Introduction
“The International Baccalaureate Organisation 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 IBO works with schools, governments and international organisations 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”. IBO Mission Statement
St Andrew's Cathedral School is a recognised IB school and will be introducing the Diploma Programme in 2008.
Why should we offer the IB?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two year curriculum for 16 to 19 year olds, our Year 11 and 12 students. It is an internationally recognised exit credential, which provides a challenging curriculum for students. The School has been considering introducing the IB since 2002, in line with the School’s strategic plan. The IB is commensurate with the School’s spiritual and pedagogical values.
What is the IB?
The IB is an international exit credential, a unique international curriculum which caters for many countries and cultures. The IBO offers the PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), and DP (Diploma Programme). The IB is a rigorous, holistic programme which encourages students to become global citizens and prepares them for lifelong learning. Through study of the IB, students will be encouraged to be understanding and accepting of others and be critical and compassionate thinkers. It is character building, promotes international understanding and aims to develop informed participants in world affairs.
All students complete six subjects, plus the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Action, Service. Students must choose one subject from Groups 1 to 6. There is the option for students to not do a Group 6 subject, and choose another subject from Groups 2, 3, or 4. The subjects we are looking at offering in these groups will be discussed in the coming weeks.
- Group 1: (First Language): English
- Group 2: (Second Language): French, German, Japanese and Ab Initio Spanish (Beginners)
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies, Economics, History and Psychology
- Group 4: Environmental Sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science, Maths HL, Maths SL and Maths Studies
- Group 6: The Arts, Music and Visual Arts
Who should study the IB?
Students who see themselves as studying an alternative to the current NSW syllabus which still gives them access to universities both in Australia and overseas would be well suited to the IB. Students who are interested in a course which provides a truly international flavour to their learning would also be good candidates for the IB. It is acknowledged that this course will not suit every student, but will apply to those with knowledge and interests across a broad range of curriculum areas.
For more information please visit the IBO website at www.ibo.org.
Useful Links:
Download File
