Put your name on the sheet and include it with your application form. (1) Why you would like to be a member of the Pre-IB cohort? and (2) Why you think you would succeed in such a demanding academic setting? Please make sure that your full name is on the page you are attaching. I acknowledge that I have written my expression of interest using my own words and without help, and that the statements I have made are true. Student Signature: Date:

5 WRITTEN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (if you need more room to write your response please continue on a separate sheet of paper and attach it. Include your name on any additionally attached sheets).

6 VI. PARENT/GUARDIAN STATEMENT OF INTENT Child s Name: Last Name First M.I. I understand that pre-ib courses are meant for those students who have serious intentions of continuing in the IB stream and a three year commitment is expected in most cases. I understand that child will be with teachers and peers who expect him/her to behave and perform in accordance to the following expectations: Independent thinking, working at a fast pace, self directed learning and studying, and mature inclass behavior. With this increased expectation, I understand that my child s marks may not remain as they were in junior high school. I understand that space in both the Pre-IB and IB programmes is limited (dependent on enrollment and funding). My child may or may not be placed in one or both courses of study. I understand that enrollment in pre-ib is not a pre-requisite for the IB Programme. I understand that students in pre-ib are not given an advantage in the selection process nor are they guaranteed enrollment in the IB Programme in Y11. I have read the IB/Pre-International Baccalaureate literature 1 available to me and commit full support to my child s participation. I will ensure that my child has uninterrupted study time daily and will help him/her to the use his/her study time in the most productive way (e.g. free from social networking and other distractions). I will also commit my support to pre-ib/ib teachers by following their guidance regarding further study in order to help ensure my child s successful completion of the program s/he has chosen. I understand that the International Baccalaureate curriculum is prescriptive and as such IB staff must teach what IB prescribes. They must also assess student work according to IB regulations and cannot make exceptions or deviate from the assessment requirements. Pre-IB courses are not owned by IB, but teachers will hold the students to similar assessment standards in order to prepare them for their IB years. I understand that as a part of the IB Diploma requirements, my son/daughter will be required to complete 150 hours of CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) during the first 18 months of the IB Programme. I realize that all activities must be preapproved by the CAS supervisor. Since most CAS hours must be completed beyond the regular school day, it becomes the parents and students responsibility to schedule events and arrange transportation to and from events. Students in grade 10 are encouraged to take part in activities that they can continue for CAS in Y11/12. I understand that IB students must complete all other diploma school requirements (all IB exams, extended essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS) and adhere to strict academic honesty policies or they put their Diploma at risk. I understand that should my child leave the IB program once it has started, s/he will continue in the provincial program and continue to fulfill provincial graduation requirements. In this case, the student will be awarded out of province credits to help fulfill graduation credit numbers. The amount of credit granted will depend on the student s level of success in IB classes. Name of Parent (Please print) Signature of Parent/Guardian Date 1 IB/Pre-IB Literature Please take the time to review the information found on these websites; (for general IB information) (for pre-ib and IB information specific to Colonel Gray Senior High School)