FAQ’s about the IB at the International School of Indiana

IB, IB degree, IB Diploma, IB certificates – what’s the difference?

All ISI students in Grades 11 and 12 are enrolled in the full IB Diploma Program.
This means they study six subjects (three at ‘Higher Level’ and three at ‘Standard Level’) over two years, and they complete three additional requirements: the Theory of Knowledge class that promotes critical thinking; a substantial research paper called the Extended Essay, and at least 150 hours of ‘CAS’ – creative, action and community service activities outside of the classroom.
Students who complete all of this, and who are successful in the written examinations in May of Grade 12 will receive the IB Diploma.
If a student fails the actual diploma, he or she will still receive an IB certificate in every subject for which they write examinations.
The word degree is only used in the US, and is not part of the usual terminology.

Isn’t the IB Diploma really difficult?

No! The minimum pass score is a total of 24 points. The maximum score possible is 45 points.
Getting 35 or more points is really hard, but any student who expects to get into college should be able to score 24 points.
ISI students achieve an average of 31-33 points.
Our overall success rate varies each year has has averaged 80% the last three years.

Does ISI have entry requirements for the IB Diploma program?

We have no formal entry requirements.
We call the IB Diploma an ‘open access’ program.
The single most important requirement for us is a positive attitude
Students will need to have made acceptable progress through to the end of Grade 10 of whichever school they are coming from, and have a reasonable academic foundation, as otherwise they will struggle.
We accept students directly into Grade 11, but we cannot accept students into Grade 12.
Students in our Grades 9 and 10 follow a program that is an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma.

What do you mean by positive attitude?

Students need to show motivation, a determination to do their best, a willingness to organize themselves so that they can complete the work and lead full and balanced lives at the same time.
They need to be willing to work with others, and to participate in class.
In our IB program students learn a lot from our teachers, but they learn most by interacting and cooperating with each other.

Can you do AP tests at the same time?

We do not encourage this, and we do not teach AP courses.
We believe the IB Diploma is the best program, but it needs teachers who are IB trained, and who focus solely on the Diploma, and it needs students who are immersed in the spirit of the IB in order for all students to achieve the level of success we know they are capable of.

How is the IB Diploma assessed?

About 20-25% of each subject is internally assessed by the teacher, using very specific IB grading criteria.
Students submit work for internal assessment, and have opportunities to develop this over a period of time with advice and support from the teacher.
The teacher’s grading is scrutinized by the IB office.
In May of the second year students sit the external written exams over a period of three weeks.
The completed scripts are sent to examiners all around the world who mark them according to IB grading criteria.
The IB mostly uses a 7-point grading scheme, with 7 meaning outstanding, a 4 being the minimum pass and a 1 being very poor.
Students always have access to the grading criteria, so that they understand what they are being assessed on and what they need to do to improve their grades.

What subjects can I study for the IB at ISI?

Students must choose 6 subjects including at least one science, a math course, a humanities subject, a literature course and at least one foreign language. ISI offers:
English and world literature (we currently also offer Korean and French literature courses for our native speakers);
French or Spanish at various levels, from ‘intermediate’ to very advanced;
Spanish or Mandarin Chinese beginner-level;
History or Anthropology;
Mathematics (at Higher Level, Standard Level or Maths Studies);
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems;
Visual Arts, Music.
From August 2010 we are joining in with a new initiative of the International Baccalaureate Organization and offering Economics and Business and Management via online learning

Do IB students have any time for fun??

Absolutely. Our most successful IB students lead very full lives.
They are often members of our athletics teams and maintain a wide range of involvement in different activities.
Learning to manage your time and organize yourself well is a key here.

Will the IB Diploma help me get into college?

Yes. It is becoming widely recognized as a valuable preparation for college and beyond.
Many (but not all) colleges give additional recognition to IB Diploma holders in the form of credits and scholarships

Where can I get further information?

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