The International Baccalaureate Program

The International Baccalaureate program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum leading to examinations for students in the last two years of high school. 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. In the more than twenty-five years since its founding, 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. The IB curriculum consists of six subject groups. Subjects listed are those currently taught at St. Mary's:

Language A1

English/World Literature

Language A2; Language B; Language ab initio

Japanese, French, Spanish and Chinese are currently offered — others can be made available

Individuals and Societies

History, Economics, Information Technology in a Global Society

Experimental Sciences

Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Mathematics

Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Mathematical Studies

Electives

Art and Design, Music, a second subject from the humanities or sciences, a third modern language.

All IB Diploma candidates are required to offer one subject from each of the groups. At least three and not more than four of the six subjects are taken at the Higher Level, the others at the Standard Level. Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of three additional requirements: the Extended Essay of some 4,000 words, which provides an experience of the independent research paper; a course entitled Theory of Knowledge (TOK), which explores the relationships among the various disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom; the compulsory participation in CAS (Community Action Service) extracurricular and community service activities. Bonus points may be awarded for the exceptional essay and performance in Theory of Knowledge.

Approximately 70-75% of IB Diploma candidates earn the Diploma worldwide. At St. Mary's the average is well above 95%. The student who does not satisfy the requirements of the full Diploma program is awarded a certificate for the individual examinations completed.

For further information, please contact the IB Coordinator, Mr. Cris Copping, at coppingc@smis.ac.jp or the IB website at www.ibo.org.

IBO mission statement

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.