IB Diploma Programme Glossary

Every organisation has its jargon; the IB Diploma at Dulwich College Seoul is no exception. The glossary below refers to some of the general terms used by the IB Diploma and within the College.

ATLS (Approaches to Learning)

Capabilities that provide a solid foundation for learning independently and with others, and will develop incrementally. The skills are: research, selfmanagement, communication, thinking and social.

CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service - Core)

“Out of class” over 18 months a series of short and longer term projects and experiences with documented evidence and reflections. Fulfilling the areas of creativity, activity and service to meet 7 learning outcomes.

College Credits (USA)

Many USA institutions offer course credit for both the full IB Diploma and individual Diploma Programme course exams. While not comprehensive, this list will guide you through credit offerings at four-year and two-year institutions.

Core

Strongly committed to the principle of developing the whole person, in addition to subject areas, full IB diploma candidates are required to complete the three core components: CAS, EE, ToK.

Current Attainment Grade

This indicates the level at which a student is currently working.

Diploma Programme Courses Students

These pupils follow a more personalised pathway and earn a certificate verifying their grades in each subject.

EE (Extended Essay - Core)

A student lead 4000 word research essay based on a topic of interest from one of the subjects they are studying. Approximately 40 hours, maximum of 5 hours feedback from a supervising teacher.

External Assessment

Graded outside of the College by trained IB examiners. Include the written IB exams taken by the student at the end of a Diploma Programme course. In some courses this may be work which was not completed under examination conditions, for example, in visual arts, studio work is assessed.

Groups

How the courses or subjects are grouped together. There are 6 groups.

- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature.

- Group 2: Language Acquisition.

- Group 3: Individuals and Societies (Humanities).

- Group 4: Sciences.

- Group 5: Mathematics.

- Group 6: The Arts.

Group 4 Project

A multidisciplinary science and computer science project designed and presented by the students with the supervision of a science teacher. Annual theme change.

HL/SL (Higher Level/Standard Level)

The difference in content may either be in breadth or depth or extra learning. Higher level requires 240 teaching hours, standard level require 150 teaching hours. Students must choose 3 at each level if studying the Full Diploma.

IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme)

This is a diploma programme for students aged 16-19 leading to an International Baccalaureate diploma, recognised and highly valued by leading universities around the world.

IB Coordinator

The person in charge of ensuring that academic planning, collaboration, and delivery of the curricula meet all standards and practices to ensure our students are able to excel.

IB Grades

Regardless of whether they are HL or SL, IB subjects are graded between 1 - 7, with 1 being the lowest and 7 being the highest grade awarded.

IA (Internal Assessment)

An individual assessment evaluated by the subject teacher against IB criteria. The teacher marks and samples of the student’s work (oral performances, portfolios, lab reports, and essays) are submitted to the IB for moderation purposes. For written IAs, teachers are only allowed to give formal feedback on one draft.

Learner Profile

A list of traits that the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) wishes to nurture in its students. These traits are centred around international-mindedness, inquiry, and reflection.

Maths Pathways:

- AA (Analysis and Approaches)

More pure mathematical problem solving and mathematical thinking. Calculator and non-calculator.

- AI (Applications and Interpretations)

Applying mathematics to real world problems. Fully calculator.

Moderation

The process by which the IBO validates or moderates the marks on internal assessments, which are graded by the classroom teacher. We send the moderators samples of graded work, of which the sample is selected by the IBO. On each IA the marks are then moderated up or down to arrive at final marks/grades for that component.

Predicted Grades

These are submitted grades that teachers believe each student will achieve on their DP exam in a given subject. The predicted score is submitted to the IBO and Universities, but is NOT factored into a student’s actual, final score. Teachers arrive at the predicted scores (1 - 7) based on the students’ overall classroom performance, quality of their IAs and professional judgement of the student’s ability in the subject.

ToK (Theory of Knowledge - Core) Students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know. Assessed by an exhibition and essay.

Tracking Grade

This indicates the IB Diploma grade the student is currently ‘on track’ to achieve at the end of the course.

UCC (University Counselling and Careers)

This department will support your family with College and University options and applications, as well as supporting students with their personal statements and college essays. They represent direct conduits to universities.

University Fair

An opportunity to meet with visiting universities and admissions. They may be virtual, one-to-one conversations or a multitude of different groups.

WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)

This is an accrediting commission for schools. If criteria are met students will be awarded the USA recognised Dulwich College Seoul Graduation Diploma.

GUDMUNDUR HEGNER JONSSON HEAD OF COLLEGE