INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME IN VILNIUS LYCEUM

IB MISSION STATEMENT.

IB LEARNER PROFILE.

IB IN VILNIUS LYCEUM.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSES OFFERED.

ASSESSMENT.

FEES.

ADMISSION.

CONTACT DETAILS.

RESULTS ACHIEVED IN PREVIOUS YEARS.

The IB Diploma programme is a course designed for students aged 16 to 19. It is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students for success at university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.

IB MISSION STATEMENT

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations 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.

IB LEARNER PROFILE

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

IB learners strive to be:

IB IN VILNIUS LYCEUM

In Vilnius Lyceum, the IB diploma programme was started in 1997. We have grown from an initial class of 7 to our current group of 83 Diploma candidates. Our success rate for earning the IB Diploma has been 100% over the most recent years.

The following are the subjects offered for year 2013-2015

The Diploma candidates are required to select one subject from each of the six groups making the Diploma Programme hexagon.

Normally three subjects (and no more than four) are taken at higher level (HL), and the others are taken at standard level (SL). HL courses represent 240 teaching hours, SL courses cover 150 hours. By arranging work in this fashion, students are able to explore some subjects at HL in greater depth and breadth than at SL.

English is the language of instruction.

To obtain the IB Diploma students have to pass exams in all the 6 subjects studied in the course of two years and have to participate in the three course requirements that make the core of the hexagon: the Extended Essay, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) programme.

The extended essay has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest, and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.

The interdisciplinary Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives.

Participation in the school’s Creativity, action, service (CAS) programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSES OFFERED

GROUP 1.

Group 1 language and literature study courses are designed to support future academic study by developing high levels of language competence and communication skills as well as social, aesthetic and cultural literacy. Group1 courses are suitable for students who have experience of using the language in an academic context.
In the language A: literature course, focus is directed towards developing an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism and promoting the ability to form independent literary judgments. Through the study of a wide range of literature, the course encourages students to appreciate the artistry of literature and to develop an ability to reflect critically on their reading. Works are studied in their literary and cultural contexts, through close study of individual texts and passages, and by considering a range of critical approaches.
Students can take Lithuanian A: literature at HL and SL; a school supported self-taught option in language A: literature at SL is offered in other languages.

Language A: language and literature course comprises four parts—two relate to the study of language and two to the study of literature. The course aims to develop in students skills of textual analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can be seen as autonomous yet simultaneously related to culturally determined reading practices. A key aim is to encourage students to focus closely on the language of the texts they study and to become aware of the role of each text’s wider context in shaping its meaning.
Students can take English A: language and literature at HL and SL.

GROUP 2

Group 2 language acquisition courses are designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural competence that will enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken.
Language B is a course for students with some background in the target language. While learning this additional language, students also explore the culture(s) connected to it. SL and HL are differentiated by the depth of syllabus coverage, the study of literature at HL, the level of difficulty and the demands of assessment. Students can take English B, German B, French B at HL and SL.
The language ab initio is a course for students with little or no experience of the language. It is organized around three themes; each theme has a list of topics that provide the students with opportunities to practise and explore the language as well as to develop intercultural competence. Through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills, students acquire the ability to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations. The language ab initio course is offered in German, French and Spanish at SL only.

GROUP 3

The study of the IB Economics is essentially about the concept of scarcity and the problem of resource allocation.  A certain methodology is employed that can be summarized as a progression from problem identification, through hypothesis formulation and testing, arriving finally at a conclusion. Alongside the empirical observations of positive economics, students of the subject are asked to formulate normative questions. Encouraging students to explore such questions forms the central focus of the economics course. No particular background in terms of specific subjects studied is expected or required and no prior knowledge of economics is necessary for students to undertake a course of study based on this specification. However, a familiarity with economic concepts would be an advantage. The following topics are studied: introduction to economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics.

Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions and examines the processes behind them. It also investigates the way that people adapt and respond to change and evaluates management strategies associated with such change. Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between spaces and places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from a range of perspectives. Within group 3 subjects, geography is distinctive in that it occupies the middle ground between social sciences and natural sciences. The Diploma Programme geography course integrates both physical and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both scientific and socio economic methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position between both these groups of subjects to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas.

Students of the IB History course learn how the discipline works. It is an exploratory subject that poses questions without providing definitive answers. In order to understand the past, students must engage with it both through exposure to primary historical sources and through the work of historians. Historical study involves both selection and interpretation of data and critical evaluation of it. Students of history should appreciate the relative nature of historical knowledge and understanding, as each generation reflects its own world and preoccupations and as more evidence emerges. A study of history both requires and develops an individual’s understanding of, and empathy for, people living in other periods and contexts. The course focuses on the study of certain topics from the 20th century Europe History at Higher Level and Standard Level, and certain aspects related to the 19th century Europe are studied at Higher Level.

The IB Psychology examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behaviour, thereby adopting an integrative approach. Understanding how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied enables students to achieve a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behaviour. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of psychological research are key considerations in IB psychology. No prior study of psychology is expected. No particular background in terms of specific subjects studied is expected or required of students. The skills needed for the psychology course are developed during the course itself.

GROUP 4

A common curriculum model applies to all the Diploma programme group 4 subjects: biology, chemistry, and physics. Students at both SL and HL study a core syllabus, and this is supplemented by the study of options. Students at HL also study additional higher level) material.  Students at SL are required to spend 40 hours, and students at HL 60 hours, on practical/investigative work. This includes 10 hours for the group 4 project. All the experimental science courses provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity; enable students to apply and use scientific methods and techniques; develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information; develop experimental and investigative scientific skills; raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of using science and technology, etc.

