August 18, 2017-- ISD is an IBPYP Candidate School! What does that mean?
On June 15th, ISD was granted approval to explore and pursue becoming an authorized practitioner of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP). We are excited to begin this shift in our curricular paradigm that will result in ISD becoming an IB World School.
There are many components to this process, including curricular design, assessment practices, and character education. These all synthesize to attain an overarching educational goal: an internationally minded, globally competent, lifelong learner. Over the next few weeks, I will use this forum to discuss the ideas and actions our school will undertake as we align our practices with the IB.
The first aspect of the IBPYP to understand is the the IB Learner Profile. The learner profile is essentially the IB mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21st century.
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.
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.
The Learner Profile adds specifics to this broad mission. It expresses the values inherent to the IB continuum of international education. These are the values we strive to instill in our students, and these are the values that infuse all elements of the IBPYP.
Inquirers. They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable. They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers. They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators. They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled. They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded. They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring. They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers. They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced. They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective. They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
These ten attributes support and underpin the ISD CORE values and will eventually permeate our curricular design and implementation. They are our reference point and will become our benchmark for effectiveness as we align ourselves with the standards and practices of the IBPYP.
I plan on hosting a couple of informative PYP parent nights as our year unfolds to inform and engage as many of you as possible.
Take care, rock on, and have a great week!
Sincerely,
Brad Chumrau - PYP Coordinator/ Acting Elementary Principal