A Guide to the International Baccalaureate

Diploma Programme
Cypress Creek High School

Ms. Heather Hilton, Principal & IB Head of School

Ms. Lynne Newsom, IB Coordinator
Dr. Linda Shaddix, IB Guidance Counselor

An International Baccalaureate World School

Organization

1101 Bear Crossing Drive, Orlando, FL 32824

T 407.852.3400 F 407.8505160

www.cchs.ocps.net

Contact Information
1101 Bear Crossing Drive
Orlando, FL 32824
(407) 852-3400 Office
(407) 850-5160 Fax
www.cchs.ocps.net
Ms. Lynne Newsom
IB Coordinator
(407) 852-3400, ext. 6032654
Lynne.newsom@ocps.net
Dr. Linda Shaddix
IB Guidance Counselor
(407) 852-3400, ext. 6033421
linda.shaddix@ocps.net
Ms. Heather Hilton
Principal CCHS
4078523400 ext. 6033410
Heather.hilton@ocps.net

Cypress Creek IB Achievements

2014 IB Student Results
IB Diploma Recipients 53
National Merit Finalists 3
National Achievement Scholarship 2
National Merit Commended 4
National Hispanic Scholars 1

2014 IB Student AP Results

National AP Scholars 47
AP Scholars with Distinction 19
AP Scholars with Honors 16
National AP Scholars 3
AP International Diploma- 1

CCHS is in the top 1% of all IB World Schools; the majority of Cypress Creek IB Diploma
Candidates go on to careers in engineering and medicine.
IB Students Honors & Distinctions
2013 dollar amount of scholarships earned - $820,900 per year for the next four years
2013 students with full rides to Universities 5
Aspen Ideas Festival
Bank of America Student Leaders Internship
Bezos Scholars
Columbia Engineering Weekend
Columbia Summer Program
Harvard Summer Program
Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience
Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science at MIT (MITES)
Mt. Holyoke Women of Color Program
Questbridge College Match Program
University of Texas Austin, Women in Engineering
Youth Empowerment Learning Leadership (YELL!)

Guide to the IB Diploma Programme

Cypress Creek IB Diploma Pass Rate*

100
90
80
70
60
50

WorldPass Rate

40

CCHS Pass Rate

30
20
10
0

*Statistics provided by the International Baccalaureate Organization, July 2013

Based on data provided by International Baccalaureate of the overall students who received the IB diploma.

Cypress Creek IB SAT Results**

700
600
500
400
SAT Reading
300

SaT Math

200
100
0
OCPS

Florida

Nation

CCHS

CCHS IB

**Statistics provided by the OCPS Student Assessment and Data Management Office, September 2013

Acceptance into Prestigious Universities

American University
Amherst College
Annapolis
Auburn University
Baylor University
Barry University
BethuneCookman College
Boston College
Boston University
Brandeis University
Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Eckerd University
Emory University
Drexel University
Duke University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical
College
FairleighDickenson
University
Flagler College
Florida Agriculture and
Mechanical University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Hospital College of
Health Science
Florida International
University
Florida Institute of
Technology
Florida Southern University
Florida State University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Tech
Harvard University
Jacksonville University
Kansas State University
Loyola University Chicago
Maine Institute of Marine
Biology
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
Mercer Alaska Pacific University
New College of Florida
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University

Guide to the IB Diploma Programme

Northwestern University
Ohio State University
Princeton University
Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute
Rice University
Rollins College
Rutgers University
Smith College
Southeastern University
State University of New York
Stetson University
Syracuse University
Texas A & M
Tufts University
Tulane University
United States Air Force Academy
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Buffalo
University of Arizona
University of California
Berkeley
University of California Los
Angeles
University of Central Florida
University of Chicago
University of Florida
University of Hartford
University of Illinois
Champaign
University of Miami
University of North Carolina
University of North Florida
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburg
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Southern
California
University of Tampa
University of West Florida
University of Texas Austin
Villanova University
Wake Forrest University
Washington University St.
Louis
Williams College
Yale University

The 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:
Inquirers

They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to
conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout
their lives.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively

to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical
decisions.

