Central High School

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IB Program

Our International Baccalaureate Programs provide...

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• A challenging, college-preparatory curriculum
• A student centered and balanced approach
• An Internationally minded perspective
• A way of standing out from the crowd in academics
• A possible avenue for earning college credit or scholarships

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How Did IB Come About?

In the aftermath of World War II, a small group of educators in Western Europe joined together to create a new approach to education:

• one that encouraged mutual respect & peace between nations,
• one that allowed students to express opinions openly, and
• one that recognized the need for interdependent action between nations to solve global issues and promote intercultural understanding.

In 1998 a small group of Central parents and staff sought to help revive Central & provide a new learning model by bringing in the IB program.

• What started out as a small group of 13 students has turned into the premier academic program in Springfield and the region!

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Why Choose Central?

• Ranked 2019 Top School in the Ozarks by U.S. News
• Recognized as one of America’s Most Challenging High Schools by The Washington Post
• Outstanding academic opportunities
• Dozens of fun clubs & activities
• Full range of athletics

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Central was named the most beautiful school in Missouri in 2017 by Architectural Digest.

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The IB Program Core

All IB Programs center around the

IB Learner Profile &

the Approaches to Learning Skills

The IB Learner Profile is the Heart of an

IB Education

Each class at Central has the Learner Profile at its core. Students are encouraged to develop each trait over the four years at Central.

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Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills are embedded in every course at Central

Thinking

• Thinking critically & creatively
• Connecting subjects
• Reflection

Communication

• Presenting
• Listening & viewing
• Non-verbal communication

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Social

• Collaboration
• Respect for other points of view
• Ethical behavior

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Self-management

• Organization
• Time management
• Affective/emotional management

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Research

• Formulating research questions
• Referencing sources
• Collecting, organizing, interpreting & presenting information

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There are two IB programs to choose from:

• IB Diploma Program
• IB Career-Related Program

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Students will take honors courses in 9th & 10th grades to prepare them for either program.

The IB Diploma Program Includes

• College-level courses in six subject areas
• Theory of Knowledge course
• The Extended Essay
• Creativity, Activity, Service
• Eligibility for the IB Diploma

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Diploma Program Subjects at CHS

Group 1: Language A

Literature in English

Group 2: Language Acquisition

French or Spanish

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Group 3: Individuals & Societies

History, Psychology, Global Politics, or Environmental Systems & Societies, Business Management

Group 4: Science

Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Systems & Societies

Group 5: Mathematics

Analysis and Approaches or Applications & Interpretations

(Topics include Trigonometry and Calculus)

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Group 6: Arts or Electives

Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, or another class from groups 1-5

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Theory of Knowledge

• Connects IB subjects & learning together
• Explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines
• Develops an appreciation of other individual and cultural perspectives
• Develops the IB Learner Profile Traits and ATL skills

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Extended Essay (EE)

• Opportunity to investigate a question of individual interest over the course of the junior and senior years
• Expands on learning from IB courses
• Familiarizes students with the independent research and writing skills expected in college
• Develops the IB Learner Profile Traits and ATL skills

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Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

• Encourages involvement in artistic pursuits, physical fitness, and service to others
• Connects in class learning to the outside world
• Encourages reflection
• Develops the IB Learner Profile Traits and ATL skills

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The IB Career-Related Program Includes

• Two or more Diploma Program Courses
• A Two Year Career-Related Study
• Personal and Professional Skills Class
• The Reflective Project
• Language Portfolio
• Service Learning
• Eligibility for the IB Career-Related Certificate

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Career Pathways at CHS

1:Biomedical

PLTW

2: Engineering

PLTW

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3: Computer Science

PLTW

4: Culinary 5. Business

Prostart ASK certification

certification MOS Certification

6: Film Production

Davinci Resolve

Drone Certification

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7: Education

DESE Certification

A+ Scholarship

TAP certification

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8: The Arts

Dual Enrollment

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9: Photography

Adobe Certification

Photoshop Certification

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Personal & Professional Skills

• Connects IB subjects together
• Explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines
• Develops an appreciation of other individual and cultural perspectives
• Develops the IB Learner Profile Traits and ATL skills

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Reflective Project

• 2 options: written research paper or project with written research
• Able to explore an ethical situation within the career pathway
• Familiarizes students with the independent research and writing skills expected in college
• Develops the IB Learner Profile Traits and ATL skills

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Service Learning

• Encourages involvement in service to others
• Connects in class learning to the outside world
• Encourages reflection
• Develops the IB Learner Profile Traits and ATL skills

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Where do you go from here?

Pathway to the Diploma & Career-Related Programs

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Apply for Admission

Enroll in 9^th & 10^th grade honors courses plus graduation requirements and electives

Select two-year plan for DP or CP

Earn good grades & explore activities

IB Admission Information

• Complete Online Application & Transitional Transfer Request (if needed) by December 9th
• Transitional Transfer window opens Nov. 2nd
• Receive Notification before end of 1st semester
• Attend Optional Shadowing Day in 2nd Semester (February & March)
• Schedule for 9th Grade Honors Classes
• Central Counselors will visit middle schools for scheduling

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The Fine Print...

• Only SPS district students are eligible to attend CHS for the IB Diploma or Career-Related Programs
• At this time there is no district transportation provided specifically to attend CHS for IB
• Students must continue to meet eligibility standards to remain in a full IB program pathway (good grades & good citizenship)
• At this time, families are expected to pay IB assessment fees (junior and/or senior year), however, financial assistance is available for students in need

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We hope to see you next year--contact us with any questions!

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• Molly Gray (DP Coordinator)

mgray@spsmail.org 523-9605

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• Donita Cox (CP Coordinator) dcox@spsmail.org 523-9606