Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the IB Diploma Program prepare students for university?
Students enrolled in the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) develop specific skills that support their transition to university/college life. Specifically these skills include: research and essay writing, speaking, critical analysis, data analysis, time management and reflection.2. Is IB only for students who want to pursue science or engineering?
No, the IB Diploma Program is an option for any student who is motivated, capable of success in high school academics and committed to putting in the necessary effort.The IBDP is a liberal arts program that allows students to explore their strengths and challenges. IB courses are suitable for students who would like to pursue their interest in the arts or humanities as well as business, science and engineering.
Specific IB courses that may be of interest to students interested in the arts or humanities are IB Theatre Arts, IB Visual Arts, IB Film Studies and IB Math Studies.
3. Can students go directly into the IB Diploma Program without doing the Pre-IB program offered in Grade 10?
Yes, students can enter the IBDP without having taken the Pre-IB program offered in Grade 10. However, it is recommended that students take the Pre-IB program in Grade 10 to support the development of the skills they will need to enhance their success in the IBDP.4. Do IB students have to write exams in Grade 11 and/or 12?
Preparing for a successful examination experience is an important aspect of the IBDP. Simulated IB exams designed by teachers are often written in Grade 11 and Grade 12.IB examinations are written during the month of May of the Grade 12 year. Some students may write one or two IB exams in Grade 11 depending on school scheduling. The remainder of the exams are written during the Grade 12 year.
5. How are IB courses marked?
IB courses are criterion marked from 1-7, rather than on a percentage scale.Teachers use assessment tools that they are trained to use during their IB training. They derive raw marks that are converted to 1-7 grades for assessments using mark bands published by IB each year. Mark bands are subject specific.
Within each IB course there are particular assessments that are required to be submitted to the IB organization and final examinations or assessments that need to be completed. The work that teachers assign in the day to day life of the course is developed to prepare students with the skills to be successful in these IB assessments.
Students take 6 IB courses, for a maximum of 42 total points (6 courses x 7 possible points). In addition, students can receive up to 3 additional points for the writing of their Extended Essay and TOK Essay/Oral Presentation.
This means the maximum score that a student taking the IB Diploma Program can achieve is 45 points. Students have to also successfully complete their CAS requirements in order to obtain their IB Diploma.
6. How do IB marks compare to percentage marks?
IB students are evaluated with a mark from 1-7, following IB guidelines for a particular subject. Marks from 1-7 appear on the school report cards of IB students.For the most part, percentage marks are not used to communicate an IB student’s progress. However, IB students can receive a transcript that shows a conversion of their IB marks of 1-7 to a percentage grade. This conversion process is consistently applied by all IB teachers in Nova Scotia using a conversion scale.
The percentage marks are not the same as the raw marks that teachers use to derive the 1-7 scale. IB students receive two transcripts, one recording the IB marks and one with the percentage conversions to facilitate university/college admissions.
7. What are the graduation requirements for a student taking the IB Diploma Program?
The IB Diploma satisfies provincial graduation requirements. Students enrolled in the IB Diploma program who have completed all the requirements for the diploma to the satisfaction of the school will earn a Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma.
8. How do I obtain an IB Diploma?
Students and their parents are encouraged to discuss the specific requirements/strategies for obtaining an IB Diploma with the IB Coordinator at the IB World School. IB students and their parents are required to consult and read the IB General Regulations document available on the IBO website.9. What happens if I go into the program and find out it’s not for me, or I’m not doing well?
Sometimes students may decide that the IB Diploma Program is not a good fit for them. Students who have registered for the IBDP are expected to complete their Grade 11 year and it is at this juncture that the student is advised to leave the program to support their transition to the regular academic program and register for courses that are required for a Nova Scotia graduation certificate.Soft Landing Guidelines have been developed for the transfer of IB course work to an equivalent PSP (Public School Program) courses.
10. Do all universities accept IB Diploma graduates even if students haven’t graduated with high school credits?
Students who are anticipated to successfully complete the IB Diploma Program will graduate from high school. Universities/colleges recognize the rigorous academic requirements of the IB Diploma Program and individual IB Certificate courses.They are familiar with the interpretation of the IB marking scheme and often have scholarships and special awards or privileges that are designated for IB Diploma students.
Each university has its own policies regarding IB. It is recommended that students directly consult with the Registrar or the Admissions Office of the university/college they intend to apply to for the most current information on recognition of the IB Diploma at that particular university/college.
11. Can a student involved in activities inside and outside of school, still be successful in the IB Diploma Program?
Most students engaged in the IB Diploma Program are involved in many activities.The IBDP encourages students to pursue activities and gives recognition of the personal growth that occurs through participation in such activities through the CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) component of the program.
Students learn time management skills that allow them to develop balance between their academics, activities, social and work lives.
12. What supports are available to students participating in the IB Diploma Program?
Student support is accessed through the IB Coordinator. An important aspect of the IB Coordinator’s role is to maintain an open dialogue with students, so that supports can be put in place.The IB Coordinator works closely with Guidance, Administration, and IB teachers.