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Benjamin
Banneker Academic High School is the only D.C. Public
School authorized to offer students the opportunity to
earn the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma
(IB). IB, called the gold standard of education by Newsweek
magazine, is a rigorous academic program with an international
focus offered in outstanding schools worldwide.
In
addition to high
level coursework in the core subject areas of World
Literature, Science, World Languages, Mathematics, Social
Studies and an Elective, the curriculum includes a unique
philosophy course called Theory of Knowledge, a research
project called the Extended Essay, and requirements in
the areas of creativity, action and service. The IB Diploma
Programme is highly respected by colleges and universities
across the United States and throughout the world. Many
institutions grant up to a full year of college credit
to students who earn the IB Diploma.
 The
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is
a non-profit educational foundation in 1965 and based
in Switzerland which offers a "Diploma Programme"
in the final two years of secondary school. The IB Diploma
Programme incorporates the best elements of several national
educational systems with a focus on academic rigor, an
international perspective and the interrelationship of
all knowledge. Key to the IB Diploma Programme is a grading
system that is criterion referenced: each student's performance
is measured against well-defined levels of achievements
consistent from one examination session to the next. Grades
reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to
set standards that are applied equally to all IB schools.
Banneker
students who elect to participate in the IB Diploma Programme
apply
in the 10th grade for participation in grades 11 and
12. Individual student progress is assessed internally
by classroom teachers and externally by the International
Baccalaureate Organization that sends student test
papers and assignments to IB Examiners throughout the
world for evaluation. Successful candidates are awarded
the IB Diploma in addition to the Banneker DCPS diploma.
The
advantages afforded to a student earning an IB Diploma
are many. Since the diploma is internationally recognized,
universities throughout the world are eager to admit diploma-holders
into their institutions. Like Advanced Placement Examinations,
success in IB courses is assess by written examination
and universities offer successful students college credit.
Unlike Advanced Placement Examinations, which indicate
a student's knowledge and ability in one given area of
study, an IB diploma program provides a broad general
education and indicates that a student has knowledge and
ability in all areas. Since the IB program is offered
at 1,030 schools located in 101 countries (ranging from
Albania to Zambia), holders of IB Diplomas have life-long
membership in an international camaraderie not unlike
a fraternity/sorority, which transcends national borders.
For
additional information, contact Mr. Hopewell at ibprogram@benjaminbanneker.org
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