Southside High School IB

te the freshman year of college through the IB program while still in high school. The IB program doesn't just focus on a student's best abilities but on the student's total abilities. It's a rigorous but well rounded program which recognizes the need for technical skills as well as communication skills, team work, and international understanding. It's ideal for students seeking careers in business management, medicine, law, science, engineering, and computer science as well as the arts and humanities. It teaches students how to think and how to handle a challenging work load. The IB graduates themselves say it best:
"It did a marvelous job! While other college students are stressed about work, I just sit down and do it. The advanced classes of the IB and the time management learned gives you an edge in college." "I didn't just get an education of facts in the IB Program but I also learned how to learn. It was an environment where I could push myself to my educational limits . . . I am sure I have benefited from my IB education in my college studies." "College is much easier than IB." Southside IB graduates have gone on to schools like Yale, Harvard, MIT, Duke, the Naval Academy, Bryn Mawr, Notre Dame, Emory, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Tulane, Vanderbilt, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Institute of Technology, Wake Forest, and many others including the honors programs of various South Carolina universities. They pretty much have had their choice of universities. Many IB students have obtained college scholarships. The IB program is more than just academics. It is a place where lasting friendships are made with a very special group of peers. IB students develop close relationships with teachers who take a personal interest in their lives. Upon graduation, IB students join the international family of IB students with world wide contacts. What is the IB Program? The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national education systems, the diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of many. Diploma candidates are required to select one subject from each of six subject groups: native language, foreign language, experimental sciences, the arts and electives, mathematics, individuals and societies. At least three and not more than four subjects are taken at higher level (HL); the others at subsidiary or standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours, SL courses cover at least 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period; this is a deliberate compromise between the early specialization preferred in some national systems and the breadth found in others. Successful diploma candidates meet three requirements in addition to the six subjects. The interdisciplinary Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is designed to develop a coherent approach to learning which transcends and unifies the academic areas and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives. The extended essay of some 4000 words offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university. Participation in the school's Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) Program encourages students to be involved in sports, artistic pursuits and community service work. Key Features of the IB Program at Southside:
- Environment - The IB Program is an environment where accelerated learning and academic success is cool. If you qualified for the Duke University TIP program award you will likely be qualified to take AP courses in your sophomore year.

- Foreign Language - Southside has one of the most complete foreign language programs in the area. Offerings include four years of Spanish, French, and German. The emphasis is on attaining fluency.

- Math - Southside offers all available advanced placement (AP) math class. These include AB Calculus, BC Calculus, and Statistics. Southside is the only Greenville school offering a math class beyond BC Calculus. The class is called IB higher level Mathematics and picks up where BC Calculus leaves off.

- Science - Southside offers science classes that meet both advanced placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) standards in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These classes include more content than typical AP classes. We are the only area school offering the complete calculus based AP Physics course including electricity and magnetism.

- Computer Science - Southside offers AP Computer Science.

- Arts and Humanities - Southside has a complete offering including drama, music, and visual arts, some of which is offered at the AP level. There is a considerable emphasis on writing. Recognition:
Colleges and universities throughout the world recognize the IB Program. The more prestigious colleges and universities have traditionally given preference and credit to successful IB students. In past years, Southside IB graduates have earned as many as 60 college credits and/or advanced standing. The official university policies regarding IB can be found on the official IB website, www.ibo.org. Participation and perseverance in the IB Program have earned Southside students many awards and scholarships. The breadth and intensity of the program have prepared students well for college, internships, and a lifetime of learning. How to Apply:
Students apply for admission through the GCSD Magnet Application Process. For further information or to set up a shadowing session or school visit contact:
Dr. Lavetta Collins Coordinator, International Baccalaureate Program
Address
Southside High School
6630 Frontage at White Horse Road Greenville, SC 29605
Phone 355-8714
Fax 355-8794
e-mail school [email protected]