Principled

They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice
and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They
take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-Minded

They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories,
and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals
and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of
points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings
of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a
positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Balanced

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Risk-Takers

They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and
strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Reflective

They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience.

They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in
order to support their learning and personal development.

Communicators

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

IB Faculty
ADMINISTRATION
Ms. Heather Hilton- Principal has been an Educational Leader for many years. She completed
her BS in Biology and her MA in teaching at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She also
attended Southwest Texas State University to complete here Educational Leadership
certification. Ms. Hilton began her experience as an Administrator in Cedar Park, Texas and
then moved to Central Florida where she was an Assistant Principal at Winter Park HS for five
years and then became Principal at Glenridge Middle School where she worked for four years.
While at Glenridge , Ms. Hilton demonstrated her commitment to the IB philosophy by
implementing the IB MYP program school wide, thus making it the only standalone 4 year MYP
program in the district.
IB Coordinator
Mrs. Lynne Newsom completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida
and her graduate from Walden University. Mrs. Newsom has over 17 years of experience as an
educator and 7 years in the IB continuum in all three program areas, PYP, MYP and DP. Mrs.
Newsom has experience as an IB Administrator, teacher and reading specialist and IB Reader.

Of the 23 dedicated IB faculty members, 3 hold doctorate degrees, 14 hold masters

degrees, and 6 are National Board Certified.

Mrs. Cynthia Cohen was the 2007 Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Shari Foster-Hennighan was the 2008 Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Roy Jones was the 2010 Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Sam Reisner was the 2011 Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Jennifer Fleming was the 2009 Social Studies Teacher of the Year for OCPS.

Mrs. Jennifer Castro was a finalist for 2011 Math Teacher of the Year for OCPS.

Mr. Rogers, and Mrs. Fleming are Assistant Examiners (teachers hired by the IB to score IB
exams) for their respective subjects.

Mrs. Fleming has been an AP Reader and/or Table Leader for AP World History.

Guide to the IB Diploma Programme

Campus

Cypress Creek High School opened in August of 1992. It sits on a 96-acre campus. We are
currently under renovations that will modernize our Campus with new facilities and the latest
technology.

Our student population consists of more than fifty different cultures and nationalities.

Nine building facilities, plus portables, including:

o Main building with Media Center, Guidance Offices with College & Career
Planning area, TV and Radio Production Studio, and Culinary Arts
classrooms.
o
o
o
o
o

Science wing with twelve full labs.

Band and Orchestra wing
Two gymnasiums
Visual Arts wing
Auditorium with Black Box Theater

In addition to the gymnasiums, Cypress Creek has fully-functioning athletic facilities and
resources:
o Tennis courts
o
o
o
o

Basketball courts
Softball field
Baseball field
Football/Soccer Stadium with track

TECHNOLOGY

All classrooms have access to wireless internet

The majority of classrooms have LCD and Document Projectors for use in instructional
technology and are in the process of being renovated with all new technology.

Two computer labs are available, in addition to a mobile lab

Most classrooms have student computer stations for students to do independent research

The Media Center provides access to the following electronic resources: JSTOR, ABC Clio,
American Decades, American Decades Primary Sources, Cold War Reference Library,
Complete Health Resource, InfoTrac, and many others.

Clubs & Activities

Academic Teams/Clubs
Anime Club
Art Club
Asian Student Association
B.E.A.R.S. Mentoring
Band
Beta Club
Business Professionals of America
CCHS Bears Medicine
Central Florida Cappies
Debate Club
Environmental Science
ESOL
French Club
Freshmen Class
Health Occupation Students
IB Student Organization
IB Tutoring
Indian Student Association
International Thespian Society

Junior Class
Junior State of America
NJROTC
Photography Club
Psychology Club
Quiz Bowl
Radio
Robotics Club
School Advisory Council
Senior Class
SMART Team
Social Justice in Action Club
Sophomore Class
Student Government Association
TV Production
UMOJA Club
World Math Day Club
Writers Club
Yearbook Club

