The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) is a rigorous and comprehensive program of curriculum and service that provides excellent preparation for college for highly motivated secondary students. The IB Program is hosted at Oscar Smith High School.

In February 2003, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) authorized Oscar Smith High School to teach the grade 11-12 Diploma Program. The eleventh and twelfth grade program began in September 2004.

The IB curriculum includes courses in six subject areas: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts. Students in the program must sit for an external examination in each subject; complete all required IB internal course assessments; complete a minimum of 15 Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) experiences; compose a 4,000-word extended essay based upon original research; and take a Theory of Knowledge (ToK) course in order to be eligible to earn the International Baccalaureate diploma. The goal of the program is to produce well-rounded and well- educated citizens who can think critically, write well, speak articulately, and manage demanding schedules. Students who complete the program also earn the Virginia Advanced Studies Diploma.

The required internal and external assessments in each IB course are designed to assess both the student’s subject-area knowledge and process of learning. Internal assessments vary by course and are graded by course instructors using established IBO rubrics, a process that is monitored by IB examiners. External assessment consists of IB examinations taken in May of the senior year. Students must take examinations in each of the six IB subject groups. Three or four of the courses may be taken at the higher level (HL) and two or three, at the standard level (SL). Generally speaking, the HL exams test more knowledge and are more difficult than the SL exams; therefore, students are well advised to take HL courses in areas of their greatest strengths.

Depending upon the course, the examinations may consist of oral as well as written components.

A scale of 1-7 is used in scoring IB exams. Students must earn a minimum of 24 overall points (12 of which must be earned in Higher Level courses). Students may also earn up to three additional points for satisfactorily completing Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. In addition, to be eligible to earn the IB Diploma, the student must submit proper documentation of the required minimum of 15 Creativity, Activity, and Services. Students who earn fewer than 24 points and/or fail to fulfill all requirements of the program are not awarded the diploma, but are awarded an IB certificate showing the examination grade for each IB exam taken.

Admission to the program is through application only. There is an application deadline for current eighth graders. Applications received after the deadline will be placed on the official waiting list to be considered if any vacancies arise in the program.

Criteria for Admission:

• Minimum of a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)

• A grade of A or B in each core subject

• Favorable recommendations from four current teachers in the following subject areas:

  • English

  • mathematics

  • social studies

  • science

• Evidence of desire to be challenged through enrollment in honors and high- school-equivalent courses in middle school

• Passing scores on all Grade 8 Standards of Learning tests

Students accepted for the IB Program who reside outside the Oscar Smith school zone are bused to the school for all instruction in Grades 9-12, participate in all extra-curricular activities at Oscar Smith - including all Virginia High School League sanctioned activities and sports, and graduate from Oscar Smith High School.

October/November
Academy information nights are typically offered throughout the district in October and November of each year.

December
December 1: Academy applications are are published to the district Academies webpage.
December 15: Completed academy applications due for submission.

January/February
Application round 2: IB Program Testing

March
Acceptance notifications are sent to students.

For additional information, please call the IB Coordinator at 757-548-3286.