Curriculum

International curriculum planners seek to ensure that the organization's educational aims are embodied in the structure and content of the program itself. The diploma program is displayed below in the shape of a hexagon with six academic areas surrounding the core. Subjects are studies concurrently and students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning: humanities and the sciences.

Diploma candidates are required to select one subject of each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours while SL courses cover 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period.

Distribution requirements ensure that the science-oriented student is challenged to learn a foreign language and that the natural linguist becomes familiar with laboratory procedures. While overall balance is maintained, flexibility in choosing higher level concentrations allows the student to pursue areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university entrance.

Pre-International Baccalaureate: Grades 9 and 10. Pre-International Baccalaureate prepares students for the International Baccalaureate program in grades 11 and 12. Most students will apply and be accepted into the Pre-IB program in the spring of the 8th grade year for entry as 9th graders. Some exceptions include transferring from another Pre-IB program, or a similarly rigorous course of study, or the Middle Years program. Acceptance is based upon the following criteria:

• Performance on the Stanford Achievement Test or a similar standardized test
  
• GPA of 3.0 in 7th grade and at least the first semester of 8th grade
  
• Teacher recommendations
  
• Interview
  
• Impromptu essay

Required 9th grade courses: English I Pre-IB; World History Pre-IB; Algebra I Honors Pre-IB, Geometry Pre-IB, Algebra II Honors; Pre-IB, Spanish or Latin 1 and 2 Pre-IB; and, Biology Pre-IB

Required 10th grade courses: English II Pre-IB; Visions/Counter visions or European History AP; Geometry Pre-IB, Algebra II Honors Pre-IB, or pre-Calculus Pre-IB; Spanish or Latin 3 Pre-IB; and, Chemistry Pre-IB

Students in Pre-IB must meet the CAS requirement.

International Baccalaureate: Grades 11 and 12. Students are accepted into the IB program upon two criteria: successful completion of the Pre-IB or Middle Years program, including CAS, and teacher recommendation. Only students who enter the county from another IB program may be accepted into the Orange County Public Schools IB program without having completed the Orange County Public Schools Pre-IB curriculum. Even these students must understand that if their previous Pre-IB/IB curriculum does not match the Orange County Public Schools IB curriculum, they may not be able to sit for the diploma. Students in the International Baccalaureate program agree to the following:

To continue the grade, attendance, and conduct requirements of the program, signing an Honor Code pledge each year.

To write the extended essay, meet deadlines, and work with the IB advisor.

To meet the CAS requirements and deadlines.

To sit for the IB diploma, taking the required examinations in six approved subject areas during the junior and senior years.

Required IB Courses: IB students must take a minimum of three and not more than four Higher Level (HL) exams. These classes are two-year classes and testing is in May of the senior year. Two classes are required, and one or two more are electives. The following subjects are offered at Higher Level:

Language A1 (English)-Required

History of the Americas-Required

Theory of Knowledge- Required

Theater Arts-Elective

Computer Science-Elective

Biology-Elective

Mathematics-Elective (Students choosing Math HL must opt for four HL exams and two SL exams.)

Music-Elective

IB students must also take the required number of exams at Standard Level (SL) to complete the six exam requirement; i.e., two or three SL exams. These classes, except Language B (Spanish and Latin), test at the end of the junior year. Language B tests at the end of the senior year.

The following subjects are offered at Standard Level:

Language B (Spanish or Latin*)-Required

Math Studies-Elective

Math Methods-Elective

Biology-Elective

Chemistry-Elective

Physics-Elective

Integrated Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)-Elective

Computer Science-Elective

Theater Arts-Elective

Music-Elective

Sophomores must complete form exhibiting decision for IB courses he/she wishes to undertake.

*Class of 2005 and later

The normal course of study is three HL exams and three SL exams, although some students may opt for four HL exams and two SL exams. All six course areas of the IB hexagon must be represented.

IB courses have some assignments that are sent around the world to be graded. Other assignments are internally graded, but externally moderated. Standard Level (SL) Courses are one-year courses, except for Spanish and Latin, which are two-year courses. Higher Level (HL) Courses are two-year courses.

Please be aware that once you are accepted into pre-International Baccalaureate or International Baccalaureate, beginning each year is a commitment to finishing that school year in the Pre-IB or IB program. Violations of the school's and IB's honor code, issues of cheating, conduct unbecoming of a UHS student, or failure to maintain a 3.0 Weighted GPA are all reasons for probationary action and possible dismissal.

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