Learning about International Baccalaureate

“The IB challenges students to excel in their studies and in their personal development”  International Baccalaureate, 2018

“The IB aims to inspire a quest for learning throughout life that is marked by enthusiasm and empathy”  International Baccalaureate, 2018

 The International Baccalaureate® (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation providing programs and educational curricula to authorized schools around the world.  To be authorized, a school must complete an extensive process lasting approximately three (3) years.  Every school authorized to offer IB programmes is known as an IB World School.  Alcuin School is authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6 (beginning in the spring) through 10; and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for grades 11 and 12. 

The IB prepares students to succeed in a complex and dynamic world where asking the right question is essential for life long success.  “The IB pedagogy inspires exemplary teaching and learning.  The ability to think critically, work collaborative, communicate effectively and solve complex problems distinguishes graduates of IB World Schools.”  International Baccalaureate, 2018

IB Middle Years Programme

A challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, the MYP is inclusive by design. Students of all interests and academic abilities can benefit from their participation.  International Baccalaureate, 2018

IB Diploma Programme

The IB DP consists of two years of university level work.  Research suggests many benefits to choosing the DP:  including developing students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge.  Alcuin DP students flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. 

Benefits of IB

The MYP and DP programmes do more than other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are shown to be successful at university and beyond.  Alcuin School provides for students faculty with strong academic background and extensive IB training.  This prepares the faculty to encourage students to think critically, to challenge assumptions and to consider both local and global contexts.

Approaches to Learning for IB Students

IB approaches to learning intentionally incorporates the skills of:  communication, collaboration, self-management, research, and analysis.  Students also intentionally develop the attributes of the IB Learner Profile.  As a result, students are able to take responsibility for their own learning and understand how knowledge is constructed. 

IB Learner Profile

The IB Learner Profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities essential for personal and academic success. 

The profile aims to develop learners who are:

• Inquirers
• Knowledgeable
• Thinkers
• Communicators
• Principled
• Open-minded
• Caring
• Risk-takers (courageous)
• Balanced
• Reflective