International High School Education with IB Diploma Programme
What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)? The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational foundation that was established in 1968. Approximately one million students from 140 countries participate in international IB programmes, with their skills and knowledge being developed in accordance with relevant and age-appropriate programmes.
What is the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)? The IB Diploma Programme is a curriculum that provides high school students with an opportunity to test themselves. The two-year programme ends with examinations in all subjects. Pre-IB year is for students who have graduated the 9th grade and wish to continue in the IB Diploma programme. Pre-IB prepares students for the Diploma programme, giving them an overview and base for all the IB subjects. This way they will have acquired all the necessary skills and get the best results once they have entered the demanding IB Diploma. Audentes has been offering high school education in accordance with the IB Diploma Programme since 2011.
IBO Mission Statement The IBO aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO Works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
What are the IB subjects? Students on the IB Diploma Programme take six subjects, normally with three at the higher level and three at standard level. Students must make one choice from each of Groups 1, 3, 4, 5 together with a second language from either Group 1 or Group 2, and a second choice from Groups 1 to 4.
SL English A Language and literature HL English A language and literature SL Estonian A literature HL Estonian A literature SL Russian A literature self taught
Group 2
Language acquisition
SL English B HL English B Spanish ab initio Russian ab initio French ab initio
SL Business Management Individuals HL Business Management and societies SL History HL History of Europe
Group 4
Science
SL Biology HL Biology SL Chemistry SL Physics HL Physics SL Computer Science HL Computer Science
Group 5
Group 1
Studies in language and literature
Group 3
Mandatory subject groups and Audentes IB course offerings
Mathematics
SL Mathematics HL Mathematics
In order to graduate from the IB Diploma Programme, the student must complete three core courses in addition to the six main subjects. • Theory of Knowledge: This course expands the student’s understanding of the world. In this module, the origins of different perceptions and the ways in which knowledge reaches us are examined. The principles of the Theory of Knowledge are also integrated into all of the main subjects. • Creativity, Activity and Service: This course encourages students to get involved in charity and artistic and sports activities outside of school. The objective of the course is to raise awareness among young people in order for them to become responsible members of society. • Extended Essay: During this course the student independently writes a 4,000-word research paper which enables them to complete an in-depth analysis of a topic of their choice.
Learner profile
How does the IB Programme differ from the Estonian curriculum? Teaching methods In the IB Programme young people study for their future. The subjects and topics are approached from different angles in order to promote natural curiosity, analytical skills and independent and critical thinking. This enables them to better remember what they have already learnt and creates a positive attitude among young people towards lifelong learning. Internationality Graduates receive an IB diploma that is internationally accepted and recognised. The IB Diploma Programme prepares students for studies at any university by fostering in them the independence and skills that are valued in higher education. IB graduates are accepted into the best universities worldwide, including Cambridge and Oxford. Young people with IB diplomas are also accepted into Estonian universities.
What is the IB at Audentes like? Duration of programme If the student commences their IB after the: • 9th grade, then in order to enter the IB Diploma Programme they are first required to complete an IB pre-year which corresponds to the 10th grade in Estonian high schools; • 10th grade, then they are not required to complete the IB pre-year. The 10th grade in an Estonian high school or the IB learning pre-year are followed by the two-year IB Diploma Programme, which corresponds to the 11th and 12th grades in Estonian high schools. Objective The objective of IB studies is to mould young people who are eager to learn, informed and caring and who will help create a better world through intercultural dialogue and respect. Students who complete the IB programme will cope anywhere in the world. The IB develops independent learning and creative thinking skills and broadens young people’s understanding of the world. Organisation In IB studies, knowledge and skills are evaluated on a seven-point scale. In addition, each student receives individual feedback on every assignment they complete. IB studies at Audentes are organised in double periods, i.e. 2 x 45 minutes. Recess lasts for 10 minutes and holidays coincide with the regular school holidays in Estonia. The language of instruction in the IB is English. Students take a language test before commencing IB studies.
Tuition The IB curriculum is international and therefore international rates apply. Tuition fees include study activities, supervision and counselling and use of sports facilities according to the programme. Personal study materials, catering and excursions come at extra cost, as well as IB established examination fees and courier fees in cases where examination materials need to be sent to the examiner by courier. You can familiarise yourself with the tuition fees on the school’s website at www.audentes.ee/ib. Scholarship We offer tuition discounts if more than one child from a family attends Audentes. In addition, we offer performance-based discounts for both Audentes graduates and IB Diploma students. The Scholarship Committee may award additional scholarships to outstanding students, to students who have represented the school, et al.
