International Baccalaureate Program
Program Coordinator:
Asheesh Misra
Misraa@fccps.org
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is an internationally recognized program of studies which is available to highly motivated 11th and 12th grade students at George Mason. The program offers the rigor, the structure, and the experiences necessary to challenge academically talented students. Students in IB classes complete a series of examinations based on internationally established syllabi. The IB program comprises a holistic philosophy of learning that seeks to address the intellectual, philosophical and social development of the student. The IB is a two-year program of studies across disciplines, the components of which are:
- Successful completion of courses in six different subject areas
- External assessments and examinations in each area
- Participation in the CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) Program
- Completion of the Theory of Knowledge course
- The writing and submission of an Extended Essay in an area of interest to the student
For more information, visit the IB website
IB Program at George Mason High School
- George Mason was authorized as an IB school in 1981 and was the first IB school in Virginia.
- At George Mason over 70% of the juniors and seniors participate in the IB program.
- In recent years between 10% and 29% of GMHS seniors have earned the full IB Diploma with an average of 32 points.
- Over 30 subjects and levels of IB classes are offered in all academic departments as well as in the fine and performing arts.
- In order to create schedules that best meet their needs, students may combine classes in the IB program with those from other GM programs such as CP (College Preparatory), career and technology education, English as a Second Language, Special Education, and Arlington Career Center.
Components of the IB Diploma Program
George Mason High School Program of Studies
George Mason HS offers the following IB courses. To fulfill the requirements for the IB Diploma students must take one course from each of groups 1 to 5 and a further course from group 6 or a second from groups 2 through 4.
Group 1: English (A1 [HL])—including selections from world literature
Group 2: French, Spanish and English (ESOL)(A2, B, [HL and SL] 'ab initio' [SL])—Students are placed into the appropriate level depending on their level of achievement and prior experience in the language.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies—History of the Americas [HL], Psychology [HL and SL], Social Anthropology [SL], Information Technology (ITGS) [SL], and Business & Management Studies [SL]
Group 4: Experimental Sciences—Biology [HL and SL], Chemistry [HL and SL], and Physics [HL and SL].
Group 5: Mathematics—Math HL, Math SL, and Math Studies [SL](old 'Math Methods'), Computer Science [HL and SL]
Group 6: Arts and Electives—Visual Arts [HL and SL)], Music [HL and SL], Theater Arts [HL and SL], or a second subject from Groups 2, 3 or 4 or Computer Science
HL= Higher Level, SL=Standard Level
Manage your CAS
Website: See Mr. Misra for login information
Documents
General Regulations: Diploma Porgramme For Students and their legal guardians