IB Diploma Programme

Udon Thani International School

IB Diploma Progamme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a prestigious and internationally recognized educational framework designed to foster intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth in students. With a commitment to holistic development and rigorous academic standards, the IB program empowers students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible global citizens.

"Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom."

Oprah Winfrey

THE DP CORE

EE (Extended Essay)

The EE is a 4000-word essay that is based on one of the six chosen subjects. It provides students an opportunity to take part in personal research on a topic of their choice. The essay needs a clear introduction, a research question (what you're investigating or focusing on), a body paragraph, and a conclusion. An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly. So you need to make sure that your essay has a clear structure. The pages must also be numbered (at the top right corner). Your EE should be about 8 to 18 pages long (depending on your topic).

Six required elements of the extended essay:

Title page
Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
Conclusion
References and bibliography (Works Cited)

The EE is up to 3 points. Students are expected to spend about 40 hours of independent research and writing on your EE. Your EE needs to be independent work. The EE is required for students for the IB DP core.

CAS (Creativity Action Service)

CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service It is a recognized educational curriculum for high school students that is provided by educational institutions all around the world.

Creativity: Students have the opportunity to explore their creative side through writing, acting, music, and other creative endeavours as part of this component. It highlights the value of original thought and expression.

Activity: The physical health and well-being are the main topics of the activity component. Sports, physical fitness activities, and other types of physical exercise that support a healthy lifestyle are all encouraged for students.

Service: The service element encourages social responsibility and community involvement. Students are expected to provide their time and talents to the community or to individuals in need. This can involve things like working at a nearby charity, planning community events, or going on service trips.

*The C.A.S. Programme lasts 18 months, during which students must maintain a personal portfolio where they document their initiatives through experiences (multiple, can be individual or in a group) and at least 1 project (in groups and need to last for at least one month). Additionally, they must include reflections during the 18-month process.

TOK (Theory of knowledge)

What is TOK (Theory of knowledge)?

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is a central component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, designed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage an appreciation for the complexities of knowledge. TOK explores the nature of knowledge, its origins, limits, and implications across various disciplines. Students engage in reflective inquiry, examining the ways in which knowledge is produced, evaluated, and applied. The course encourages students to question assumptions, consider diverse perspectives, and recognize the role of cultural and personal biases in shaping knowledge.

Assessment

TOK is a course that is much greater than the sum of its parts, but ultimately students are evaluated on two final assessment tasks. At the end of DP1, they create a TOK exhibition, and in DP2, they write a 1600-word essay.

* ALL SIX SUBJECT GROUPS WILL INCLUDE TOK BASED QUESTION AS A LEARNING POINT *

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgToVeBZiY4

Six Subject Group

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ARTS

The arts subjects offer substantial flexibility in adapting to diverse cultural settings. They prioritize creativity within the structured, hands-on exploration of relevant genres.

Furthermore, each subject aims to cultivate critical, reflective, and knowledgeable approaches, enabling students to grasp the evolving essence of the arts. It encourages exploration of the arts' multifaceted aspects throughout history, various locations, and cultures, empowering students to communicate with assurance and expertise.

The subjects are available to students at higher levels or standard levels:

Visual arts

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/the-arts/visual-arts/

In Visual Arts, the assessments are divided between internal and external.

Students are assessed internally through the Exhibition and it stands for 40% of the final grade:

Exhibition
Students submit for assessment a selection of resolved artworks from their exhibition. The selected pieces should show evidence of their technical accomplishment during the visual arts course and an understanding of the use of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual communication.

Students are assessed externally through the Process Portfolio and it stands for 40% of the final grade and the Comparative study and it stands for 20% of the final grade

Comparative study

Students analyse and compare different artworks by different artists. This independent critical and contextual investigation explores artworks, objects and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.

Process portfolio

Students submit carefully selected materials which evidence their experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities during the two-year course.

Individuals and Societies

What is individuals and societies in IB?

In this subject group, students collect, describe and analyse data used in studies of society, test hypotheses, and learn how to interpret complex information, including original source material. Through study of Individuals and Societies (I&S), Students develop a critical understanding in human behaviour, and the ways in which societies are organised and function.

Subjects that are available in UDIS/Pamoja:

History (HL/SL)

Business management (HL/SL)

IB digital society (HL/SL)

IB Economics (HL/SL)

IB Psychology (HL/SL)

IB Philosophy (HL/SL)

Language & Literature

Language & Literature involves the study and analysis of texts of different genres (e.g. fiction, non-fiction, media, and visual texts). Students will focus closely on the language of the texts they study and become aware of each text's purpose and wider context in shaping its meaning. The exam format for Language & Literature includes Paper 1 (Textual Analysis) and Paper 2 (Essay Writing).

Textual analysis is a method of studying a text in order to understand the various meanings by identifying the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a text.

Essay writing gives students an opportunity to do independent research into a topic of their interest in the subject.

The paper should be not less than 200 words and not more than 300 words for standard level. For higher levels it's 800 to 1,000 words. If it's less than or more than the words you wrote. Then 1 or 2 points will be deducted.

