The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program prepares 21st Century students for a global society by developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the IB organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment to prepare students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and life beyond.
To help prepare for the two-year comprehensive Diploma Programme in grades 11 and 12, freshmen and sophomores take Pre-?-Diploma Program courses in English, world language, civics, history, geography, science and mathematics. During the junior year, students begin the official IB Diploma Programme which includes IB English, IB History of the Americas, an IB world language course, and other IB courses in areas such as natural sciences, math, visual art, music, theatre or psychology. The program has three core requirements intended to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding. These additional requirements are:
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – TOK encourages students to think about the nature of knowledge, to reflect on the process of learning in all the subjects they study as part of their Diploma Program courses and to make connections across the academic areas.
• Extended Essay (EE) – The Extended Essay is an independent self-directed piece of research culminating in a 4,000 word honors thesis. Beginning in the spring of their junior year, the Extended Essay provides students with practical preparation for undergraduate research by giving students the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest to them within the program’s six subject areas. Students are supported throughout the process of researching and writing the extended essay with advice and guidance from a faculty supervisor.
• Creativity, Activity, Service involves students in experiential learning through a range of artistic, sporting, physical and service activities. In sum, CAS encourages students to be involved in local, national and international activities as individuals and as part of a team, enabling them to enhance their personal, interpersonal, social and civic development.
Among the many benefits of the IB program are:
• Higher university and college acceptance rates for IB applicants than for total population applicants
• Opportunities to earn university and college credit and advanced standing at worldwide institutions
• Increased scholarship and grant opportunities
• A rigorous and balanced academic program that transitions students to university life and beyond
• Interdisciplinary instruction that fosters international-mindedness
• Encouragement of lifelong learning
• Formally trained IB teachers, school counselor, and librarian
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Lincoln High has been an authorized International Baccalaureate World School since 2008. Entry to the IB Program is by application. For additional information about the IB or other honors programs at Lincoln High please contact IB Coordinator J.P. Caruso at 402-436-1301, jpcaruso@lps.org.
