IB AND AP PROGRAMS



	THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM AND THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATION PROGRAM

IB :Learner Profile Video

Click here for the article "How IB Prepares Students."

One of the goals of Commack High School is to challenge students to achieve at their highest level of ability. For our academically able students, the high school offers advanced study options in all subject areas through cooperative programs with St. John’s University and Long Island University/C.W. Post College, through the Advanced Placement Examination Program and through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is an academically challenging internationally based and recognized program offered to high school students during their final two years of study. Commack is one of about 400 high schools in the United States (only four on Long Island), and one of more than 1,000 worldwide authorized to offer the IB Diploma. The IB program offers rigorous courses in six subject areas, as well as opportunities for students to conduct independent research, critically reflect on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside of the classroom, and engage in activities or service outside of the classroom. Student performance is evaluated through varied forms of assessment and by a worldwide network of IB Examiners.
In addition to satisfactorily completing at least six courses and their corresponding IB assessments examinations, IB Diploma candidates must meet three extra requirements: a Theory of Knowledge course intended to stimulate critical reflection; a Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) requirement, a self-designed and assessed program of experiential learning (e.g., theater, sports, or community service); and the Extended Essay, a 4,000 word independent original research paper.

IBO mission statement

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

The IB Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. IB learners strive to be:

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.

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