International Baccalaureate (IB)

Guilford County Schools offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program in two high schools - High Point Central, located in High Point, and Grimsley, located in Greensboro. IB is designed for students with high motivation and commitment to hard work. The program offers a rigorous, two-year course of study for high school students that provides them with an opportunity to earn an internationally recognized diploma and preparation for study in the world's most demanding colleges and universities. Only a small number of North Carolina high schools are authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Diploma Program. Rigorous standards of academic excellence make this program a compelling option for many students. All interested students throughout the school district have an opportunity to begin preparation for the prospective IB program at the middle school level.

The IB Curriculum: The IB is designed as a comprehensive curriculum that recognizes the importance of students learning to realize their role in an increasingly complex and interrelated world in addition to study in the areas of English, Foreign Language, Individuals and Societies, Mathematics, Sciences, and a Sixth IB Subject. Diploma candidates are required to satisfactorily complete the Theory of Knowledge course, write an extended essay, and participate in approved Creativity, Action and Service activities.

The subject area called Language A presents both national and world literature in the student's best language. Language B is defined as a second language. In Individuals and Societies, students study History. Both Experimental Sciences and mathematics offer choices among several courses designed to meet student interest and aptitude. The Sixth Subject also includes a variety of courses, including the arts.

Diploma candidates must select three of these subjects to be studied at the higher Level, which requires greater depth, and three to be studied at the Standard Level, which offers a broader survey.

In addition to the six subjects selected, Diploma candidates critically reflect on the nature of knowledge and experience in a course called Theory of Knowledge. With the Extended Essay, students undertake an original and independent piece of research and writing. A course entitled Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) requires the student to participate in extracurricular activities related to the local community.

Preparing for the IB: All students enrolled in the Guilford County Schools may apply to participate in the IB at one of the schools authorized to offer the program. Which school students attend depends upon the attendance zone in which they live.

Students interested in the IB are strongly advised to enroll in preparatory courses during their freshman and sophomore years, especially in the areas of mathematics and foreign language. In addition, superior reading and writing skills better enable students to meet IB expectations.

Preparation during the middle school years would include completing the first level of a second language and a mathematics course equivalent to Algebra I.

For more information about IB in the Guilford County Schools, interested parents and students may contact Mrs. Sharon Haynes at High Point Central High School, (336-819-2825) or Mr. Bud Harrelson, Grimsley High School in Greensboro, (336-370-8195 or email: harrelc2@gcsnc.com ). The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) maintains a public information website.

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