The IB Program is one of the best academic programs Albany High has to offer. Unlike the students who participate in the other classes at Albany High, the students within the program share almost all of their classes with one another, which allows them to become closer with both one another and their teachers.

In past years, IB was limited to students aiming to complete the requirements for the full IB Diploma. Recently, IB was opened up to all students, making it more accessible to those students who did not want to graduate with the Diploma.

According to Ms. Plumadore, “The distinguishing feature of IB is its comprehensiveness, in that it addresses all aspects of a student’s development. Unlike the AP classes, which help to develop what each student is already good at, IB tests each person’s boundaries, as the program itself is all-encompassing.”

Ms. Plumadore also describes the positive aspects of the way that IB is taught. Instead of focusing on the “how,” the IB Program generally focuses on the “why.” If you are a student looking to learn for the sake of learning, rather than just learning for the sake of passing tests, then IB could be perfect for you. As Ms. Plumadore says about IB math, “If you understand how to get the solution, and why you are getting that solution, then you should not need to memorize the procedure.”

Along with rigorous academics, the IB Diploma Program also requires each student to complete a thesis, as well as a community service project, which is part of the CAS component of this program. These outside projects required by the Diploma Program help to develop each student as a global citizen, which was one of the main goals of  IB when it was first established.

IB was first created as a way to establish a consistent curriculum for the children of international diplomats, who were constantly moving from one place to another. This program was adopted throughout Europe and the US as a way to create internationally-minded students who look at world issues from many different perspectives.

The CAS program at Albany High constitutes a major part of the Diploma Program, and is a great way for students to work toward creating a peaceful world (which is one of the major reasons for developing internationally-minded students). CAS stands for Creativity, Action, and Service, which are each fundamental elements that contribute to students’ development throughout their high school experience.  Creativity refers to activities that utilize creative thinking skills, Action is related to exercise and sports, and Service involves the student learning something new through various volunteering activities.

The CAS Program requires each student to take part in at least three activities that fit under the categories of Community, Action, and Service before graduating. The CAS Program also includes an extended community service project, in which students come up with and carry out their own community service projects in order to better benefit their communities.

Overall, as Ms. Plumadore states, “You don’t need to be accelerated to do IB, and you don’t need to do the entire diploma.” Every person is capable of doing the IB Program, which both aids in a student’s personal development, and looks great on college applications. There is no reason for students not to attempt the IB Program as long as they are willing to work hard.