What kind of support services does Audentes offer? Psychological and career counselling Audentes school cares for the students and does everything possible to make the student feel included and well. We support young people to become thinking and active people who value among other things highly self-awareness and development. The school psychologist counsels students with • improving their study skills and successfully completing their IB education; • finding opportunities for further career and studies; • making decisions and choices; • solving personal and study-related issues; • taking into account special educational needs in learning process and granting inclusive assessment arrangements; • forming self-awareness; • developing social skills; • balancing self-esteem; • coming out of crisis situations. School psychologist takes part in collaboration network surrounding the student and guides to other specialists if needed. Students, parents, teachers and trainers can equally seek for help from the psychologist. We kindly ask to make a previous appointment with the psychologist. Library The textbook collection at the Audentes library includes study materials in Estonian as well as English literature for international IB studies. The main collection comprises around 12,000 books, including ca 8,000 works of fiction, speciality literature and reference books in Estonian and ca 200 Englishlanguage books. There are also Spanish study and reading materials for IB students. Students are able to use computers with Internet access and WiFi.
Dormitory Students are accommodated in shared double or triple rooms in our dormitory. The dormitory is located on campus, right next to the main building and sports centre. The rooms are furnished with bunk beds and each student has a writing desk and chair. The dormitory also provides students with a mattress, blanket, pillow and bed linen. Rooms are cable TV-ready and have Internet access, including WiFi. The built-in wardrobe provides enough space for clothes. Dormitory residents have access to washing machines and dryers as well as Finnish and infrared saunas and a computer classroom which provides a quiet place to study.
Catering Students can purchase breakfast and lunch from the ‘Daily’ canteen in the sports centre. Porridge, fried eggs and bacon, cereals, omelettes and pancakes are usually offered for breakfast. The lunch menu includes warm meals and fresh salads. It is also possible to purchase sandwiches, croissants, pastries, smoothies and more. The cosy canteen is also a great place to chat with classmates and other students, or to study.
Sports facilities The fitness centre provides good exercise opportunities all year round: it boasts a gym, a swimming pool, three studios for group training, a squash court, a spinning studio, a track and field hall and stadium, a wrestling arena and an acrobatics studio. The spacious and well-lit gym features a wide range of equipment for strength and aerobic training. The gym is divided into three areas: cardio equipment; power training; and a free-weights area. Depending on the style of workout, the group training studios are equipped with 1-5 kg dumbbells, 1-10 kg discs, bars, yoga and training mats, Bosu, Pilates and Fitballs, foot and arm weights, Gymstick gymnastic equipment, weight bars and step boxes. All fitness centre users have an unbeatable opportunity to exercise or relax in the swimming pool complex, which features a six-lane 25-metre pool, a children’s pool, two jacuzzis and a sauna and steam room.
Students about Audentes IB Take the opportunity to study at IB! This opportunity does not come twice. The programme has lot’s of benefits. Students should not be afraid of challenges. The IB is challenging, but enjoyable journey. Miia Natka Alumna of Audentes IB Copenhagen School of Design and Technology Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management IB Students are more developed in different areas and they are not restricted in a learning process. IB offers a good opportunity to develop yourself and be different from others. IB is basically an university course, which puts you into the real conditions we will have in 2 years in universities. Elizaveta Tashlikovich Alumna of Audentes IB Maastricht University European Public Health IB’s long days and difficult college level classes do make it feel like university. Greta Olive Mägi Alumna of Audentes IB University of Northern Colorado Accounting
I enjoy that in lessons there is a free approach. Lessons are more enjoyable because of different styles of teaching. I think knowledge in the basic school comes from facts and strict study plan, but IB students gain knowledge through discussions. When you are sure that you can manage IB, it gives you plenty of benefits for your life. Johan Mattias LĂľiv Alumnus of Audentes IB Stenden University, Netherlands Logistics You can freely express your opinion and thoughts about a topic, the teacher is like an equal partner and you can really have a conversation, not just teacher telling what is right and students have to listen. Karolina Puksa Alumna of Audentes IB University of Tartu Gene Technology
How can I enrol in IB studies? In order to enrol in IB studies you must submit the following documents: • an online application (on our website); • an identification document; • a copy of your basic school graduation or 10th-grade certificate. After submitting these documents, you must take a test which includes questions from different subjects, and attend an interview. The final admission decision is made by the committee. A contract is entered into in the event of admission being approved.
Audentes IB Tondi 84, 11316 Tallinn Telephone: +372 699 6591 E-mail: ib@audentes.ee www.audentes.ee/ib