Page 8 - Catholic Memorial 2020-2021 Education Guide

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

DIPLOMA PROGRAM (IBDP)

Catholic Memorial International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving International
Baccalaureate (IB) diploma holders access to the world’s leading universities. The IB diploma grading system is
criterion-referenced, which means that each student’s performance is measured against well- defined levels of
achievement. These are consistent from one examination session to the next and are applied equally to all schools.
The IBO offers students in high school the opportunity to earn the most prestigious secondary school credential, the
IB diploma. Universities worldwide accept the IB diploma and its certificates for admission, scholarships, and credits.
The program is a comprehensive two-year curriculum that encourages thoughtful analysis from a global perspective.
Catholic Memorial teachers collaborate with the finest teachers in the world and receive extensive, ongoing training in
order to be the best resources for their students.

IB educators, motivated by practical considerations, but also by an idealistic vision, believe that students should share
an academic experience that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of
points of view.

Students who complete study in all six academic categories (English, World Language, History, Science, Math, and Art/
Elective), fulfill IB core requirements, and earn a cumulative score 24 points or higher through IB assessments will earn
the IB diploma. Students who participate in the IB diploma program may enhance their chances to earn acceptance
to universities. Also, many universities generously award scholarships and college credit for the work International
Baccalaureate students do in high school.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Requirements

Beginning junior year, students who seek the IB diploma must:

1. Select three courses at the Higher Level (HL). HL classes run over the course of two years (junior and senior year) and
are worth one CMH credit each year. You may choose from the following options: Mathematics (Distance Learning
Option w/extra fee), Biology, Business, English, History, Latin, and Visual Art.
Note: Junior year, you may test in a maximum of two SL courses

2. S elect three courses at the Standard Level (SL). Most SL classes run over the course of one year (two semesters), but
some SL courses run for three or four semesters. You may choose from the following options: Business, Chemistry,
Economics, French, Geography, Pre-Calculus, Latin, Music, Physics, Psychology, Spanish, and Visual Art.

3. Of the six courses (HL and SL) chosen, you must select at least one course from each group listed below:
Group 1 Language A1 (English)
Group 2 Second Language
Group 3 Individuals and Societies (Social Studies)
Group 4 Experimental Sciences or Computer Science
Group 5 Mathematics
Group 6 The Arts/Elective

4. Fulfill the service requirement in the Creativity, Action, and Service program (CAS)

5. Take the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course during junior and senior year

6. Complete an Extended Essay

7. Also, remember the CMH graduation requirements (listed on page 4) must be fulfilled. In order to fit everything into
an IB diploma candidate’s schedule, students may fulfill their junior PE requirement by participating in the same
sport during their freshman and sophomore years.

6 CMH EDUCATION GUIDE 2020-2021