In the IB Biology course, it is hoped that students will acquire a limited body of facts and, at the same time, develop a broad, general understanding of the principles of the subject. There are four basic biological concepts that run throughout: structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems, evolution. The following core topics are offered: statistical analysis, cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, human health and physiology.
The IB Physics course represents physics as a fundamental science. It allows students to develop traditional practical skills and techniques and to increase facility in the use of mathematics, which is the language of physics. It also allows students to develop interpersonal skills, and information and communication technology skills. The following core topics are studied: physics and physical measurement, mechanics, thermal physics, oscillations and waves, electric currents, fields and forces, atomic and nuclear physics, energy, power and climate change; options, such as thermal physics, electromagnetic induction, wave phenomena, or quantum physics and nuclear physics.

The IB Chemistry course represents an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. Apart from being a subject worthy of study in its own right, chemistry is a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine, biological science and environmental science, and serves as useful preparation for employment. The course includes the essential principles of the subject; the core topics studied are quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, organic chemistry, measurement and data processing,

Computer science requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as well as knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate. The Diploma Programme computer science course is engaging, accessible, inspiring and rigorous. It has the following characteristics. draws on a wide spectrum of knowledge; enables and empowers innovation, exploration and the acquisition of further knowledge; interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies behave; raises ethical issues; is underpinned by computational thinking.
Computational thinking involves the ability to: think procedurally, logically, concurrently, abstractly, recursively and think ahead; utilize an experimental and inquiry-based approach to problem-solving; develop algorithms and express them clearly; appreciate how theoretical and practical limitations affect the extent to which problems can be solved computationally.
During the course the student will develop computational solutions. This will involve the ability to: identify a problem or unanswered question; design, prototype and test a proposed solution; liaise with clients to evaluate the success of the proposed solution and make recommendations for future developments.

GROUP 5

The IB Mathematics SL course caters for students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration. The course focuses on introducing important mathematical concepts through the development of mathematical techniques. The intention is to introduce students to these concepts in a comprehensible and coherent way, rather than insisting on mathematical rigour. Students should wherever possible apply the mathematical knowledge they have acquired to solve realistic problems set in an appropriate context.

The IB Mathematics HL course caters for students with a good background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. The majority of these students will be expecting to include mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems. The nature of the subject is such that it focuses on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way. This is achieved by means of a carefully balanced approach. Students are encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge to solving problems set in a variety of meaningful contexts. Development of each topic should feature justification and proof of results. Students embarking on this course should expect to develop insight into mathematical form and structure, and should be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between concepts in different topic areas. They should also be encouraged to develop the skills needed to continue their mathematical growth in other learning environments.

ASSESSMENT

Normally, at the school the students are graded on the nationally accepted 10-grade scale. Students are awarded grades for oral and written activities, projects, experimental work, etc. in the course of a semester. At the end of each semester, they are given the grade average (or semester grade) in each subject. At the end of a school year, students are given final grades which are averages of semester and school exam grades.

Internal assessment

In all subjects, at least some of the assessment is carried out following the requirements of the IB diploma programme. Internal assessment is conducted by teachers, who mark individual pieces of work produced as part of a course of study. The grading system is criterion based, and assessment criteria applied are established by the IBO. Internal assessment grades are externally moderated and make up from 20 to 30 per cent of the final examination grade. Examples of this kind of assessment include oral exercises (in language subjects), essays, projects, student portfolios, class presentations, practical laboratory work, mathematical investigations.

External assessment

Some assessment tasks are conducted and overseen by teachers without the restrictions of examination conditions, but are then marked externally by examiners. Examples include world literature assignments for Group 1 subjects (Literature and Language and Literature), a written task for language B, an essay for Theory of Knowledge and an Extended Essay.
Because of the greater degree of objectivity and reliability provided by the standard examination environment, externally marked examinations form the greatest share of the assessment for each subject. The grading system is criterion based.

Final IB Exams are graded by external examiners on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points, and a satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS.

FEES

The state covers the cost of the IBO membership fee. IB students; however, students have to pay examination fees to the IBO (approximately 380GBP).

ADMISSION

To be admitted as IB Diploma candidates, students must have completed basic secondary education and have to pass entrance exams arranged at Vilnius Lyceum.

Students whose first language is Lithuanian have to take four exams: Lithuanian, English, Mathematics, an elective in Sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics).

International students non-Lithuanian speakers have to take three exams: English (first language or second language), Mathematics, an elective in Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).

Admission in 2013

Application form filled in by a parent and a school transcript with latest grades should be submitted from April 8 to May 9; the form will be available on the website www.licejus.lt; applications and scanned transcripts may be sent by e-mail to the IB Coordinator’s address ib@licejus.lt

Entrance exams will be held on
May 11 (Saturday) - English at 13.00; Elective in Sciences at 15.00;
May 12 (Sunday) – Lithuanian at 9.00, Mathematics at 11.30.

CONTACT DETAILS

Vilija Balčiūnaitė, IB Coordinator, ib@licejus.lt

Address: Vilnius Lyceum, Širvintų 82, Vilnius LT-08216, Lithuania, tel./fax (370 5)277 58 36

RESULTS ACHIEVED IN PREVIOUS YEARS

Graduation State Examinations: year 2010, 2011, 2012

Since 2000, when external state exams were introduced, Vilnius Lyceum has ranked first in the list of schools with the best results shown in the national exams.

International Baccalaureate Examinations: May 2010, May 2011 and May 2012

University choices

Normally, 99 to 100 percent of Vilnius Lyceum graduates go on immediately to universities and four year colleges; occasionally, a few students tend to elect a year off prior to university.

In the past four years Vilnius Lyceum graduates have attended the following universities and colleges: