The College Counseling Parent Survey will continue to be open so that we can address your questions. We are looking forward to including helpful information at the end of each month in the Village School Newsletter.
BUISK Presentation Last week the College Counseling Office hosted ten universities from the UK. Three of them presented to parents regarding the UK admissions process, in general, and specifically regarding Medicine and Health Sciences. It was a great turnout, with more than 50 parents, including some fathers. Thank you for your support. Here is the link to the recording along with the presentation slides. If you have any questions please contact the CC office.
Common Question: What are the pathways and courses that are available to students in Upper School?
In Grades 9 and 10, students continue in the IB MYP. They will take courses in integrated math, integrated science, English, Korean or Spanish/Chinese, or select native languages, individuals and societies, design, physical & health education and an elective of media, visual arts, music or drama. Students take four courses each day which last 75 minutes. There are odd block and even block days.
In Grades 11 and 12, students may choose one of three pathways to graduation (please note that all students will earn the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma).
- Pathway #1 - IB Diploma Program. Students will take one class from each major subject area: language A (fluent), language acquisition or a second language A, math, science, individuals and societies and arts (please note that a student may substitute language acquisition, science, or individuals and societies for an art class). Each class has a higher-level option and a standard-level option. Higher-level courses will meet an extra block every two weeks and either go more in-depth in the topics being taught or include additional topics. For the diploma, students must choose three higher-level courses and three standard-level courses. Students also will take a course called Theory of Knowledge. There are four blocks each day for 75 minutes, with an even block day and an odd block day. Students will have the same schedule for two years. In addition to the coursework, students will write an Extended Essay (4000 words) on a topic of their choice and they will create and participate in CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) projects.
- Pathway #2 - IB Careers Program. Students will take at least two IB courses (Students may take other IB/non-IB courses to meet CI graduation requirements) for two years at the higher or standard level in an area that should relate to their career-related study course. Students will also take classes related to their career-related pathway at the university level at institutions with whom Chadwick International has an articulation agreement. The university courses are completed over two years, depending on the university program, and most are online (synchronous and asynchronous). The college-level courses taken by the student are reflected on their school transcript. Students undertake classes to meet the IBCP core requirements, including a Personal & Professional skills course, Language Development, Reflective Project and Service Learning. The Reflective Project is an extended piece of research in which the student presents a paper on an issue related to their career choice. The Service Learning projects are service projects that are initiated as a result of a need identified in the community and addressed through action. Students must also take IB or non-IB courses to fulfill the necessary graduation requirements.
- Pathway #3 - Chadwick International Diploma Program. Students may take a combination of IBDP higher level and/or standard level courses, non-IBDP courses, and online courses (one per semester) to meet and exceed graduation requirements. It is recommended that students take two years of the same course if enrolled in IBDP courses to be eligible to take the external exam and earn a certificate. However, they may choose to take only one year if it better suits the student academically. Students must complete a Senior Project, which is an essay of 1500 words, and complete CAS requirements.
Please note that all Grade 10 students are guided thoroughly through the pathways/course selection process when selecting their program and schedules for Grade 11. They meet with the IBDP/IBCP Coordinators, their current subject teachers, the department heads of each subject area, and their College Counselor so they are well-informed of their choices.
Vocabulary Major: This is the primary course/subject a student will study in a university. Many, but not all classes will be related to the major. A major will usually have 12 required courses related to a specific area.
Minor: Once a student declares a major, they may find that many of their classes relate to one another in another area. This may qualify them to earn a minor, which usually consists of six courses in a subject area.
Core Courses: Most universities will require students to take courses outside of their major to fulfill university graduation requirements; for example, math, natural science, English and world language.
Elective courses: Most university programs allow students to select courses outside of their major in order to explore other academic topics. Elective courses can be used to fulfill requirements for a minor.
Learning More IB Diploma Video IB Careers Program Video CI Public Curriculum Resources |