What is the International Baccalaureate Program (IB)?
The IB Program and the Learner Profile
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The International Baccalaureate program is an internationally recognized academic program of honors courses that leads to the awarding of the prestigious IB Diploma for successful students. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) began in Switzerland in 1968. At first there was only a diploma program offered for high school age students, such as the one offered at McCluer North. Eventually in 1994 the IBO began to offer a program for both middle school and primary school; they also began a career-related program.
Currently there are nearly 5000 IB schools worldwide. All IB programs share one mission based on the belief that we can create a better world through education. The IBO aims to promote a better understanding and respect for different cultures, and to understand ourselves as integral parts of the global community. This is captured in the 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.” At McCluer North High School you have the opportunity to join a group of pre-IB students in honors classes in the 9th and 10th grade. This prepares you to take individual IB courses your junior and senior year, or enter the IB Diploma Program. The IB's programs are different from other curricula because they challenge students to think critically and creatively, develop multilingual abilities, global mindedness, and become reflective, lifelong learners. Why take IB courses or join the Diploma Program? IB is globally recognized as top-notch preparation for college. Research shows that not only were IB Diploma graduates more likely to enroll in a university, but they were also more likely to enroll in selective universities, stay enrolled and perform better during university study. Specifically, IB graduates are 21.4 percent more likely to be admitted into 10 of the most prestigious universities in the US, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Stanford. (Source: IBO) The IBO 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. (Source: IBO) IB Learner Profile The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded students who recognize a commonality of the human experience, shared responsibility in relation to the planet, and a willingness to create a better, more just, and peaceful world. The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools in this regard. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities. As IB learners, we strive to be: Inquirers We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life. Knowledgeable We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. Thinkers We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. Communicators We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups. Principled We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. Open-minded We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience. Caring We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us. Risk Takers We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. Balanced We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives--intellectual, physical, and emotional--to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live. Reflective We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development. (Source: IBO) For a short video titled "What is an IB education," click here! |
What is IB? What makes IB a great program for you? IB senior student spotlight Why choose IB? How can I participate in IB?
Course descriptions Diploma program requirements Student support page Policies and procedures
Calendar of assessments and May exam info Upcoming parent student info meetings Forms and surveys IB Merch
Teacher support materials Contact info Credits and references
Course descriptions Diploma program requirements Student support page Policies and procedures
Calendar of assessments and May exam info Upcoming parent student info meetings Forms and surveys IB Merch
Teacher support materials Contact info Credits and references