Welcome to the general IB page. If you are a student at Hvitfeldtska Gymnasiet and you want to check home work, what you missed, tests coming up, etc... then you should go to IB Classes;
Link to IB Classes
If you want some general information about IB History then you should go to this page;
Link to general information about IB History
If you
just want to find out more about the IB Diploma programme, the IB programme in Sweden, IB History and use some material you have come to the right place. Please enjoy these pages - if you have any questions (or comments) feel free to contact me on the following email address:
macgregorishistory@gmail.com
Background history of IB
In Sweden today (august 2006) we have 28 different schools that offers the IB Diploma Programme. The first school to receive IB status in Sweden was Kungsholmen's Gymnasium in 1977. In 1981 Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket followed and in 1989 Hvitfeldtska Gymnasiet started the IB Diploma Programme. This school-year (2008-2009) we will celebrate 20 successful years!
IBO as an organization was founded in the 1960s. The idea was for international schools to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for geographically mobile students.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19 years. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfil requirements of various national education systems, the diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of many. The programme is available in English, French and Spanish.
In Sweden, the IB programme comprises three years of study in order to fulfil requirements of the national education system. The "pre-IB" year helps the students to build up necessary skills to be able to manage the demands of the Diploma Programme. The teaching language is English.
Hvitfeldtska Gymnasiet offers the following subjects:
Group 1 Language A English A1, Swedish A1
Group 2 Language A2/B English A2/B, French B, German B, Swedish A2/B
Group 3 Individuals and Societies Economics, Geography, History, Psychology
Group 4 Experimental Sciences Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Group 5 Mathematics Mathematics HL, Mathematical Methods SL, Mathematical Studies SL
Group 6 The Arts and Electives Art/Design
Requirements for IB-programme applicants:
First year: Nine years of school (corresponding to the 9th Grade of Swedish Comprehensive School)
Second Year: Completed education from the 10th Grade
Good written and spoken English
Passing test-results in Mathematics and English
Examination fees to be paid
Application preferably before February 1
IB exams
In 1968 Sweden got rid of the exams which ended the High School education. Most countries still have exams - and so does the IB Diploma Programme. In May during the last year all IB students goes through the exams in all their chosen topics. Two or three different papers should be answered in each topic during the exam weeks. The exams are created by the IBO staff. The exams will be carried out at the same date and time wherever you live - New York, Moscow, Panama or Gothenburg... The answers will be sent to external examiners all around the world (often experienced IB teachers) for grading. Samples of the examiners grading will be sent to a moderating team who then decide about the grade levels. This whole procedure is to ensure a fair and equal evaluation of the knowledge of each individual student. Hvitfeldtska Gymnasiet has several examiners among their teaching staff.
IB grades and diploma
At both higher and standard level each subject is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, where 7 is the maximum. The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points. Students holding the Diploma are accepted by universities in more than 100 countries all over the world.
Together with the 6 subjects the student has to fulfil the following:
Extended Essay
The student has to submit an essay of some 4000 words in an IB subject chosen by the student. This will give the student an excellent opportunity to undertake original research and learn more about a topic of special interest to the student. The essay is assessed by an external examiner.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of knowledge is a subject which aims to train the student in critical thinking. Themes like Logic, Ethics and Philosophy are discussed. TOK is not graded, but essays must be submitted and are externally moderated.
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
The CAS programme aims to let the student experience the importance of life outside school. Creativity and Action should play an equal part with Service in the CAS programme. CAS should challenge and extend the individual student, develop a spirit of discovery and self-reliance, encourage new skills and interests and inspire a sense of responsibility towards all members of the community.
