International Baccalaureate at Greely High School
Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program provides a comprehensive rigorous education with an international perspective. IB works with 2,756 schools in 138 countries to offer the three IB programs (primary years, middle years, and diploma) to approximately 760,000 students. This advanced, comprehensive program of study offers an integrated approach to learning across the disciplines with an emphasis on meeting the challenges of living and working in a global, technological society.
A school must apply to the International Baccalaureate Organization to become a member of the IB community, and the application process is demanding. The IB designs programs to be accessible to students in a wide variety of schoolsónational, international, public and private. Greely High School offers the Diploma Program and is one of two high schools in Maine to offer this internationally recognized program.
The IB supports its participating schools in four areas: Development of curriculum, assessment of students, training and professional development of teachers, authorization and evaluation of schools.
IB teachers complete a rigorous training program that engages them professionally beyond subject methodologies as they transfer their newly acquired skills and enthusiasms to their other classes. IB teachers also benefit from collaborative activities as they work together to develop curriculum.
To earn an IB diploma, students must take a challenging liberal arts course of studies and pass examinations in six academic subjects in their Junior and Senior year, three of which are taken at the Higher Level, and are the equivalent of a college course. In addition, students are required to take the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course that investigates the nature of knowledge in various disciplines; participate in 150 hours of Creativity, Action, Service (CAS), and in addition to their academic subjects, the students of the IB diploma must submit a demanding 4,000-word paper of original research, known as an Extended Essay.
Students who participate in the program have the opportunity to:
- Develop academic skills and independent work habits that will prepare them for the rigors of collegiate work
- Receive advanced standing at prestigious colleges and universities
- Earn awards and academic scholarships
- Earn an IB diploma that is recognized globally
- Participate in a student-centered advanced studies program, where students can tailor studies to fit his/her academic interests
Benefits to the student in the IB program:
The IB encourages a positive attitude to learning by encouraging students to ask challenging questions, to critically reflect, to develop research skills, to learn how to learn and to participate in community service.
The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The program encourages international-mindedness in IB students. To do this, students first develop an understanding of their own cultural and national identity.
Students who participate in the program gain a broader view of the world, are encouraged to follow in-depth approaches to academic disciplines, improve and develop their time management, research and development and problem solving skills.~
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the International Baccalaureate:
How do all students benefit from the IB program? Many teachers at Greely High School have access to ongoing training programs to help prepare them to teach the IB curriculum ñ this helps to enrich their teaching techniques for all students. In addition, students who complete the program share the results of their research at a showcase presented to all students.
What are the opportunities for students who have interest in the IB, however do not want to participate in the full diploma program? All students may take one or more courses at the IB level in subjects of interest. Upon completion of an IB course, students receive an IB certificate, which is analogous to the certification of completion of an AP course.
How much does the IB program cost? Of MSAD 51ís $28 million budget, the program costs between $30,000 - $40,000 annually for training, materials, and membership fees amounting to approximately 0.00125% of the districtís budget . Similar to AP courses, students are expected to pay for examination fees, however financial aid is available.
How do students sign up for the IB program? GHS offers a parent information night in the beginning of the academic year for all interested Freshmen and Sophomores. If a student is interested, he/she schedules an appointment with a guidance counselor to discuss if the program is the right fit for the student. Students register for IB courses in the Spring of Sophomore year as part of the regular course selection process. The program is available to all students upon successful completion of the prerequisite courses.
Iíve heard that the IB offers programs for children younger than high school ñ could MSAD 51 start a program at Greely Middle School or at Mable I Wilson? Yes, participation in the primary and/or middle years IB programs is an option for our district. To learn more about those opportunities, or to gain more information about the program, please contact Vanessa Sylvester or David Galin.
Recognition of the importance of the International Baccalaureate:
The International Baccalaureate announced in October 2009 that it has received a three-year, US$2.4 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to prepare low-income and minority students for future participation and success in the IB Diploma Program. According to Andrew Smiles, program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ìAn expanded IB Diploma Programme with easily accessible materials will help provide more students with a strong academic base that can support their successful transition from high school to and through college.î
ìWe have learned that itís not enough for students to study content in isolation; they must use their content knowledge to solve problems, make conjectures and inferences, and think deeply about the big questions of the disciplines. The IB standards seem to be particularly well suited to achieving these aims.î Said David Conley, CEO of The Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC).
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