1. education
2. high school

Hartsville High School
International Baccalaureate
Magnet Programme
An Explanation
Magnet School Q & A
WHAT
IS
THE
PROGRAMME?
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE
MAGNET
The International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme was authorized by the Darlington
County School Board in order to enable students to take rigorous Advanced Placement
and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The International Baccalaureate Magnet
Programme provides students with the opportunity to earn an International Baccalaureate
Diploma, the most prestigious high school diploma available. Hartsville High School is
an International Baccalaureate World School. Hartsville High School was notified in
December, 2007 of its accreditation. IB courses are currently offered to juniors and
seniors.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
MAGNET PROGRAMME?
The International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme offers an opportunity for students to
earn a diploma based on international standards that emphasize a global perspective. The
unified curriculum was developed to ensure a holistic education, yet it allows a degree of
specialization in the selection of courses. Foreign language fluency is a major component
of this course of study.
WHAT IS THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME ?
The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year program for high school juniors and seniors.
This course of study was developed to provide a rigorous, holistic education for students
throughout the world. The broadly based curriculum incorporates international standards
and a variety of assessment tools. IB Diploma candidates are assessed in six academic
areas over a two year period. They also research and submit an Extended Essay of 4000
words, take the Theory of Knowledge class, and complete 150 hours in the Creativity,
Action, and Service program. Students who successfully complete these requirements and
whose IB subject area examination scores meet the required criteria are awarded an IB
Diploma.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE IB PROGRAMME AND THE AP
PROGRAM?
Holistic Approach vs. a Single Strength Approach
IB students are challenged to develop strengths and skills in six required academic areas,
while AP students elect to take courses in the areas of their choice. The IB program is a
well–rounded curriculum based on international standards. To ensure that IB students
become contributing members of their community, they are expected to devote
significant extra-curricular time to school and community activities. IB students are
provided abundant opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned.
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Portfolios, Papers, and Projects
No one examination (as in the AP Program) is used in the IB Programme to determine
success. Assessment is measured in the IB Programme by assignments which are graded
by classroom teachers, as well as national and international assessors. English and foreign
language students submit audio tapes of individual and group discussions, laboratory
science students submit lab books for moderation, and history and mathematics students
submit projects and papers for examination.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE IB PROGRAMME AND THE
DUAL-CREDIT PROGRAM?
The International Baccalaureate Programme is an internationally recognized criteriabased honors program. This challenging curriculum is continually monitored to ensure
that the highest academic standards are maintained at each school in which the IB
Programme is offered. For IB credit to be awarded, the student must pass rigorous
internal and external assessments and examinations. The academic rigor of dual-credit
courses may vary from school to school and from teacher to teacher. Students should
check with prospective colleges or universities in order to determine policies toward
granting college credit for IB, AP, and dual-credit courses.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME ?
IB classes are taught from an international perspective. Students are encouraged to apply
lessons from the classroom to real world issues. The IB Programme celebrates
international diversity and gives students the chance to develop genuine foreign language
skills. At the same time, students foster an appreciation of our country’s heritage
(nationalism) and its role in a global society (internationalism). IB Diploma students
master subject matter in six IB curriculum areas and develop critical and analytical
thinking skills. This often forces IB Diploma students to address areas of weakness rather
than to focus on areas of strength. Extra-curricular activities are also essential to the IB
Programme. Students are required to complete 150 hours of service for the Creativity,
Activity, and Service (C.A.S.) component of the IB Programme. Successful IB Diploma
candidates traditionally have been extremely competitive in gaining admission to top
colleges and universities.
HOW DO YOU EARN THE IB DIPLOMA?
IB Diploma students are required to take exams in each of the six subject areas. Exam
grades range from 1 – 7. IB Diploma candidates also may earn up to three additional
points for their Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge class. Students who earn a
total score of 24 or greater (there are a few exceptions known as “failing conditions”),
have completed the Extended Essay and C.A.S. requirements, and have fulfilled the
Theory of Knowledge requirements will be awarded an IB Diploma.
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WHAT IS AN IB CERTIFICATE?
Students may elect to take selective IB classes without being enrolled in the full IB
Diploma Programme. These students are eligible to receive an IB Certificate for
successful completion of a particular IB class. For example, a student with strong science
skills may elect to take IB Biology. This option provides an opportunity for students to
experience the rigor of IB subject matter.
Certificate students are not required to complete the Extended Essay, the Theory of
Knowledge class, or the C.A.S. requirements.
DO COLLEGES GRANT CREDIT FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF IB
COURSES?
