International Baccalaureate
Continuity
Information for TAG Center Middle School Students
Diploma Programme
What is
IB?
The International
Baccalaureate (IB) programme is a globally recognized education program which
prepares students for the 21st century by developing, inquiring, caring, and knowledgeable
young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through
intercultural understanding and respect. The high school IB programmes in
Prince George’s County Public Schools begin in 9th and 10th grades with a
Pre-Diploma Programme (PDP) courses in English, World Languages, Social Studies,
Science, and Mathematics. During these first two years, students are prepared
for the rigor of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) beginning in the 11th grade and
culminating in the 12th grade.
To achieve the
prestigious IB diploma, students must score (4 out of 7) on each of the six
required subject exams and complete the Diploma Programme Core requirements.
The Diploma Programme Core comprises of a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, a
community service project--Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and report
their independent research in an extended essay.
For additional information on IB, visit www.ibo.org and IB Program Brochure.
Among
the benefits of the IB Programme are:
- higher university acceptance rates
for IB applicants than for total population of applicants;
- opportunities to earn college
credit and advanced standing at worldwide institutions;
- increased scholarship and grant opportunities;
- rigorous academic program that
truly prepares students for college;
- emphasis on international
mindedness and a course of study that encourages and models lifelong learning
skills; and
- access to highly qualified and
trained IB teachers.
More information about IB schools in PGCPS,
visit http://www.pgcps.org/ib/.
Continuity
to IB Program means that TAG Center students, who
successfully completed the criteria below, are eligible to participate in a
district IB DP without having to complete an application packet.
Requirements
for TAG Continuity:
- completion of TAG Center Middle School Program;
- 3.0 GPA in Core Courses (Reading
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, US History, and World Language);
and
- Level 1 of World Language
(preferably Spanish, French, or Chinese) and Math 8 Honors or higher.
- TAG students who meet these requirements have
a guaranteed placement into the preparation phase for the IB DP in 9th and 10th grades.
- No continuity
exists for formal entry into the IB DP for 11th and 12th grades. An application
and interview will be needed at the IB school.
Timeline:
December TAG Center Middle School student record review will be
completed
February Pupil Accounting and School Boundaries will distribute
letters regarding program options
March Deadline to accept
an IB placement at your designated/boundary IB
school
April/May Registration by High School counselor or IB DP Coordinator
for those students committing to IB
April/May Placement in IB PDP courses is based on grades/courses
in Middle School
Students accepted into the IB Programme will
receive transportation.
Expectations
of IB PDP Students:
- maintain 3.0 GPA;
- participation in high school
extracurricular activities (sports or academic);
- participation in service
activities while in high school;
- remain in the IB boundary; and
- application/interview for entry
into IB DP in 11th grade (continuity is not guaranteed).
For more
information about the IB Programme, please contact 301-808-8275.
For more
information about the Talented and Gifted Center Program (TAG), please contact
Theresa Jackson, Supervisor of TAG Programs, tjackson@pgcps.org, 301-808-3790.