• The IB Curriculum

     IB Subject

    IB Core

    Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

    TOK

    IB Students take Theory of Knowledge courses in their junior and senior year. The course includes a thoughtful and purposeful inquiry into different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge. TOK is composed almost entirely of questions. The most central of these is "How do we know?". Students are taught how to be critical thinkers. Throughout discussions of questions, students gain greater awareness of their personal and ideological assumptions, as well as develop an appreciation of the diversity and richness of cultural perspectives. 

    Students complete a paper in their Senior Year that is graded externally by IB examiners as well as an internal presentation that is graded by their TOK teacher and moderated by IBO. Students must pass TOK to be eligible to receive an IB Diploma. The rubric is as follows:

    A- Excellent

    B- Good

    C- Satisfactory

    D- Mediocre

    E- Elementary (Fail- No Diploma Awarded)

    N- No Grade

    Students can earn bonus points towards their diploma for their TOK Essay by being awarded certain scores by IB examiners. Bonus points can assist students who are lacking the total number needed for the IB Diploma.

    Extended Essay (EE)

    EE

     

    The extended essay is an independent, self-directed 400th, work research paper that prepares for undergraduate research presenting as formal writing. Students complete 40-60 hours of research in a subject area of their choice that relates to one of the six diploma subjects. Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge. Students analyze credible sources, develop a research question, form conclusions, and properly cite sources. Students work on their EE throughout 11th grade in their TOK Class and have it completed by the end of junior year.

  • IB Subject Group Areas

    Students in the IB Diploma Programme take one course in each of the 6 IB Subject Group Areas to broaden their educational experience during their junior and senior years. At PHS, we offer different courses for students to choose from in each subject area. 

    Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

    Group 2: Language Acquisition

    Group 3: Individuals and Societies

    Group 4: Sciences

    Group 5: Mathematics

    Group 6: The Arts

    PHS IB Electives

    Freshmen and Sophomores have two electives they are able to select for their schedules. Depending on their schedule, seniors may have up to 2 electives as well. Electives are not additional IB classes. We encourage students to take classes they are interested in to find a balance between challenging themselves while still being successful! See the list below of the elective classes PHS offers:

     

    • *AP Environmental Science
    • *AP Physics
    • *AP Statistics
    • *AP Macroeconomics
    • *AP US Government
    • *AP Computer Science: Principles
    • *AP Computer Science: A
    • *Marine Science Honors
    • *Anatomy and Physiology Honors
    • Psychology 1 & 2
    • Debate
    • Student Government
    • Journalism/Yearbook
    • Digital Information Technology
    • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injury
    • Medical Skills Services
    • Building and Construction Technique
    • Culinary Arts
    • Aerospace (AFJROTC)
    • *FL-Pre-IB Art
    • Creative Photography
    • *FL-Pre IB Theatre
    • Design & Production Costuming
    • Design & Production Stagecraft
    • Band
    • Instrumental Techniques (Drumline)
    • Chorus
    • Guitar
    • Orchestra
    • Eurythmics (Colorguard)
    • Music Techniques (learning to play an instrument)
    • *Welding Fund. Tech. 1 
      *Denotes Honors Weighted Credit

     

    Extended Essay Process

    1st Nine Weeks of Junior Year

    Selecting Your Topic

    • It is required to select a research topic in which you had a previous or current IB Course in
    • Select a topic you are truly interested in
    • Talk to subject area teachers to assist in selecting a proper topic

    Selecting Your Supervisor

    • Go to the Extended Essay Guide and reference to see which subject your topic falls under
    • See the chart in Mr. Beard's room for available supervisors
    • Personally ask and secure a supervisor and sign up on the sheet in class
    • Meet with your supervisor at least twice per month throughout Junior Year

    Development of Your Research Questions

    • Through research, develop sub-topics based on a broad area
    • Be sure to have the specific subject guide to follow provided by your supervisor

    Proposal

    • Narrow your research question
    • 3 sub-topic questions
    • Produce an outline of your research based on your research question
    • Written statement of why your research question is worthy of investigation
    • A copy of all of your sources pertaining to your research question

    2nd Nine Weeks of Junior Year

    Writing Process

    • The first 750 words of narrative will be due in October in your TOK 1 class
    • Additional incremental submissions will be turned in for a grade through February of Junior year
    • A completed 1st draft will be completed by March

    2nd Semester of Junior Year

    Final Extended (Essay) Paper

    • The EE contains no reference to the student, the supervisor, or the school; it is submitted as an anonymous paper
    • Due at the end of March of the junior year
    • If students do not turn in an acceptable EE on the first day of senior year, they can be dismissed from the IB Program.

    The Following rubric is used for the Extended Essay:

    A- Excellent

    B- Good

    C- Satisfactory

    D- Mediocre

    E- Elementary (Fail- No Diploma Awarded)

    N- No Grade

    The Extended Essay is graded externally by IB. Students can earn bonus points towards their diploma for their Extended Essay by being awarded certain scores by IB examiners. Bonus points can assist students who are lacking the total number needed for the IB Diploma.