what is the IB program?
Have more questions? Visit the FAQ page or email the IB coordinator Mr. John Olsen at john.olsen@canyonsdistrict.org.
IB Course Catalog:
GROUP 1: Language A(English Language Arts)
In 11th grade, juniors take IB English 11(This is also preparation for the AP Language test). In 12th grade, seniors take IB English 12 at either SL or HL(This is also preparation for the AP Literature test). Taking Honors English in the Hillcrest pre-IB freshman and sophomore years is the best preparation for IB. This track fulfills the Language Arts requirement for the Utah State Core.
GROUP 2: Language Acquisition(World Languages)
Hillcrest offers French, Spanish, Chinese and German languages. We offer ab initio(a 2 year sequence for beginning language students), SL and HL (SL and HL are for more advanced students) for languages. It is recommended to take language both freshman and sophomore years to better prepare for IB. IB will help you get an advanced/honors high school diploma since you are required to take 2 years of language.
GROUP 3: Individuals and Societies
It is recommended to take AP Human Geography and AP US Government in freshman and sophomore years, and most Hillcrest pre-IB students do so. In 11th grade, students take IB History of the Americas(This class will prepare the student for the AP US History test). In senior year, students take IB 20th century World History. This path covers Utah graduation requirements.
GROUP 4: Science
You can either take IB Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Computer Science. We offer both SL and HL.
GROUP 5: Mathematics
Math students have different needs, interests, and abilities. For this reason there are two different IB Math Pathways. Each course is designed to meet the needs of a particular group of students.
Mathematics: Applications and interpretation SL(1 year course with numbers and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability and calculus. It is designed for students who don't feel like Math is necessarily their strength.)
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL(SL is roughly equal to AP Calculus AB; HL is roughly equal to AP Calculus BC).
Keep in mind that Secondary math 1,2 and 3 must be completed before you can take any of these courses.
Mathematics: Applications and interpretation SL(1 year course with numbers and algebra, functions, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability and calculus. It is designed for students who don't feel like Math is necessarily their strength.)
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL(SL is roughly equal to AP Calculus AB; HL is roughly equal to AP Calculus BC).
Keep in mind that Secondary math 1,2 and 3 must be completed before you can take any of these courses.
GROUP 6: Arts and Electives
You can take IB dance, music, theatre, or visual arts. Otherwise, you can opt for another class from science, individuals and societies(business management SL, psychology SL/HL, or art history SL) or language.
IB is not just about Academics. It is about gaining a well rounded and thoughtful education with the ultimate goal of global awareness. This can only be achieved with extracurricular components, which IB highly encourages.
For example:
-Students are required to take a ToK(Theory of Knowledge) for the last semester of their junior year and first semester of senior year. Essentially a philosophy class, ToK encourages IB students to not only connect between their subjects, but to also connect their subjects with the 'real' world.
-Additionally, IB students are required to complete CAS. CAS stands for Creativity, Activity and Service. Students are expected to engage in activities from all three of these domains. Click here for the CAS page link.
For example:
-Students are required to take a ToK(Theory of Knowledge) for the last semester of their junior year and first semester of senior year. Essentially a philosophy class, ToK encourages IB students to not only connect between their subjects, but to also connect their subjects with the 'real' world.
-Additionally, IB students are required to complete CAS. CAS stands for Creativity, Activity and Service. Students are expected to engage in activities from all three of these domains. Click here for the CAS page link.