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The International Baccalaureate Program
International Baccalaureate (IB) is a magnet program at Ocean View High School, designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students and to promote international understanding. As a two-year, comprehensive and rigorous pre-university program, IB provides one of the most respected secondary educations available. Successful IB candidates are typically granted advanced placement credit at the finest universities and colleges in the nation.
The effectiveness of the IB program is due not only to the depth of the individual courses, but also to the comprehensive nature of the program. Unlike other honors programs, the IB Program requires each student to take courses in six academic areas. Students participating in the full diploma program are actively engaged in a liberal arts curriculum that includes:
- Curriculum containing six subject groups (see course sequencing below)
- Research paper (Extended Essay)
- Critical thinking class (Theory of Knowledge)
- Participation in extracurricular activities and community services (CAS)
The extended essay offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest, acquainting students with the independent research and writing skills expected at the university level. Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary liberal studies course in critical thinking and applied philosophy, exploring the nature of knowledge across academic disciplines and encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. Participation in the CAS program encourages students to be involved in creative pursuits, physical activity, and community service work, fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.
International Baccalaureate Course Sequencing
Ninth Grade |
Tenth Grade |
Eleventh Grade |
Twelfth Grade |
Honors English |
Honors English |
IB English |
IB English |
Honors Geography |
AP World History |
IB/AP US History* |
IB World History* |
Geometry or Algebra I |
Algebra II / Trig or Geometry |
IB Pre-calculus/ or Algebra II/Trig |
IB Calculus or IB Pre-calculus |
Honors Biology |
Honors Chemistry |
IB Physics |
IB Biology |
Foreign Language 1 |
Foreign Language 2 |
Foreign Language 3 |
IB Foreign Language 4 or an Elective** |
PE / Athletics |
PE / Athletics |
IB Visual Arts |
IB Theory of Knowledge |
The IB Diploma and Advanced Placement Credit
Each IB exam is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). IB Diplomas are awarded with a minimum total of 24 points. Students completing the IB Diploma with a score of 30 or above will receive 30 quarter (20 semester) units total toward their UC undergraduate degree. The University grants 8 quarter (5.3 semester) units to students who receive IB certificates with scores of 5, 6 or 7 on Higher Level.
Designated examinations may be considered equivalent to freshman-level courses in the subject and may be used to satisfy general education or breadth requirements. For all schools—UC or otherwise—contact an individual campus for more information on how subject credit may be granted.
*US Government and Economics are required for the HBUHSD diploma. IB World History fulfills the US Government requirement. Economics, however, must be taken at a community college or adult education.
**If a student takes Foreign Language 4 during their junior year, they may take an elective during their senior year. Otherwise, all students are required to be enrolled in a Foreign Language class in 12th grade.
For additional information about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program see:
International Baccalaureate Organization
California Department of Education
The International Baccalaureate Program at Ocean View High School is approved and supported by the Huntington Beach Union High School District.
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