What is the advantage of taking IB instead of going through Grades 11 – 12 of the national curriculum?
International Baccalaureate (IB) will provide the student an international credentialrecognized by top universities here and abroad. The national curriculum (grades 11 and 12) is not accepted as a credential by the world’s top universities.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The program is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities such as Harvard University, Oxford University, and Seoul National University.
What are the benefits of enrolling in the IBDP?
The IB diploma gives you an edge over other student applicants as hundreds of top universities worldwide recognize IB. However, qualifications in terms of points per university may vary. Oxford University, for example, requires at least 38 points in order to be considered. Thus, you still have to exert extra effort to gain your desired points which can make you enter your dream university.
Also, with IB, students will be better prepared for university studies and will also have attained a higher level of critical thinking which is valuable in everyday life. Many universities offer significant credit for success in IB courses.
What’s in it for students who don’t go abroad?
Most of the top universities in the Philippines accept the IB Diploma as a valid entry credential for admission. These universities are Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines. In fact, an IB Diploma holder is granted automatic admission into any courses of the University of the Philippines as long as the slots are available. College credit is also given to courses taken within the IB program.
“I am a Korean and I really want to develop my English speaking skills. Am I assured that after finishing the IBDP I’ll be more confident?”
Yes, provided that you focus on your English studies. Recently, 8 out of 10 SISC IB students from Korea got a bilingual diploma; this only means that the IB program has developed the communication skills of these students in English.
Is the IBDP curriculum the same all over the world?
The core requirements are the same but there is room for flexibility. The courses offered by one school may differ somewhat from those of another school. For example, Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) offers Academic Induction Program for IB students who need to learn more in English, Math or Science.
Are all your teachers foreigners?
Some teachers are foreigners. But all our teachers are certified by the IB Organization to ensure that they are familiar with the basic philosophy, curricular model, and the program’s standards and practices. Some of them are already certified examiners of IB. Some have gained their teaching experience from other international schools.
Needless to say, we hire the best teachers for IBDP. In fact, a former teacher is now the Vice-Principal of an IB school in Dubai, while another teacher is now the Philippine Consul in France.
Is IBDP difficult?
There are more requirements in IB than in the grades 11 and 12 of the national curriculum. The subjects are very interesting and they will prepare the student for the most difficult subjects in the university. It improves your critical thinking and develops excellent study skills.
What are the subjects that I have to take?
Usually, students choose IB subjects depending on what they want to study in college. Nevertheless, students study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups, complete an extended essay, follow the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and participate in creativity, action, service (CAS).
The six subject groups are the following:
- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Group 4: Sciences
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: The Arts
What are the core requirements?
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- The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word piece of original research conducted by each IB Diploma candidate. It is completed between second semester of junior year and first semester of senior year. The student researches and writes on a topic of his/her choosing, and has an Extended Essay Advisor.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
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- Theory of Knowledge, or TOK, is a seminar-type course that explores the linkages between subject areas (courses). It is part existential, philosophical, psychological and metaphysical. It, also, is taken between second semester junior year and first semester senior year. Students submit a presentation-tape and reflective paper, in order to successfully complete the course.
- Creativity-Activity-Service (CAS)
- · CAS or Creativity-Activity-Service. In order to successfully complete the IB Diploma Program, each student must have documented 150 hours of after-school activities (during junior & senior year) that are evenly split among creative, action, and service oriented endeavors. Every student has a CAS Advisor, and reflects on learning from the endeavors. (During pre-IB (grades 9 & 10) 50 hours must also be completed.)
What is the difference between the Higher Level and Standard Level Subjects?
Higher level subjects require 240 teaching hours while standard level subjects require 150 teaching hours throughout the two-year program.
Can I take two subjects from the same group at the same time?
Yes, but you can’t enrol in any Arts subjects.
Is it possible to take four subjects at Higher Level?
Yes. For the IB Diploma, 3 (with a maximum of 4) higher level (HL) courses are required.
How do I earn the IB diploma?
The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole program and to satisfactory participation in the creativity, action, service requirement. The highest total that a Diploma Program student can be awarded is 45 points.
What is the IB bilingual diploma?
A bilingual diploma will be defined as follows:
- A combination of any two group 1 courses in different languages, of which there are three possible subject options, each passed with a grade of 3 or above.
- A group 3 or 4 subject taken in a language other than the candidate’s language A, passed with a grade of 3 or above.
Can I take individual Diploma Programme courses?
Yes, students who study subjects but choose not to take the entire diploma are considered as Diploma Program course candidates (formerly known as certificate students).
If the student failed the May external examinations, does that mean he/she doesn’t get a diploma?
Yes, but he/she will have the chance to retake the exams in a maximum of three examination sessions.
Is SISC an IB World School?
Yes, our school is authorized to offer the IB Diploma Program since August 2005.
Where are your IB graduates now?
Through the years, Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program graduates have an excellent track record in gaining acceptance into top local and foreign universities. This is because of SISC’s global academic atmosphere that prepares its students to be active and responsible citizens and leaders of society.
Our IB graduates are now admitted in different universities throughout the world- United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia, South Korea, etc.
What are the school activities in IB?
Every year, we ensure that students are exposed to different activities to further promote intercultural understanding and international mindedness. These activities include but are not limited to international study trips, Model United Nations (MUN), cultural shows, camps and outreach projects.
What are the nationalities of SISC-IB students?
We have a diverse student population. At present, we have Korean, American, Belgian, British, German, Japanese, Lebanese, Dutch, Bangladeshi, Indian, Malaysian, Indonesia, Russian, and Filipino students.
What is Academic Induction Program for IB?
Academic Induction Program for IB aims to prepare incoming IB students to the rigorous demands and challenges of the IB Program. The program which includes courses such as Study Skills, Literary Appreciation, Intensive English Review in Writing and Reading, and pre-IB Science and Mathematics.
Is there a student dormitory?
Yes. TREX Global Residences is a school managed dormitory that is less than a 5 minute walk from the campus.
Are there payment schemes available?
There are several payment schemes availble: one-time, semi-annually and quarterly payment.
What mode of payment is available?
Southville accepts cash payments in US Dollars
What are the requirements of IB Admission
Please bring the following upon application:
- 2 pcs. 2×2 pictures
- clear photocopy of the birth certificate
- clear photocopy of the Gr. 10 report card or the highest level attended
- accomplished application form
- admission processing fee of US$50.00
