Curriculum Overview

ZIS is exploring the programs of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), which include the Primary Years Program(PYP), the Middle Years Program(MYP), and the Diploma Program(DP) in order to apply for candidacy status.

Introduction to the International Baccalaureate Organisation

(Information extracted from the IBO’s website www.ibo.org)

IBO mission statement

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.

Overview of the IBO

The International Baccalaureate Organization is a non-profit educational organization that was established in 1968. It is governed by a 17-member Council of Foundation, and is funded by fees from IB world schools, with additional income from workshops and catalogue sales. Donors provide support for development projects that otherwise cannot be implemented from the organization's budget.

Programmes

The IBO offers three programmes to a wide variety of schools located throughout the world:
the Diploma Programme (DP), for students in the final two years of school before university
the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16
the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for students aged 3 to 12.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Provides an opportunity for learners to construct meaning, principally through concept-driven inquiry.
Traditional academic subjects are part of the PYP but it emphasizes the interrelatedness of knowledge and skills through a transdisciplinary programme of inquiry.
The PYP focuses on the heart as well as the mind and addresses social, physical, emotional and cultural needs as well as academic ones.
The PYP aims to develop in students:
·sensitivity to the experiences of others through the curriculum
·the characteristics listed in the student profile
·the attitudes that are an explicit element of the programme
·the expectation of socially responsible action as a result of the learning experience.
Schools enjoy much flexibility in language of instruction and languages taught, after consulting with the IBO.
At the heart of the PYP is a commitment to structured inquiry as a vehicle for learning.
Six organizing themes help teachers and students explore knowledge in the broadest sense of the word. Teachers and students use key questions that are concept-based to structure the units of inquiry. They acquire and apply transdisciplinary skills while developing an understanding of these important concepts.
The development of explicit attitudes is an essential element of the programme. Students are given the opportunity to reflect and take action as a result of the learning.
The PYP identifies a body of knowledge for all students in all cultures, in six subject areas:
Language
Mathematics
Social studies
Science and Technology
Arts
Personal, Social and Physical Education
Download a sample PYP science unit, for kindergarten students. (PDF file)
In the spirit of international, students are required to learn a second language in addition to the language of instruction of the school.
The PYP Programme of Inquiry Organizing themes are:
Who we are
Where we are in place and time
How we express ourselves
How the world works
How we organize ourselves
Sharing the planet

The philosophy: profile of a PYP student

The PYP defines the characteristics of students who are aware of and sensitive to the experiences of others. These create a profile of the PYP student, which helps teachers and students to establish goals, plan units of inquiry, and assess performance.
Inquirers - Their natural curiosity has been nurtured. They have acquired the skills necessary to conduct purposeful, constructive research. They actively enjoy learning and their love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Thinkers - They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to make sound decisions and to solve complex problems.
Communicators - They receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language, including the language of mathematical symbols.
Risk Takers - They approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have the confidence and independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe.
Knowledgeable - They have spent time in school exploring themes which have global relevance and importance. In doing so, they have acquired a critical mass of significant knowledge.
Principle - They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. They have integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness and justice.
Caring - They show sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a sense of personal commitment to action and service.
Open Minded - They respect the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures, and they are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.
Well Balanced - They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being.
Reflective - They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and analyse their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.