Oconomowoc High School (OHS) is proud to offer the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Organization’s Diploma Programme. This outstanding pre-university course of study is designed for highly motivated students in the eleventh and twelfth grades. It is a comprehensive two-year curriculum, designed for students seeking a challenging and rigorous educational experience with a unique international, cross-curricular focus and exceptionally high standards for achievement. The IB program is designed to provide students with a balanced education through comprehensive studies of languages, sciences, mathematics, and humanities, along with community involvement.

The IB Diploma candidate must complete six IB courses and their corresponding examinations within the final two years of high school. A minimum of three HL courses, but no more than four, must be completed. In addition, students must complete:

• Theory of Knowledge—an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom.
• The Extended Essay—a research paper of about 4,000 words, which allows the student to explore a topic of personal interest.
• At least 150 hours of CAS—the demonstration of Creativity, Activity, and Service in relation to school and community. 

Profile of an International Baccalaureate Diploma Student

OHS encourages all students who want to challenge themselves academically to consider pursuing an IB Diploma.

The Successful IB Diploma Student

• Is self-motivated and supported by his/her family
• Has a desire to challenge him/herself intellectually
• Possesses or is willing to acquire analytical/critical thinking skills
• Participates in school and community activities
• Is receptive to new ideas and different beliefs
• Possesses or is ready to learn good time and stress management skills
• Completes the IB internal and external exams for each IB course in which he/she is enrolled

Benefits of the IB Diploma Programme Include

• Preparation for university success through stimulating, challenging coursework
• Encourages an appreciation for different cultures and attitudes
• Emphasis on learning how to learn and how to analyze, not an encyclopedic approach to education
• Educating the “whole person” providing a broad general education while allowing specialized study in areas of an individual student’s interests
• Externally monitored assessments ensure high academic standards
• Training, guidance, and mentoring of OHS teachers provided by IBO
• Successful completion of the full IB Diploma Programme earns students recognition, course credit, and advanced placement at many colleges and universities

Sample Four-Year Plan for an International Baccalaureate Full Diploma Candidate

Grade 9

• Accelerated English 9 (1 credit)
• Drawing (.5 credit)
• World Language Level 2 (1 credit)
• Intro to Humanities (1 credit)
• Biology (1 credit)
• Accelerated Geometry (1 credit)
• Physical Education (.5 credit)
• Electives (2 credits)

Grade 10

• Accelerated English 10 (1 credit)
• World Language Level 3 (1 credit)
• Chemistry (1 credit)
• Accelerated Algebra II (1 credit)
• Health (.5 credit)
• Vocational Education (.5 credit)
• Physical Education (.5 credit)
• Electives (2.5credits)

Grade 11

• IB English HL I (1 credit)
• IB World Language SL I (1 credit)
• IB History of the Americas HL I (1 credit)
• IB Math SL (2 credits)
• IB Biology HL I (1 credit)
• TOK I (.5 credit)
• Physical Education (.5 credit)
• Electives (1 credit)

Grade 12

• IB English HL II (1 credit)
• IB World Language SL II (1 credit)
• IB History of the Americas HL II (1 credit)
• IB Biology HL II (1 credit)
• IB Physics SL (1.5 credits)
• TOK II (.5 credit)
• Personal Finance (.5 credit)
• Electives (1.5 credits)