In May 2008, the SJHS received authorisation by the IBO to deliver the IB Diploma Programme and become an “IB World school”. SJHS is committed at all levels to continue to develop our already impressive infrastructure and to ensure that students’ needs are met to the highest standards possible. For a high achieving school such as SJHS, the IB Diploma Programme represents a logical progression in development, reflecting the growing desire among Europe’s leading schools, to embrace the world’s premier pre-university academic programme.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year programme of international education for students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized and often preferred, by the world’s leading universities.Students learn more than a collection of facts. The Diploma Programme prepares students for university and encourages them to:
- ask challenging questions
- learn how to learn
- develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture
- develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures
IBO Mission Statement
Central to our understanding of what constitutes an IB World School is the IB Mission statement. As an IB World School, we should undertake, individually and collectively, to hold these ideals, aims and objectives, centrally in all that we do.“The International Baccalaureate Organization 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 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.”
IBO, November 2002
The IB “Learner Profile” (2006) is the IBO mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century. The attributes of the profile express the values inherent to the IB continuum of international education: these are values that should infuse all elements of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme and, therefore, the culture and ethos of all IB World Schools. The learner profile provides a long-term vision of education. It is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose. (IBO, 2006) It is freely available at www.ibo.org
The IB Diploma Curriculum Hexagon
Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Three subjects are studied at higher level and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level. Groups 1, 2 & 5 are compulsory. It is possible to take an extra subject from groups 1 to 4, instead of a subject from Group 6.
Central compulsory components: CAS, TOK, EE
- Creativity, Action, Service, (CAS)
Recognises that learning that goes on outside the classroom is just as important as learning that goes on inside. - Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
A philosophy of learning course which should inform delivery of all subject areas. - Extended Essay
A 4000 word piece of research based work on a subject of a student’s special interest.
Group 1
Language A1Reflects the IBO’s policy of encouraging students to maintain strong ties to their own cultures. Students ideally develop strong written and oral skills, respect for the literary heritage of their first languages, and an international perspective. Every diploma candidate is required to include a group 1 language, either HL or SL. Where no teacher is available, a student may be allowed to study language A1 as a self-taught candidate at SL only.
Likely available options at SJHS: Italian, English, Self-taught (Standard level only)
Group 2
Second Language available at 3 levels:- Second language A2 (bi-lingual) (HL & SL)
- B (previous experience) (HL & SL)
- Ab Initio (beginners) (Standard level only)
Likely available options at SJHS: English A2, English B, French B, Spanish B, Italian B, Italian Ab Initio (Standard level only)
Group 3
Individuals and societiesSubjects included in this group span the humanities and social sciences, and are the following: business and management; geography and history. An essential characteristic of the disciplines in group 3 is that their subject matter is contestable and that their study requires students to tolerate some uncertainty.
Likely available options at SJHS: History, Geography, Business & Management
Group 4
Experimental SciencesExperimental science subjects promote an understanding of the concepts, principles and applications of the respective disciplines, together with an appreciation of the methodology of the experimental sciences in general. Students develop practical laboratory skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively through participating in an interdisciplinary group project. A common curriculum model applies to all subjects in group 4. This model offers a parallel structure at both higher and standard levels whereby all candidates study a core of material which is supplemented by various options. Examination of local and international examples helps students develop an awareness of moral and ethical issues and promotes social responsibility.
Likely available options at SJHS: Chemistry, Biology, Physics
Group 5
Mathematics available at 2 levels: Mathematics (HL & SL) and Maths Studies (SL only)All candidates for a diploma are required to complete a mathematics course, and four options are available to cater for different abilities and levels of student interest. Each course aims to deepen a student’s understanding of mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence and facility in the use of mathematical language.
Likely available options at SJHS: Mathematics and Maths Studies (Standard level only)
Group 6
Arts & ElectivesThis includes visual arts, music and theatre arts, with emphasis placed on practical production by the student and exploration of a range of creative work in a global context.
Likely available options at SJHS: Music, Visual Arts, Theatre Arts
For further information about the IB Diploma Programme at SJHS, please contact: Andrew Watson, IB Coordinator