Science

Three subjects are available in UDIS is :

Biology:
- Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments.
- Topics covered in a biology diploma program may include cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and taxonomy.
- Students learn about the diversity of life, how organisms function, and the principles that govern biological systems.
Chemistry
- Chemistry is the study of matter, including its composition, structure, characteristics, and the alterations that occur as a result of chemical processes.
- Fundamental ideas in chemistry that may be covered as part of the diploma programme include chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
- Students also study several subfields of chemistry, such as physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.
Physics
The study of the fundamental laws controlling how matter and energy behave in the universe is known as physics.
Students may study classical mechanics, electromagnetic, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics as part of the diploma program's physics component.
The principles of nature that control motion, electricity, magnetism, and the behaviour of subatomic particles are explained by physics.

Allows students to understand the use of math in different situations. Including understanding its relevance and how is place math in real life. You get to study in different sections such as Algebra and Calculus. Math involves two different sections, math applications and interpretation (AI) and analysis and approaches (AA).

Mathematics AA is more advanced than AI. AA covers more advanced mathematical concepts and requires a higher level of mathematical aptitude. Math AA is more towards deeper abstract and theoretical understanding of mathematical concepts.

Mathematics AI is designed to be more approachable and accessible to students with different mathematical backgrounds. Math AI is more towards the use of mathematical concepts to solve a wide range of practical problems.

Both Math AA and Math AI (each SL and HL) cover the same 5 topics: number and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statics and probability, and calculus.

The math internal assessment has no specific word count. But it should be around 12 to 20 pages long.

Mathematics

Pamoja

Pamoja allows students to take specific IBDP subject courses in addition to their current courses using the online learning platform Pamoja.

The students can benefit from more individualise learning possibilities through Pamoja, which also promotes and supports the learning-related student agency and students will study with other students from around the world. Students who take courses online have the chance to practice extensively using online learning tools, which will be helpful as they continue their education and pursue their career goals.

Facts about DP at UDIS

What is the different between IB Diploma programme and Diploma courses

The DP Curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP Core, comprising Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE).

IB Diploma programme

Have to pick 6 subject

Have to pick 3 Higher level

Have to do CAS, TOK, EE

Diploma courses

Pick 4 to 6 subject

Don't Have to pick any higher level unless the student want to

Don't have to do TOK and EE (student still need to do CAS for UDIS)

What is the failing grade for the DP?

The failing grade for the DP (Diploma Programme) varies depending on the specific subject and the grading scale used by your school or the International Baccalaureate (IB) organisation. Generally, in the DP, assessments are graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest and 1 the lowest.

A common criterion for failing a DP course is to receive a grade of 1 or sometimes 2. However, it's important to note that failing a single subject doesn't necessarily mean you have to restart the entire programme. DP students can usually retake subjects they didn't perform well in or pursue other options within the program.

I recommend checking with your school or the IB coordinator for the specific policies and procedures regarding failing grades and potential program restarts at your institution, as they may have their own guidelines in place.

What if you fail?

If student fail the IB (DP and DC) they can retake the program or course the following year, but in the case the the student fail an exam at the end of year 12, they have a

If a student fails an IB exam, he/she may retake it the next year. If a student has failed an exam at the end of grade 11, he/she may retake the exam in May of grade 12. The IB instructor works throughout the IB course to familiarize students with the sort of questions and activities they will face on the IB exams

Is the DP the best programme to take? If so, why?

Whether the IB Diploma Programme (DP) is the best program for you depends on your individual goals, interests, and learning style. It's not universally the "best" program, but it does have several advantages that might make it a good choice for certain students:

1. International Recognition: The IB DP is recognized and respected by universities and colleges worldwide. It can be advantageous if you plan to study abroad.

2. Rigorous Curriculum: The program offers a challenging curriculum that can prepare students well for higher education. It emphasises critical thinking, research skills, and a global perspective.

3. Holistic Education: The DP emphasises a holistic education, including not just academic subjects but also creativity, activity, and service (CAS) components, which can help students develop a well-rounded skill set.

4. Global Perspective: It encourages an international outlook and an understanding of different cultures and languages, which can be valuable in our interconnected world.

5. Research Skills: The extended essay requirement fosters research and independent study skills, which are valuable for university-level work.

However, the IB DP is also known for its intensity and workload. It may not be the best fit for everyone. It's essential to consider your personal strengths, interests, and goals when deciding on an educational program. You should also explore other available programs and discuss your options with teachers, parents, and academic advisors to make an informed choice.

Why did we create the website?

We created this website to help students who will be taking the Diploma Program and to also be aware of what it's going to be like and the benefits of taking the DP. We created this website so the students will have a better knowledge of the DP and also be able to prepare themselves for the future. And to also think about it.

IB Learners Profile

The IB ATL (Approaches to Learning) skills are a group of abilities that are considered to be important for students to develop in order to become responsible, globally-minded people and effective learners. These skills are built into all IB programs and are meant to help students gain the understanding and skills required for success in a variety of settings.

Global Citizenship: The Learner Profile's traits aim to help students develop a respect for and awareness of many cultures and viewpoints, helping them to become principled, empathetic, and open-minded global citizens.

Lifelong Learning: The Learner Profile aims to encourage a love of learning and the skills needed for lifelong learning by emphasizing characteristics like being inquirers, thinkers, and reflective. It is encouraged of students to be curious, ask questions, and frequently assess how they have grown and learned.

Future-Readiness: The Learner Profile's competencies—knowledge, ability to communicate, and an ability to take risks—are viewed as necessary for success in the constantly developing and internationally interconnected world. These traits prepare students for opportunities and difficulties in the future.

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https://tasisvisualarts.com/ib-visual-arts.

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