Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP)?
The Diploma Program is a global standard curriculum designed by the International Baccalaureate Organization for students in the final two years of secondary school. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. The program prepares students to learn more than a collection of facts, it aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. Students are encouraged to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.
What are the advantages of enrolling in the IB Program?
Students with IB Diplomas, who now attend universities, report that their involvement with IB has given them the tools needed to succeed at university and to make the most of their post-secondary education. In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness, their self-confidence, their research skills, their ability to manage their time, and their willingness to be actively engaged in their own learning. Even more importantly, they have developed the skills with which to embrace the complexities of life. The IB Organisation often employs a variety of phrases to describe these traits and abilities: "learning how to learn", "life-long learners", "critical and compassionate thinkers", and, "informed participants in local and world affairs".
Does the IB increase your chance of getting into a US university?
The short answer: Yes. The more generous a university is with its credit distribution, the more it loves IB students (and the more likely admissions officers are to admit you!). For more information please visit our "University Recognition" page and the IB website.
What kind of student is a good candidate for the IB?
The DP is a challenging course of study. Success throughout the program depends on a student’s dedication to do his or her best, willingness to be organized in order to complete the work while leading a full, balanced life, and a strong commitment to learning in and beyond the classroom. That is more of an indicator of ability to earn the diploma than prior academic success.
Do students have to attend Oakmont to be an IB student?
Yes. The IB permits only students enrolled and attending full time in an IB School to participate in the IB Diploma Program.
Does Oakmont have entry requirements for the Diploma program?
We have no formal entry requirements. We call the IB Diploma an ‘Open Access’ program.
The single most important requirement for us is a positive attitude. Students will need to have made acceptable progress through to the end of Grade 10, and have a high academic foundation otherwise they will struggle. Students at Oakmont in grade 9 and 10 follow a program of prerequisite classes that give an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma. The students then start IB classes in Grade 11.
Is the IB only for students with all As?
No, not at all. An IB Student needs to show motivation, a determination to do their best, a willingness to organize themselves so that they can complete the work and lead full and balanced lives at the same time. They need to be willing to work with others, and to participate in class. In our IB program students learn a lot from our teachers, but they learn most by interacting and cooperating with each other. Our experience shows that this is quite sufficient for success in the IB and to reach the required score for the Diploma (24 points out of 45) is very manageable.
Do IB classes earn weighted grades?
IB classes follow the same guidelines for weighted grades as AP classes. Also, all IB classes fall under at least one A-G category within the A-G requirements structure.
How is the IB Diploma Awarded?
Each of the IB subjects (from the 6 Groups) are graded from 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum) and a student must reach a minimum of 24 points to be awarded the IB Diploma. Up to 3 extra points are available for the 'Core elements'. These are the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Action and Service so that the maximum score for the IB Diploma is 45 points.
What is the difference between IB Diploma Candidate and Course (Certificate) Student?
IB Diploma students must complete six IB courses in the 11th and 12th grades, as well as complete the core requirements of the program. For the six courses students must choose one class from each of Groups 1-5. For the 6th course students can choose a Group 6 course, or may choose to take a second Group 3 or 4 course. All Diploma students must complete the three core elements- Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), The Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) requirements of the program.
Also available at Oakmont is the IB Course program which allows you to take IB classes in your strongest areas. In this program, the core elements are not required. Students who enroll in individual courses will receive an IB certificate noting the courses they took and the marks they earned.
What is an HL subject and SL subject?
HL indicates “higher level” and SL indicates “standard level”. HL indicates at least 240 hours of study and SL indicates at least 150 hours of study. SL content is typically embedded into the HL content requirements with HL either going deeper into the knowledge and/or adding in more topics of content.
How many IB exams are there, and when do students take them?
A student doing the full IB Diploma will take six IB courses/exams comprising of:
one literature course
one world language
one social science
one experimental science
one math
and one sixth course which can be an arts course, a second social science, a second experimental science or a third language. Of the six exams, three are taken at the standard level (after a minimum of 150 teaching hours), and three taken at the higher level (after a minimum of 240 teaching hours).
Once a student enters junior year, IB assessments will happen over the two-year period. IB students take their exams in May of their senior year. However, the IB permits students to take one standard level examination at the end of junior year. Higher level exams can only be taken at the end of the senior year.
Do IB teachers receive special training?
All IB Diploma Program (DP) teachers receive regular professional training in the subject they teach, as well as development in the IB’s approaches to teaching and approaches to learning by certified IB workshop leaders. This is a requirement of IB World Schools implementing the DP.
Can a student participate in Health Academy and IB?
Due to the requirements of each program, a student will not be able to fully participate in multiple programs. Instead a student can take a few IB classes with one other program of their choice. Students interested in this should work with the Health Academy Coordinator.
What are the fees associated with the IB Program?
For current testing fees please see the IBO website.
Students who qualify for the Free and Reduced Meal Program will qualify for a reduced fee for the exams.
Financial assistance and payment plans are available to students who are in need of these services. Students should contact the IB Coordinator for more information.