Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is an IB candidate?
    • IB is suited to the motivated learner, the curious mind.  Students who are self motivated and willing to put in the time and effort can be successful in the program.  It is not just for the academically elite.
     
    Are there any entrance requirements to take IB courses?
    • No, the IB program is open to any and all students, however, certain courses require the appropriate prerequisites.
     
    Are Full Diploma Students too busy to be involved in other activities?
    • No, students can be involved in activities outside of the program.  Currently, IB students at Big Sky are involved in wide variety of activities.
    • Remember the CAS portion of IB requires students actively participate in school life.
    • However, students cannot do it all prioritizing activities is a must.


    What are the differences between IB and AP? 

    • AP only has external assessments
    • IB has internal and external assessments
      AP exams are norm referenced IB exams are criterion referenced
    • IB program more international in scope AP is run by US based College Board
    • IB is a program of study while AP is individual courses, although students may take individual classes in IB as well
    • IB requires teacher collaboration while AP does not
    • IB schools undergo periodic review and receive feedback on student assessment performance
    • Many IB courses are two years in duration while AP are usually one year

    What Makes the IB Diploma Programme Unique?

    • Internal assessments are evaluations scored by the BSHS teachers which become part of students' IB grade.  These assessments account for anywhere between 30% and 50% of a students overall grade.
    • External assessments are exams students take at the end of their course.  Exams are scored by IB examiners all over the world.  These scores, combined with the internal assessment, make the final IB grade.
    • Students are assessed based on their performance in relation to a set of standards consistently applied around the world, not by comparing their performance to other students.  AS a result IB scores have stayed relatively consistent for the past 20 years.

    What does the DP curriculum contain?

    • Students must take 6 courses
    • Three at the Higher Level (240 teaching hours)
    • Three at the Standard Level (150 teaching hours)
    • Plus complete the Core Creativity, Action, Service Theory of Knowledge Extended Essay