The International Baccalaureate Program
@ Kettering Fairmont High School
IB @ KFHS
The IB program at Kettering Fairmont High School was established in 2008 to give students an opportunity to experience a rigorous, international-based education that allows them to bring their own experiences into the classroom and to grow from peer interactions, led by a teacher trained in the IB curriculum.
There are two paths by which students can earn IB credit: by taking individual IB courses or by enrolling in the IB Diploma Program. The latter path is a two-year course of study that asks students to choose 3 areas to concentration at higher level (two year courses, accumulating 240 contact hours) and 3 areas of concentration at standard level (one to two year courses, accumulating 150 contact hours). Diploma students also participate in the IB Core, consisting of: the extended essay, theory of knowledge course, and CAS (creativity, activity, service). At the end of the two years students can earn an IB Diploma by meeting criteria set by the IB.
Individual IB courses can be taken during junior and senior year without participating in the Diploma Program. Students can choose to take the course for its rigorous curriculum and learning opportunities only, or can complete the IB assessments and meet the criteria set by the IB to earn credit.
Choosing to pursue IB studies have many merits that include: rigorous curriculum that covers current and topical content, opportunities to make choices in areas of study, learning in both autonomous and group situations, strong relationships with fellow students and teachers and life experiences that prepare them for life in college and beyond.
IB is much more than an advanced studies program, it can be a way of life and a path to success for students. If you want more information about a specific college's offering for IB credits, you are encouraged to visit the college's website or to call an admissions officer.
IB Classes @ KFHS
Click on each class below to view the
IB Subject brief outlining the course
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL
Group 5: Mathematics
IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL
Group 6: The Arts
IB Core @ KFHS
The IB Core is a unique aspect to the program, deepening the IB experience by asking students to grow as learners, thinkers, and advocates for themselves and the world. The three parts of the IB Core are: The Theory of Knowledge (ToK); Creativity, Activity, & Service (Creativity, Activity, and Service, and the Extended Essay (EE).
The Theory of Knowledge aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases – whether these biases are retained, revised or rejected. It offers students and their teachers the opportunity to: reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and on areas of knowledge and to consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world. TOK also prompts students to: be aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge and recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world. TOK also provides coherence for the student, by linking academic subject areas as well as transcending them.It therefore demonstrates the ways in which the student can apply their knowledge with greater awareness and credibility.
Creativity, Activity, Service requires students to take part in a range of experiences and at least one project. These should involve: real, purposeful activities, with significant outcomes, personal challenge, thoughtful consideration, such as planning, reviewing progress, reporting, reflection on outcomes and personal learning. We don't prescribe specific projects or activities to students. All students should be involved in activities they've initiated themselves. IB World Schools will then suggest particular projects.
The Extended Essay provides practical preparation for undergraduate research and an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay. Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in: formulating an appropriate research question, engaging in a personal exploration of the topic, communicating ideas, developing an argument. Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.
Information on core subjects from ibo.org
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON IB @ KFHS?
Contact Darren McGarvey, IB Coordinator at darren.mcgarvey@ketteringschools.org or by calling 937.499.1662.
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