Ingraham’s IB Course Offerings

Ingraham’s IB courses are open to all students who are in 11th/12th grade or who have met the pre-requisites. All full IB Diploma Candidates must take one course from each group – six total and the IB Core. The six total courses must be made-up of 3 HL courses and 3 SL courses. At Ingraham, all full IB Diploma Candidates take Group 1 – IB Literature HL and Group 3 – IB History HL, plus a third HL course of their choosing.

Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature

All students at Ingraham take IB Literature in 11th and 12th grade. This two – YEAR sequence of courses prepares students to take the IB Literature exam at the Higher level. IB Literature is built on the assumption that literature is concerned with our conceptions, interpretations, and experiences of the world. The study of literature can therefore be seen as an exploration of the way it represents the complex pursuits, anxieties, joys, and fears to which human beings are exposed in the daily business of living. Through the study of a wide range of literature, the IB Literature course encourages students to appreciate the artistry of literature and to develop an ability to reflect critically on their reading. Works are studied in their literary and cultural contexts, through close study of individual texts and passages, and by considering a range of critical approaches.

• IB Literature HL

Group 2 – Language Acquisition

Group 2, Language Acquisition, is also called World Languages or Second Languages at high school.  Students assessed in Language B typically start studying the language during middle school. Pre-requisite for all languages: Level 3

• IB Spanish (SL/HL)
• IB French (SL/HL)
• IB Japanese (SL/HL)

Learn more about Group 2 Language Acquisition on the IB website.

Group 3 – Individuals and Societies

At Ingraham, all juniors take IB History of the Americas. The following year students may choose to continue to IB 20th Century History or take American Government. To align with Washington State and Seattle School District requirements, all of our IB Diploma students complete IB History HL for Group 3. International Baccalaureate History of Americas examines US History in the broader political, social and economic context of the hemisphere. Students will study topics ranging from European colonization to the civil rights movements and Vietnam War. Special emphasis will be placed on historical analysis and writing, historiography and preparation for IB exams.

• IB History (HL) – IB History of the Americas and IB 20th Century = IB History HL

Students take our remaining subjects from Group 3 in place of the Group 6 Arts IB requirement.

• IB Psychology (SL/HL)
• IB Economics (SL)
• IB Environmental Systems and Societies (SL) – this is a Group 3 or a Group 4
• Business Management SL (beginning fall 2024)

Group 4 – Sciences

• IB Biology (HL)
• IB Biology (SL)
• IB Chemistry (SL)
• IB Physics (SL)
• IB Environmental Systems and Societies (SL) – this is a Group 3 or a Group 4
• Computer science SL (beginning fall 2024)
• Sports, exercise, and health science SL (beginning fall 2024)

Group 5 – Mathematics

IB Math Applications and Interpretations

SL, prepares students to take the IB examination in May. This course emphasizes mathematical modeling and statistics. Students solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalizations. Students develop strong technology skills and understand the links between theoretical and practical concepts in mathematics. For students interested in social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, statistics, business, engineering, some economics, psychology, design and other non-STEM fields.

• IB Math Applications and Interpretations (SL)
  • Pre-requisite: Algebra 2

IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL C/D Prepares students to take the IB examination in May. This course develops important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way, with an emphasis on algebraic methods. Students solve real and abstract problems. This course has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments. Students develop the skills needed to continue in the study of mathematics and other STEM areas. For students interested in mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, economics and STEM field.

IB Math Analysis and Approaches HL A/B is the first year of a two – YEAR course that is part of the IB Diploma Programme and prepares students to take the IB examination in May of their second year. This course develops important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way, with an emphasis on algebraic methods. Students solve real and abstract problems. This course has a strong emphasis on the ability to construct, communicate and justify correct mathematical arguments. Students develop the skills needed to continue in the study of mathematics and other STEM areas. Topics are studied in greater depth and breadth than in Standard Level (SL).

• IB Math Approaches and Analysis (SL/HL)
  • Pre-requisite: Algebra 2

Group 6 – Arts

• IB Art  (SL/HL)
• IB Film (SL)
  • Strongly encouraged to take the Film: Art and Story class before this

IB Core

Three core requirements that are integral to the IB Diploma curriculum are:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – an interdisciplinary class the students start the second semester of their first year and finish first semester of their second year. Students reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we know.

Extended essay – an independent research assignment of 4,000 words in one of the six subject areas. This is one of the ways in which IB Diploma Program Students can specialize in a certain subject area and prepare for university studies.

