Charger News

International Baccalaureate Programme

Leigh Ivey, Editor-in-Chief

Students at Cookeville High School have always had the opportunity to take part in challenging courses. Honors and AP classes are full of eager students who desire to get a more in-depth look at history, chemistry, or English.

This year, however, CHS is applying for authorization to offer a more challenging program--the IB programme.

The International Baccalaureate, or IB programme, is an internationally recognized curriculum for juniors and seniors with the purpose of “developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understand and respect.”

Misty Waller, math teacher and one of several teachers who will be teaching an IB course said, “I think that right now our school does a good job of helping students get into college. Hopefully the IB programme will help students once they’re in college. It will prepare them to work without teachers always checking on them and hopefully help them improve their work ethic. Of course, the teachers will still be here at any time to help, but there won’t be the constant pressure on the students to do homework and study. That will be up to the students.”

The programme consists of six areas of learning, including English, foreign languages, social studies, experimental sciences, math, and arts.

While involved in the programme, students must complete three of these courses at a high level - a two year course requiring 240 hours of instruction, and two or three at the standard level - one year courses requiring 150 hours of instruction.

Along with these six courses, all students are required to write an extended essay of 4000 words, take a class called the “Theory of Knowledge,” and take part in CAS, creativity, action, and service.

CAS requires students to perform 150 hours of service and outside activities.

Playing an instrument, participating in sports, or being involved in community service projects earn students hours for this program.

The classes will be demanding, but they will leave time for other activities during the final years of high school. Aliene Click, the IB board coordinator for Putnam County schools, said, “The students we have talked to are involved in other school activities, and some have after-school jobs.”

CHS teachers who have attended training seminars thus far are D.D. Tennant, Jennifer Williams, Terry Scott, Jennifer Fields, Rosalie Andrews, Laura Carter, Linda Carlen, Sheri Leimer, Kathy Shanks, Patricia York, Misty Waller, Mitchell White, Brian Miesch, Sharon Anderson, and Aliene Click. Mr. Shanks and Mrs. Fowler have also been to training.

CHS has more teachers who are on the list to attend training workshops in the fall.

The teachers who have been attending training are enthusiastic about the programme.

“ I wholeheartedly believe that if students have the motivation and determination, they will get a lot of this program,” said Waller. “It’s not right for everyone, but for those who will work hard and have a good work ethic, this is an excellent program.”

If you are interested in learning more about the IB programme, contact Mrs. Aliene Click, the IB coordinator for Putnam County schools.