North Shore High School: An IB World School
The Diploma Program is designed to engage students in a cohesive experience that hones their skills as learners, fosters interdisciplinary learning, and prepares them for global citizenship in the 21st century. Students will spend their junior and senior years immersed in studies and experiences that will ready them for college and beyond. Juniors and Seniors who engage in the Diploma Program are highly motivated students of varying educational backgrounds, abilities, and interests.
Benefits of the Diploma Program:
Unique Opportunities:
 |
Independent, long term research project based on personal interest |
|
A comprehensive, coordinated, and synergistic approach to all classes through Theory of Knowledge and the Learner Profile |
|
Community service that includes physical activity and creativity |
|
A global awareness important to a member of the 21st century world |
|
Thorough preparation for college work and expectations |
Ms. Michelle Lempenski |
IB Coordinator |
516.277.7079 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Donna Rice |
Extended Essay Supervisor |
516.277.7080 |
|
Christine Halloran |
Creativity-Action-Service Coordinator |
516.277.7025 |
THE CORE AND IB OPTIONS
THE CORE
The diploma program, or DP, is built upon a philosophy of interdisciplinary, college level course work at the heart of which is the "core": Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity - Action - Service). All diploma candidates will complete these over the course of Junior and Senior years.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): this course centers around critical thinking. Students inquire into the "nature of knowing". How do you know what you know? What affects what you know and how you know it? This is a course unto itself as well as an integral part of all IB courses.
Extended Essay (EE): students engage in mentored independent research through an in-depth study of a self-generated question relating to one of the subjects they are studying culminating in a 4,000 word essay.
Creativity Action Service (CAS): involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic schedule. To complete this requirement, students must exhibit creative thinking, action through a healthy lifestyle, and physical activity and service with the community. This can all be done through a well thought out community service project, or in smaller parts.
This is a core aspect of the IB Diploma program is CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Through CAS, students reflect on the learning that takes place in their various extra-curricular activities and plan a project that incorporates these areas. CAS experiences and projects often have a lasting impact on both the learner and the community. This year, seniors recorded their CAS final presentations and the videos have been uploaded to a YouTube channel, so that others may view them. To see the Class of 2020's presentations, please visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSAqT60CuHFGZ7A3t-xqifzWsby-YK550
IB OPTIONS AT NSHS
Students have the ability to choose two paths of study within IB. They may choose to be a full Diploma Candidate or they may choose to be a Certificate Candidate.
Diploma Candidates will engage in a comprehensive program of study including their course work and "The Core" and will choose one course from each of six groups or they may choose an additional course from Groups 1-5 in lieu of a Group 6. IB courses may be offered at the Higher Level or at the Standard Level:
Higher Level: 2 year course, 240 hours
Standard Level: 1 or 2 years, 150 hours.
Diploma Candidates must take a minimum of 3, but no more than 4, at the Higher Level (HL) and 3, but no less than 2, at the Standard Level (SL). These courses culminate in an exam that may qualify the student to receive college credit.
Certificate Candidates will be exposed to individual courses of study with core aspects of the full program woven throughout the course. They may choose to take any singular course, or courses, for an individual certificate in each. This does not include the core as explained above. As with the Diploma Program, these courses culminate in an exam that may qualify the student to receive college credit.