International Baccalaureate educators are specially trained to develop a child's natural curiosity. They teach students of all ages to develop the skills necessary to be inquisitive, to research new areas, and show independence in learning. Teaching children and teens to be successful inquirers means that they get to be actively involved in how they learn, rather than passive participants. This active involvement leads to a love of learning that lasts throughout their lives. Each of the three programs build consecutively to develop skills, knowledge, and understanding that is normally reserved for college and university levels.
Beginning in IB pre-school, classes are designed based on the developmental needs of each age. At an early age children learn to ask questions and investigate their interest and inquiries in a supportive and loving environment. As students move throughout the three programs they learn to research, share their increased understanding with the community, and present, question, and reflect on traditional academic knowledge as well as apply these skills to original ideas.
As part of this work, students are expected to extend both personal and community understanding through culminating projects during their last year of the primary years, middle years, and diploma programmes. The quality of the learning experience, final product and personal reflection demonstrate individual determination and passion and the ability to plan and carry out the process of design and creativity at a level that far exceeds local and state standards.The collaboration and recognition for these activities often extend and involve parents, family, community organizations, subject-area librarians, and experts, way beyond the school and sometimes even beyond the local communities.
At a time when experts say that in many fields what is taught in a student's freshman year in college will be obsolete by the time they graduate, the emphasis can no longer be on teaching facts and theories. Our children need to embrace and be active participants in a world of constant change. What students know is no longer nearly as important as how they learn; how they adapt to change and to differences in styles, views, and approaches; and how they work together to solve common challenges. These are the skills that IB fosters and develops from pre-K through high school. That is why our IB students will not only succeed in life, but will thrive.
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A Fish-friend Inquiry
Read about 5 yr old Walter's paper fish discussion...
"IB was a great experience. It allowed me to really grow and expand my horizons..."
-- IB Diploma Graduate
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