Since all 11th and 12th Grade students are enrolled in the full International Baccalaureate Program, the Awty High School Diploma will be awarded to those Seniors who, in addition to satisfying the above coursework, have also completed all I.B. requirements in order to qualify as a candidate for the I.B. Diploma. These requirements include sitting for the exams and doing 150 hours of CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service).
Secondary Language Options
At Middle and Upper School, some students may take a third language. The School currently offers Arabic, German, Italian, French, Dutch and Spanish. There is also some Latin available in the French Section. It must be understood clearly that the School does not guarantee instruction in these languages at every grade at all ability levels.
Furthermore, such courses are available only if there is a sufficient number of students at a particular grade level who are proficient enough in the language to follow the program, and if the hours can be scheduled. The School has the final decision on whether to run a class at a particular grade level and whether a student is suited to the class. In the Lower School, students are able to take a third language in the Awty Plus Program. Further questions regarding language options should be directed to the Language Department Chair, Mr. Guy Benet, (ext. 400).
Community Service
The Community Service Coordinator provides lists of community service opportunities both inside and outside the School and students may perform service during the summer months. Community Service inquiries should be directed to the Community Service Coordinator, Mrs. Marcelle Gharibeh (ext. 373).
International Baccalaureate Program
The International Baccalaureate Program (I.B.) is a comprehensive and demanding two-year curriculum in 11th and 12th Grade that leads to examinations for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. I.B. Diploma candidates study six subjects, three at the higher level, and three at the standard level. Prior to the examination session in May of the 12th Grade year, all International Section students participate in practice I.B. exams. These exams count as one test grade.
I.B. Student Selection
At the end of the 8th Grade year, the faculty will meet with the Division Head to assess the students for acceptance into the Pre-I.B. Program. The following criteria will be the determining factors:
1. Adequate Grades (should not have more than one grade below 70);
2. Satisfactory CTP III (ERB) scores;
3. Appropriate levels of effort;
4. Good discipline record; and
5. Adequate language grades (in both first and second language).
If a student does not meet the criteria for progressing into the I.B. Program, he or she might be allowed to enter the 9th Grade on probation. The students may be required to take additional classes to improve language or math skills. At the end of the 9th Grade year, the students on probation will be reevaluated to determine whether or not they may stay at Awty. The teachers of these students will meet with the Division Head to make this decision.
At the end of the second term of the 10th Grade year, students will be formally selected to enter the I.B. Program. The decision will be made jointly by the Division Head, the I.B. Coordinator, and the faculty. The criteria includes:
1. Grades, both academic and for effort;
2. Motivation and discipline; and
3. Signatures from teachers for taking three Higher Level courses.
I.B. Courses and Requirements
Group 1:
Language A (the student's first language): courses currently available in Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish or in an approved language
not taught at the School.
Group 2:
Language B (second language): courses currently available in Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish or in an approved language not taught
at the School.
Group 3:
Study of Individuals in Society: 20th Century World History and Economics.
Group 4:
Experimental Science: Biology, Physics or Chemistry.
Group 5:
Mathematics: Higher Level (College Calculus); Standard Level (High School
Calculus); Mathematical Studies.
Group 6:
Elective Area (one of the following):
a. Art;
b. An additional Second Language;
c. Chemistry;
d. Computer Studies;
e. Music (by special arrangement only); or
f. Theatre Arts.
g. Economics.
In addition to these 6 subjects, the I.B. Diploma requires the student to:
a) take a two-year course in Theory of Knowledge (1 credit);
b) write a research paper in one of the subject areas (1 credit);
c) participate in 150 hours of C.A.S. (Creativity, Action, Service Activities) outside of
regular school classes.
I.B. Extended Essay
In the 11th and 12th Grade years, students attend the Extended Essay class in order to complete successfully a 4,000-word research paper, which is due the first term of their 12th Grade year. The essay involves personal research, analysis, and critical evaluation, as opposed to purely descriptive writing. It is written in one of the subjects taught at Awty under the guidance of an advisor.
The students receive a pass for this course if they complete all the various requirements including adhering to deadlines. The final grade is based on the advisor's scoring of their essay using I.B. criteria. The research paper is then sent to the I.B. examiner who grades the essay.
Head of Upper School