Honor Societies
National German Honor Society
National Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
National Technical Honor Society
Special Interest Groups
Chess Club
FCA Student Venture
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Gay/Straight Alliance Club
IB Parent Organization
Guide to the IB Diploma Programme

Magic The Gathering Club

SAFE Ambassadors Club
Table Tennis Club

Sports Teams
Mens Teams
Baseball
Basketball
Bowling
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Water Polo
Weightlifting
Wrestling

Guide to the IB Diploma Programme

Womens Teams
Basketball
Bowling
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Diving
Flag Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Water Polo
Weightlifting
Wrestling

Curriculum Planning
IB students prepare for four
years to take assessments in
each of the six IB Subject
Groups.
Although assessments occur in
11th and 12th grades, students take
Pre-IB courses in 9th and 10th
grades that prepare them for success.

Cypress Creek IB Course

Offerings:
Group 1: English
Group 2: German & Spanish
Group 3: History of the Americas, Psychology (elective), &
ITGS (elective)
Group 4: Biology; Chemistry;
Physics; & Sports, Exercise
and Health Sciences
Group 5: Math Studies, Math
SL, & Math HL
Group 6: Music, Theater, Film
& Visual Arts

The IB Diploma Programme requires students to take courses and be assessed in six subject
groups: four academics, one world language, and one chosen subject.

Students are assessed in three subjects at the Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard
Level (SL). Both HL and SL are college levels courses; HL demands additional in-depth
study and students should choose HL courses in areas which they are most passionate.

We will begin working with students in 9th grade to help students make good decisions
regarding their HL and SL selections in 11th and 12th grades.

To remain in good standing with the IB Programme, both Pre-IB and IB students are
expected to have no grade below a C and a minimum un-weighted GPA of 3.0.

Cypress Creek High School IB Course Sequence

IB Curriculum
Areas
Group 1
English

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12

Pre-IB English I
Honors

Pre-IB English II
Honors

IB English IV HL

Pre-IB German I
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Spanish I
Honors
AP Human Geography
Pre-IB Biology I
Honors

Pre-IB German II
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Spanish II
Honors
AP World
History
Pre-IB
Chemistry I Honors

IB English III
HL/AP English Literature
IB German III SL
OR
IB Spanish III SL

Group 5
Math

Pre-IB Geometry
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Algebra II
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Algebra I

Group 6
Electives

Elective Choice

Pre-IB Algebra II
Honors
OR
Pre-IB Fast-Track
(Algebra II & PreCalculus Honors)
OR
Pre-IB Geometry
AND
Pre-IB Algebra II
Pre-Calculus Honors
OR
Trigonometry &
Analysis of Functions
Honors
Elective Choice

IB Core

Community Service

Community Service

Group 2
New Second Language
Group 3
History
Group 4
Science

Guide to the IB Diploma Programme

IB German IV SL
OR
IB Spanish IV SL

IB History of the
Americas HL
IB Biology SL/HL
OR
IB Chemistry SL/HL
OR
IB Physics SL
OR
IB Sports, Exercise,
& Health Science
IB Maths
Studies I SL
OR
IB Maths SL/HL I
(AP Calculus AB)

IB Contemporary
Topics HL
IB Biology HL
OR
IB Chemistry HL

ITGS SL
OR
IB Psychology
SL/HL
OR
Visual Arts SL
OR
Theater Arts HL
IB Film
IB Music
Theory of
Knowledge/Inquiry
Skills

IB Psychology II HL
OR
Visual Arts II SL
OR
Theater Arts II HL
ITGS
IB Film
IB Music

IB Maths
Studies II
OR
IB Maths II SL
OR
IB Maths II HL

Theory of
Knowledge/Inquiry
Skills

Pre-IB Algebra I

Pre-IB Algebra II
Honors and PreIB Geometry

IB Math
Analysis (Math
Studies I)

IB Math Studies
II SL

Pre- IB
Geometry

Pre-IB Algebra II

IB Math Analysis
(Math Studies I)

IB Math Studies
SL

Pre-IB Algebra II

Pre-IB
Pre-Calculus

IB Calculus/Discrete

AP Calculus AB

OR
AP/IB Calculus BC HL

Why IB?
FL High
School
Diploma

College Credit

Exams

Scholarships

Program
Diploma

International
Baccalaureate

High school diploma conferred

when a student
successfully completes IB
Curriculum
through
senior yeareven
if IB diploma is
not
awarded. Many
standard-diploma
requirements are
waived as result.

