IB Diploma Program

As of 2009, Ermitage has been authorized to offer the Diploma Program of the International Baccalaureate (IBDP). Ermitage takes great pride in being an IB World School, sharing in a common philosophy: the commitment to a high quality, challenging, international education.

The IBDP is a holistic and rigorous 2-year course that preprares motivated secondary school students for entrance to the best universities around the world. At Ermitage, the IBDP is delivered in English.

The IBDP Coordinator, Mrs. Margaret Peyrard, will be very happy to meet with you and your child to discuss the many exciting opportunities at our school. Additionally, applications and admissions information can be obtained through our Admissions Office.

IB Learner Profile

Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

IBDP Course Offerings

The IB Diploma Program, founded in 1968, is a demanding education program for the final two years of Secondary School (Grades 11 & 12). It prepares students for university entrance and encourages them to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture and foster the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

The IB Diploma consists of six subjects chosen from the hexagon illustrated here.

In order to obtain the Diploma, students must select one subject from each subject group. Three subjects are studied at higher level (240 teaching hours per subject), and three subjects at standard level (150 teaching hours per subject).

IBDP 2010 - 11 Subject Offered

Group	Subject(s) Chosen	Language(s) of Instruction
Group1: Language A1	English SL & HL; French SL & HL	English, French, Chosen Language
Group 2: Language A2 (bilingual) Language B Language Ab initio	English SL & HL (A2 & B) French SL & HL (A2 & B) Spanish SL & HL French	English, French, Spanish, French
Group 3: Individuals and Societies	History SL & HL Business & Management SL & HL Psychology SL	English
Group 4: Experimental Sciences	Chemistry SL & HL Physics SL & HL Biology SL & HL	English
Group 5: Mathematics	Mathematics Studies SL Mathematics SL & HL	English
Group 6*: The Arts	Visual Arts SL & HL	English

*Students can take Visual Arts or a second subject from Groups 2 to 4

**There must be six students for the school to organise a language course, otherwise provision for language instruction will be made privately.

IBDP Hexagon Core

In addition, the following three parts of the core are compulsory for every IBDP student and are central to the philosophy of the Diploma Programme:

Extended essay (EE)

The EE is a substantial piece of independent research (4000 words) on a topic of the student’s choice from a wide range of subject areas and supervised by a member of staff. The emphasis is on original research, careful analysis, and academic rigor. The essays are marked externally.

Theory of knowledge (TOK)

The Theory of Knowledge course is designed to encourage students to "reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge". It is a very wide ranging course and deals with questions like “Is there such a thing as the scientific method? Are humans predictable? How am I influenced by my culture?” TOK is assessed by an essay and an oral presentation.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

The CAS requirement is a fundamental part of the program and requires students to go beyond the classroom into the outside world. It counterbalances academic studies.

Creativity is interpreted broadly to include a wide range of arts activities as well as the creativity students demonstrate in designing and implementing service projects.
Action can include not only participation in individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects.
Service encompasses a host of community and social service activities. Some examples include helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals and working with refugees or homeless people.
Students are expected to be involved in CAS activities for approximately three to four hours each week during the two years of the program to meet the expected outcomes of experiential learning. Students are asked to reflect in an on-line journal: Manage Bac. The CAS program helps students to develop team work, initiative, project management, perseverance and a global attitude.

IBDP Student Assessment

At the end of the two-year program, students are assessed both internally and externally in ways that measure individual performance against stated objectives for each subject. Each of the subjects in Groups 1 to 6 is graded from 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum) and a student must reach a minimum of 24 points to be awarded the Diploma. Up to 3 additional points can be earned through the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge combined so that the maximum score for a Diploma is 45 points.

IBDP Program Feedback

Authorization Visit

We are very pleased to share with you the following commendations from the May 2009 International Baccalaureate authorization visit:

The preparedness, enthusiasm and motivation of staff, students and parents with respect to the IB Diploma Programme.

The school’s cohesive community stretching beyond the classroom through the local and international extra-curricular activities and celebrating cultural diversity.

The spirit of innovation, the philosophy and vision of the senior management of the school, giving it an ethos which is well aligned with the mission and aims of the IB.