Campbell Collegiate

The International Baccalaureate Program at Campbell Collegiate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum in preparation for external examinations at the end of Grade 12. Based on the pattern of no single country, it is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth preferred in others. The general objectives of the IB are to provide students with a balanced education; to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility; and to promote international understanding through a shared academic experience. Over the years, the IB Diploma has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of the mastery of subject content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world. Many colleges and universities have recognized the benefits of this program by encouraging the enrollment of these able young scholars through early admission and second-year placement opportunities.

The IB curriculum at Campbell Collegiate consists of six subject groups:
Language A - English, which includes the study of selections of World Literature
Language B - French
Individuals and Society - History, Theory of Knowledge
Experimental Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Mathematics - Mathematics, Computer Science
Electives - A second subject from Experimental Sciences, Visual Art, Theatre Arts, Music

The IB program at Campbell Collegiate covers three years: a pre-IB year in Grade 10 and the two-year IB program in Grade 11 and 12. Students considering IB should make sure they have Grade 9 French before entering the pre-IB program. After completing the pre-IB year, students who are not continuing on to the IB Diploma may take individual IB courses for certificate recognition.

All IB Diploma candidates are required to study one subject from each of the groups. At least three and not more than four of the six subjects are taken at Higher Level, the others at Standard Level. Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires a minimum of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of three additional requirements: the Extended Essay of some 4000 words which provides the first experience of the independent research paper; a course entitled Theory of Knowledge which explores the relationships among the various disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within a beyond the classroom; and compulsory participation in CAS extra-curricular, community service activities. Bonus points may be awarded for the exceptional essay or performance in Theory of Knowledge.

Approximately 80% of Diploma candidates worldwide earn the Diploma (100% to date at Campbell). Students who do not complete the full Diploma program are awarded certificates for the examinations completed.

Only schools officially approved by the International Baccalaureate Organization are authorized to offer the curriculum and to present candidates for examination. There are 1598 schools that offer the Diploma Program in 125 countries throughout the world as of 2007.

The International Baccalaureate is based in Geneva, Switzerland, with administrative offices in London, New York, Buenos Aires and Singapore. The examinations Office, in Cardiff, Wales, oversees two examination sessions per year. The May session serves the large majority of candidates; schools in the Southern Hemisphere subscribe to the smaller November session.

Official IB transcripts will be sent to universities and colleges by the International Baccalaureate North America regional office following the grade awarding and upon the request of the student. The document will indicate the level of the subjects, the grade awarded in each, the total point score and the completion of the additional Diploma requirements. Results are available in late July for May session candidates

For Further information, contact Brian Ransom, IB Coordinator at the school office at 791-8380, or email brian.ransom@rbe.sk.ca

IB Planning

Diploma students need to plan their IB classes very carefully. By Grade 12 the timetable can be quite full. Below are typical IB timetables. Note: The timetables are examples only. The point of the examples is to demonstrate the available spaces that are left after diploma subjects have been selected. However, only 6 IB subjects are taken in Grade 12 year. Discuss your choices with Mr. Ransom or the vice-principals.

Grade 10 IB

The timetable shown is a sample only. Students may have subjects shown in either semester. English and Math are taken both semesters. Wellness 10 and two Practical and Applied Arts and/or Fine Arts classes are Saskatchewan Learning requirements for Grade 12 graduation. Diploma students must take them in Grade 10 to ensure fulfillment of this criteria.

Grade 11 IB

Diploma students wishing to take a full six subject Diploma that includes a second IB science will need to take the IB science of their choice opposite French on a Day 1/Day 2 rotation for the full year. It is impossible for Diploma students to fit three IB sciences into their high school timetable. Those Diploma students wishing to take a third non IB science will need to complete the science at a Grade 12 level in their Grade 11 year. Below is a sample timetable. Grade 11 is more rigid than Grade 10; only the 'stand-alone' History and Chemistry might be interchangeable.

Grade 12 IB

The Day1/Day2 rotation continues in Grade Twelve for French and the second IB science.