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) – participation by students over the two years in experiential learning outside the classroom. The CAS requirement allows students to gain real-life experiences, as well as challenge themselves by setting goals and reflecting on their learning.

IB Course Candidates

Course candidates are students who are enrolled in IB courses and are taking one or more exams, but are not doing the IB diploma. Course candidates can choose their IB courses and decide on which exams they want to take.  As with diploma students, course candidates also may receive college recognition based on the scores they achieved.

“IB programs set themselves apart from other curricula and regimes by focusing on critical thinking, values and attributes, as opposed to testing students’ on rote memorisation and regurgitation of information,” – Stuart Jones (Head of IB world schools)

Universities recognize the outstanding qualities of IB Diploma Program students. Typically, diploma holders are ready to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community. They demonstrate a capacity for in-depth study while maintaining a broad perspective of the different subject areas. They are able to ask challenging questions but also know how to research a topic and express their opinion. They have a strong sense of their own culture and identity, as well as the ability to communicate in two or more languages with people who have a different perspective of the world.

Additionally in the state of Washington, a student that successfully completes an IB course and takes the examination may receive college credit. For schools outside of Washington, check with that university’s admissions page to learn how they apply IB credits.

• Benefits of the IB Diploma Programme
• How do Universities View the IB Diploma Programme?
• How to make your IB credentials stand out in the university application process (Download the Parent Pack)

For Prospective Students and Parents

While the IB Diploma Programme does not start until 11th grade, our 9th and 10th grade courses are designed to prepare students for IB coursework. There are no special courses the students should take to prepare, however, if a student is thinking about joining the full IB Diploma cohort, they complete year three of their world language and Algebra 2 during their sophomore year.

For students who are currently enrolled at Ingraham as Sophomores who anticipate doing the IB diploma program should consult with their counselor during registration for the coming year. Students entering as transfer students for the diploma program as juniors are still required to complete the declaration.

The phrase IBx refers to a previous program in which APP/HCC designated students maintained their cohort through ninth grade and then began the IB Diploma Program in tenth grade. Our school is no longer operating that program. Students with HCC designation who meet the math and language pre-requisites are allowed to opt for Early Entry into the IB Diploma program, completing the full IB Diploma in their junior year. Then they have the option to graduate early or take Running Start classes at North Seattle College during their senior year.

Sample Schedules for IB Diploma Candidates

Internationally Recognized Standards

The IB Diploma Program is widely recognized for its high academic standards. Assessment is varied and takes place over two years (11th and 12th), with final examinations in each subject. Students’ work is assessed by an international board of examiners, who are themselves rigorously trained and monitored by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). 

Earning the IB Diploma 

The IB allows for a range of academic abilities. Points for the diploma are allotted based on a student’s performance on various assessments throughout each course. A maximum of 7 points may be earned in each of the 6 subject areas (Literature, History, World Language, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and the Sixth Subject). Students may earn up to 3 additional “bonus” points from the Extended Essay research paper and the Theory of Knowledge course. Students receive the IB Diploma if they earn 24 points on the 45-point scale, and complete their CAS requirements.

Exam Fees 

The exam fees change year-to-year and can also vary if the student is a Diploma student or a Course Candidate, see the exam fee schedule for the latest. Per the state of Washington, students who qualify for free and reduced lunches can take the exams at reduced rates. Additionally, Ingraham does have some limited scholarship funds available for students who do not qualify for the free and reduced lunch rate, see your IB coordinator.

The Corrie Lazar Fund was established in 2010 for the purpose of insuring access to the IB program for all families, regardless of economic circumstances. Many families that do not qualify for federal/state aid are unable to pay the full exam fees. Ongoing contributions by Friends of Ingraham, the Ingraham community, and the Lazar family have allowed us to continue the program beyond the initial grant. To date the fund has helped pay exam fees for over 90 students. However, the funds are limited and we anticipate a greater need for assistance this year from the CLF. Please help continue this valued legacy by donating.

Registration for Exams

Registration for the May exams happens in the first couple weeks of October. Registration and payments made after the initial period will be assessed a late penalty.

April-May 2024 IB Exam Schedule

What are the requirements for entrance into the IB Diploma Program?
IB Diploma candidates must complete the second year of their foreign language and Algebra 2 during their sophomore year.

