The Foreign Service Journal, December 2006

86 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT The IB Curriculum The curriculum is made up of six subject areas, or groups: Language A1 (the student’s most “comfortable” language); Second Language (which can include A2, a language in which the student is fairly competent; B, a language in which the student has had some previous experience; or “language ab initio,” for beginners); Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; and the Arts. Within each of these subject areas dozens of courses may be offered, depending on the school and country. Courses are offered at both a “high” level and a “standard” level, so that students can choose even more rigor- ous courses for subjects in which they need a greater challenge. Students must take three subjects at a high level and three at a standard level, although taking four high-level subjects and two standard is allowed. The high-level classes take much more time (240 course-hours) than the standard-level classes (150 course-hours). In addition to the six subject areas above, the following three “core” areas are central to the program: 1. Extended Essay. Students are required to write up to 4,000 words (on a topic chosen by the student but with curricular and teacher guide- lines), usually due in the first term of the 12th grade. This is an opportuni- ty for students to utilize research techniques independently, and to write in depth at a college level. 2. Theory of Knowledge. This is an interdisciplinary seminar course exploring knowledge itself, including perception, cognition, philosophy and diverse viewpoints. Here, students hone their critical-thinking skills and learn to cogently present an argument by using supporting evidence. 3. CAS (Creativity, Action, Service). Students are required to participate in creative endeavors, either in or outside the classroom (e.g., art classes, choral singing, the- Continued on page 88 The IB has traditionally been thought of as a European program geared for students attending the top world universities, and this is probably still its main focus.