IB Courses

One of the top factors colleges consider when evaluating applicants is the strength of the academic schedule students take on during high school.  (And, of course, that they do well in those classes.)  One of the options that students can consider for selecting a rigorous academic schedule that also has the benefit of providing students with a global perspective and integrated learning to make connections across courses, is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

There are 3 different pathways that students can take to earn an IB diploma at WKHS - business, standard and STEM.  All 3 of the options include IB core courses in English, Math, Biology, and Foreign Language.  What differentiates the pathways are the remaining courses that students can select in the IB program.  For the business pathway, students will take Business Management and Economics.  For the Standard pathway, students will study History and either Psychology or Economics.  And for the STEM pathway, students will take History/ Economics and Design Technology.  In addition to these courses, IB diploma program students will complete exams, an extended essay, and a community service project along with a Theory of Knowledge course.  

If students are not sure that they want to take on the full diploma program, you can still participate in IB courses!  You can take just a handful of classes (or even just 1) if that is what appeals to you.  For example, students interested in Psychology or History might elect to take just the IB Psychology course or just the IB History course.  However, many students may want to do the courses, but not the entire set of extra requirements for the diploma.  WKHS has another level of the IB program called, "cum Grege Leporum" which means, "with the Wolfpack" and is for students who want to take on the rigor and small learning community that IB provides without completing either the extended essay or the community service project.  

As an IB World School, our students have the opportunity to participate in a rigorous group of classes to push themselves to learn and grow.  Students that are in the IB program are among the first to talk about how much they have enjoyed the program.  If you have questions about IB I definitely encourage you to talk with students in IB or to Mr. Cooke who is the IB program coordinator.  And, of course, you can always talk to me too.