Colleges and universities from around the world grant credit for successful completion of
Higher Level IB courses. Most institutions publish or make available IB acceptance
criteria. For a listing of colleges and universities that grant college credit, please visit the
International Baccalaureate website at http://www.ibo.org/diploma/recognition/.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE IB PROGRAMME?
“The International Baccalaureate Organization was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in
1968 as a non-profit educational foundation. Its original purpose was to facilitate the
international mobility of students preparing for university by providing schools with a
curriculum and diploma recognized by universities around the world. Since then its
mission has expanded, and it now seeks to make an IB education available to students of
all ages” [http://www.ibo.org/history/]. Currently IB schools are located in 124
countries.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME?
IB educates the “whole person”
IB realistically prepares students for the rigors of college
IB teaches students to appreciate diverse cultures and attitudes and become
informed and tolerant citizens
IB emphasizes the development of critical and analytical thinking skills that
prepares students to become lifelong learners
IB promotes standards that are accepted internationally by other IB high
schools, colleges and universities
IB provides students with a competitive advantage when applying to upper
tier colleges and universities
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WHAT CHARACTERISTICS SHOULD AN IB STUDENT POSSESS?
High motivation and independent learning skills
Critical and analytical thinking skills
Effective writing skills
Time management skills
Intellectual curiosity
WHAT IS THE IB CURRICULUM?
The IB Diploma students are required to take subjects from six curriculum areas.
These curriculum areas include the following:
Group One - Language A1 (English HL)
Group Two - Second Language (French SL or Spanish SL)
Group Three - Individuals and Societies (History of the Americas HL,
Information Technology in a Global Society SL, or Psychology SL)
Group Four - Experimental Sciences (Biology HL or Chemistry HL)
Group Five - Mathematics and Computer Science (Math Studies SL)
Group Six - The Arts (Music SL or HL or another subject from Groups 2 – 5)
Students must take three courses at the Higher Level (HL). These courses must include a
minimum of 240 hours of teaching time, over a two-year period. Standard Level (SL)
courses require a minimum of 150 hours of teaching time.
IB Diploma students must also successfully complete the Theory of Knowledge (T.O.K.)
class (2 semesters), submit an Extended Essay, and complete 150 hours of extra
curricular time in the Creativity, Action, Service (C.A.S.) program. Students are required
to produce Internal Assessments (IAs) for each IB course. These IAs vary by subject area
and may include historical investigations, portfolios, oral presentations, labs, or written
essays. IAs are implemented and supervised by subject area teachers and count as a
portion of the IB exam score.
WHAT ARE THE COURSES OF STUDY IN THE INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE MAGNET PROGRAMME?
Students will complete honors level (or higher) courses in the academic core areas, as
well as four years of foreign language.
IB Certificate Student
Students agree to complete at least one IB Higher Level course or at least one IB
Standard Level course during the junior and senior years.
IB Certificate Student With Honors
Students agree to complete at least one IB Higher Level course and at least two IB
Standard Level courses during the junior and senior years.
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IB Certificate Student With Excellence
Students agree to complete at least two IB Higher Level courses and at least two IB
Standard Level courses during the junior and senior years.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Students successfully complete one course from each of the six IB subject groups.
Students are tested in all areas by the conclusion of the 12th grade. Usually two tests are
taken during the junior year, and the remaining four tests are taken during the senior year.
DOES THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MAGNET PROGRAMME
HAVE A PARTNERSHIP WITH ANY LOCAL COLLEGE?
Yes, the International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme has an agreement with Coker
College that allows students to use the Coker College Library for research purposes.
WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF PARENTS WHOSE
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM?
All Advanced Placement examination fees are paid by the State of South Carolina. All IB
Fees, other than late fees, are paid by the Darlington County School District. Parents are
responsible for costs incurred by students who participate in optional field trips or
overseas trips with the Foreign Language Department.
WHAT DIPLOMA WILL STUDENTS RECEIVE?
Students who complete graduation requirements will receive a State of South Carolina
High School Diploma from Hartsville High School. In addition, students who meet the
diploma requirements of the International Bacculaurate Organization will receive an
International Bacculaurate Diploma.
WHAT SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DOES THE FACULTY POSSESS?
The International Bacculaurate Magnet Programme faculty is among the most qualified
in the Darlington County School District. Each faculty member within this program is
required to undergo either IB or AP training (several teachers have trained in both
programs). Currently ten faculty members within the program are National Board
Certified teachers, and three additional teachers are currently undergoing this certification
process.
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WHAT DETERMINES A STUDENT’S ACCEPTANCE INTO
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MAGNET PROGRAMME?