Participation in the IB
program provides the
most opportunities to
earn college credit. IB
students take equivalent AP exams in most
IB courses.
At minimum, an IB
student will take 6
APs by graduation.
IB Foreign Language
required for IB Diploma; students have
opportunity to fulfill
this common college
requirement.
Students prepared
for 2nd language
requirement for
Masters programs.

Externally assessed.
IB exams are the most
user friendly and not
high stakes. A subjects breadth is covered for context and
prescribed topics for
depth. Tests are mostly essay-style,
with many questions a
student chooses
fromincluding topics known beforehand.
Tests results are
combined with
externally,-audited
work done in school
year for final IB grade.

100% Bright Futures

is automatically
awarded if student
earns IB diploma
regardless of GPA. If Diploma not awarded but
student earns 1270 SAT or
28 on ACT, 100% Bright
Futures awarded regardless
of GPA.
Many colleges have
scholarship
programs specifically for IB
students.

Student must pass

6 IB subjects and
satisfactorily
perform in 3 cores
(Extended Essay,
CAS, TOK) to earn
the IB Diploma.
Over
100 countries
acknowledge IB
Diploma for college entry. Because
of
the rigor, colleges
do not revoke
acceptance if
students do not
earn the IB
Diploma.

Advanced
Placement (AP)

All standard high

school diploma
requirements must
be successfully
completed in
addition to whatever number of
AP
courses and exams
are taken and
passed.

Although some
students can plan
and manage to take
as many as 10 APs
or more by
graduation, they do
not accumulate as
much college credit
as IB students.
No AP Diploma.
Colleges like
students to take the
most rigorous
courses possible.

May exams.
Externally assessed.
AP grade for college
credit depends solely
on exam
performance. There
are multiple choice
and essay parts, with
little student choice.
Students do not
know in advance
what topics will be
assessed in depth
via essay.

AP students must
successfully
complete high
school
requirements with a
3.5 (weighted by
Bright Futures),
with a 1270 on SAT
or 28 ACT, and 75
hours community
service to receive
100% FL Bright
Futures.

Advanced
Certificate of Education (AICE)

High school diploma

conferred when
student successfully
completes AICE
Curriculum
through
senior yeareven
if
AICE diploma is
not
awarded. Many
standard-diploma
requirements
waived
as result.

AICE does not

require students to
take and pass the
AICE exam in order
to earn AICE
diploma recognition
in that course. Only
Florida public
colleges are
mandated to accept
passing AICE
credits for a total of
30 hours; private
and out-of-state
colleges do not
accept AICE credits
as widely as IB and
AP.

Students must
pass 6 credits
worth of exams to
earn AICE diploma.
AICE students may
earn credit through
AICE exams and
take AP exams. but
the AICE diploma
does not yet have as
much impact on
college acceptance
decisions.

June exams.
Externally
assessed exams.
AICE exams do not
have to be passed
to earn a passing
score in the class.
Work done in
school toward AICE
diploma is not
externally audited.

No AP Diploma.
Colleges like students to take the
most rigorous
courses possible.
AP does not require
students to take
college-level
courses in areas
that are not their
strongest.
Colleges
and counselors
generally consider
IB program
participation as
more rigorous then
taking multiple
APs.
AICE students
must
successfully earn
the AICE diploma
for 100% Bright
Futures. If AICE
diploma is not
earned, must have
1270 SAT or 28
ACT and has
completed the
service hours.