What is the difference between Honors, AP and IB?
Honors courses are accelerated high school-level courses. AP (Advanced Placement) courses are college-level courses in specific subjects leading to an exam at the end of each course. IB Diploma courses are part of a two-year, comprehensive course of study consisting of 6 subject areas that lead to exams, a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, a 4,000-word independent research paper called the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) involvements. Candidates who complete the IB diploma requirements in good faith, also receive a high school diploma. In the state of Washington, any student that receives a 4 or above on an IB exam receives college credit. Outside of Washington state, the credit awarded can differ from college to college.

Must a student be academically gifted to be in the IB Diploma Program?
No. The common standard of IB students is that they like to learn and are willing to work hard. They should be highly motivated, have a strong academic foundation, and have good abilities in all subject areas.

Can students take IB courses and not do the full diploma?
Absolutely. Students that take IB classes but are not full-diploma candidates are called course candidates. These students can decide to test in the subject or just take the class, either way the class will show on the students’ transcripts, and they will receive the benefits of an IB education. Additionally, every student that takes Literature or History their junior year at Ingraham takes IB Literature or IB History of the Americas – they can choose to take the second year of the course their senior years or not. At Ingraham there is no wrong way to do IB.

What Higher Level (HL) subjects are offered at Ingraham?
IHS offers Biology, Psychology, Film, Mathematics, French, Spanish, Japanese, Literature, History, and Visual Arts at the Higher Level. All IB students MUST take at least 3, but no more than 4, HL courses, per International Baccalaureate Organization regulations to receive the IB Diploma.

How does IB determine who earns the IB Diploma?
The IB allows for a range of academic abilities. Points for the diploma are allotted based on a student’s performance on various assessments throughout each course. A maximum of 7 points may be earned in each of the 6 subject areas (Literature, History, World Language, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, and the Sixth Subject). Students may earn up to 3 additional “bonus” points from the Extended Essay research paper and the Theory of Knowledge course. Students receive the IB Diploma if they earn 24 points on the 45-point scale, and complete their CAS requirements.

What does the IB program cost?
The exam fees change year-to-year and can also vary if the student is a Diploma student or a Course Candidate, see the exam fee schedule for the latest. Per the state of Washington, students who qualify for free and reduced lunches can take the exams at reduced rates. Additionally, Ingraham does have some limited scholarship funds available for students who do not qualify for the free and reduced lunch rate, see your IB coordinator.

When is registration for IB exams?
Registration for the May exams happens in the first couple weeks of October. Registration and payments made after the initial period will be assessed a late penalty.

Can IB students be involved in athletics and extra-curricular activities, have a social life, and still maintain good grades?
Definitely. Most IB students are very involved in sports and/or clubs and activities here at Ingraham, as well as in their community. They have active social lives and say they do need some time for fun in order to be effective learners. IB encourages students to become efficient time managers. They learn to prioritize course work and create study groups for their own learning styles.

How do colleges and universities view the IB Diploma?
Worldwide, academic institutions view the IB Diploma Program as the most rigorous high school coursework available. IB Diploma graduates are highly regarded because they have proven themselves capable of completing college-level work while being involved in their schools and communities. Colleges and universities know that most IB graduates will continue their involvement and academic performance at the colleges they choose to attend. How to make your IB credentials stand out in the university application process (download the Parent Pack).

How much credit do universities award students who earn the IB Diploma?
University credit varies widely. To get an idea of how much credit a particular university awards an IB Diploma graduate, look at the admissions page of the school’s website, and search for “IB credit”. In the state of Washington, students who attend a public university are granted college credit for every subject they score 4 or higher. Students at the University of Washington can receive a maximum of 45 credits from the IB Diploma or five credits per exam scored four or above.

What kinds of colleges and universities do IHS IB Diploma graduates attend?
Each year, our IB Diploma Program graduates are accepted, and enroll in, a wide variety and type of institutions. Many enroll in highly-regarded liberal arts schools and elite institutions, while other choose to stay home and attend schools such as the University of Washington and Seattle U.

Are IB students at Ingraham High School isolated from other students?
No, students are not isolated into IB or non-IB cohorts. Freshman and Sophomores have classes with a variety of students, whether they plan to do IB. Each IB class is a mix of students who are diploma candidates, course candidates, or not intending to test. Students also take non-IB classes (like band, theater, other electives) with students from a range of grades and academic paths.

What if I decide I do not want to continue in IB once I start?
Students may opt out of the IB Diploma Program and take exams in individual classes or not. Students considering opting out should meet with their counselor and their IB coordinator. 

How does my university access my scores?
Students who take IB exams in their senior year indicate on their graduation forms which college university should receive their scores. After graduation students can request their scores on the IB website.

More FAQs from the IBO (download the Parent Pack)

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