THE
Academic Transcript & Current Class Schedule 30%
Teacher Recommendation 10%
Standardized Test Scores 20%
Writing Sample 20%
Interview 10%
Discipline Record 5%
Attendance 5%
Students who have successfully completed Algebra I Honors and English I Honors and
have achieved a score of 80% or higher on the Admission Requirement Rubric are
eligible for selection to the International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme. Students are
selected on their academic merits.
WILL THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MAGNET PROGRAMME
BE HOUSED ON A SEPARATE CAMPUS?
No, the International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme will be housed on the campus of
Hartsville High School. The IB Programme is a school within a school.
HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED INTO THIS PROGRAM?
Forty rising 9th grade students will be accepted the each year. Each year vacancies in
grades 10 and 11 will be filled on a case-by-case basis through an application process.
CAN STUDENTS ENTER INTO THE IB PROGRAMME IN THE 11th GRADE IF
THEY HAVE TAKEN ALL PREREQUISITE COURSES?
The number of students who may participate in the International Baccalaureate
Programme is limited, however it is possible for students to transfer into the programme.
Students previously enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme are
given preference for admission to the IB Programme. Students not enrolled in the
International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme, but who have taken the prerequisite
courses, will be considered for admission to the IB Programme only after International
Baccalaureate Magnet Programme students have been given consideration.
DO STUDENTS HAVE TO RESIDE IN DARLINGTON COUNTY TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MAGNET
PROGRAM?
Yes, the International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme is only available to students
who reside in Darlington County.
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WILL STUDENTS BE ABLE TO ATTEND BOTH THE INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE MAGNET PROGRAMME AND THE DARLINGTON
COUNTY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY?
Generally speaking, students in the 9th and 10th grades will be able to take classes at the
International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme and the Darlington County Institute of
Technology. Students enrolled in the IB Programme (11th and 12th grades), due to the
demands of the IB Programme and the constraints of the master schedule, would not be
able to take classes at the Darlington County Institute of Technology.
CAN STUDENTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MAGNET
PROGRAMME PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS OR THE BAND PROGRAM?
Students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme would be able to
participate in athletics at Hartsville High School. Eleventh and 12th grade students in the
IB Programme are currently participating in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross
country, football, golf, softball, tennis, track, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and
wrestling. Band students are required to participate in marching band and either concert
or symphonic band. Approximately 25% of pre-IB and IB students participate in the
band, chorus, or strings program. Activities such as athletics and music are encouraged
by the IB Programme.
WHAT IS THE PULSE PROGRAM?
The PULSE Program is a $5,000,000 initiative by Sonoco Products Company in
cooperation with the Darlington County School District, the Governor’s School for
Science and Mathematics, and Coker College. Through the Accelerated Learning
Opportunities component, Hartsville High School students are offered the opportunity to
take courses from the Governor’s School and Coker College.
WHAT COURSES ARE OFFERED THROUGH PULSE?
Currently Chemistry, Pre-calculus Applications, Calculus Applications and Mandarin
Chinese I and II are being taught on the HHS campus by professors from the Governor’s
School and Coker College. Hartsville High students also take Fine Arts classes at Coker
College. These Fine Arts classes earn college credit.
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WILL ADDITIONAL COURSES BE ADDED TO THE PULSE PROGRAM?
Yes. Plans are to expand the Chinese language class to level three. The Governor’s
School will offer students the opportunity to take Organic Chemistry, Calculus Based
Physics, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. In addition, Coker College will
expand its offerings to include Art, Design, Music, Theater, and Dance.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PULSE COURSES?
All Hartsville High School students are eligible to apply to the PULSE Program. The
Governor’s School and Coker College determine individual eligibility.
CAN A STUDENT PARTICIPATE IN THE PULSE PROGRAM AND THE
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE MAGNET PROGRAMME?
Yes. Currently we have students participating in both programs. The schedules of
individual students, the Governor’s School, and Coker College have to be taken into
consideration. The IB Programme hopes to offer a dual foreign language program of
studies (French OR Spanish and Mandarin Chinese) in the future.
HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IB PROGRAMME?
The International Baccalaureate Organization has an excellent website that can provide
more information about this program. Visit the IBO website at http://www.ibo.org. To
learn more about the International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme, please contact:
Johnny Andrews
International Baccalaureate Coordinator
Hartsville High School
701 Lewellyn Avenue
Hartsville, SC 29550
Phone: 843.857.3729
FAX: 843.857.3715
E-Mail- JohnnyA@darlington.k12.sc.us
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