Student Support
The Cypress Creek Community offers a number of supports for IB students, including two dedicated IB personnel.
IB SPECIFIC SUPPORT:

IB Coordinator Students can meet with Mrs. Newsom when they have concerns regarding exams, curriculum planning, or questions regarding IB requirements. Ms. Newsom also plans special IB events, such as the Academic Year Kickoff, the Sophomore Field Trip, the Junior IB Induction Ceremony, and the IB Senior Toast. In the classroom, she works to prepare them for IB
testing through Inquiry Skills. Mrs. Newsom also works with IB students to develop and plan
their IB CAS project. Any communication with the International Baccalaureate Organization is
done through the IB Coordinator.

IB Guidance Counselor Students can meet with Dr. Shaddix when they have concerns regarding their schedules, curriculum planning, or college planning. Dr. Shaddix also acts at the CAS
Coordinator, ensuring students meet the Creativity, Action, and Service requirements outlined by
the IB Organization. Dr. Shaddix also regularly speaks to and prepares students in their classrooms with service, college, and school planning advice. Students will meet individually with Dr.
Shaddix to discuss CAS progress and college applications.

Extended Essay Coordinators Mr. Rogers is the Extended Essay Coordinator, in addition to
teaching 20th Century World topics and Theory of Knowledge. He is responsible for introducing
students to the Extended Essay and establishing the calendar of dates for students to meet with
their Extended Essay Advisors. He also ensures students turn their Extended Essays in a timely
manner.

Extended Essay Advisors Cypress Creek allows students to choose from English, History, Science, Film, Theater, and Visual Arts for their Extended Essays. Each student is assigned an Extended Essay Advisor from the appropriate content area.

Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) Coordinator In order to ensure our IB students engage
in meaningful CAS activities; Mr. Oswald is our CAS Coordinator. In addition, each IB candidate is assigned a CAS advisor who approves activities, reads student reflections, and guides students in making appropriate decisions about CAS.

IB Math Tutoring IB-specific Math tutoring is offered every Monday and Thursday. Your
math teachers will be there to help you with your specific needs.

IB Tutoring IB upperclassmen offer after school tutoring in all IB subjects.

Guide to the IB Diploma Programme

IB Student Organization This organization represents all IB students on campus. Each grade
level has two elected representatives to bring grade-level concerns to the elected officers. Meetings are held twice a month. The IBSO hosts events throughout the year to bring all IB students
together in a fun, supportive atmosphere.

IB Parent Organization The IB Parent Organization is open to any parent of an IB student.

Meetings are held quarterly with the objective of planning the annual IB events, including the
Freshmen Ice Cream Social, Sophomore Field Trip, Junior IB Pining Ceremony, and Senior
Toast.

CYPRESS CREEK SUPPORT:

Extended Media Center Hours The Media Center opens at 7 am and closes at 3:30 pm.

SAFE Coordinator Ms. Ledger is Cypress Creek High Schools SAFE Coordinator. Our
SAFE Coordinator meets with students, their families, school faculty and staff, and community
service agencies if additional support is needed.

Freshmen Registration
In April, we host several registration sessions for incoming 8th graders to prepare for their Freshmen Year:
In-depth information is provided about various Pre-IB and IB tracks and subjects.
Program expectations outlined.
8th grade students can feel confident that they have made the best registration decisions for their
individual needs.
Incoming Freshmen have the opportunity to address questions and concerns.
The IB Coordinator and IB Guidance Counselor are available to help families with specific and
unique questions or needs.
This is an opportunity to meet current IB students who can answer in-coming students questions.
Begin building your IB resources:
Learn about the IB Student and Parent Organizations, in addition to other clubs and activities
available to all Cypress Creek students.
Meet other new parents and students.
Begin to set goals for success.
Learn about GPAs and the IB Honor Code.
IB Boot Camp:
In April we offer a half day IB boot camp on a Saturday. Incoming IB students were provided
with in depth information on what to expect and how to succeed in the IB program during break
out secessions.
IB Boot Camp is offered on a Saturday from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm to accommodate our families schedules.

Guide to the IB Diploma Programme