The International Baccalaureate in St. Helena
The International Baccalaureate Organization is a nonprofit educational foundation motivated by a simple idea -that by educating students we can create a better world.
Its mission?
ØThe 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.
ØTo this end, the organization works with schools, governments and worldwide organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
ØThese programs 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 IBO is a recognized leader in the field of international education, encouraging students to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens. Founded in 1968, it has grown from a single program for internationally mobile students to three programs for students aged 3 to 19, experienced by a half million students from state and private schools in over 120 countries. It is growing rapidly in the United States and Canada.
St. Helena has implemented all three programs of the IBO in our primary, elementary, middle and high schools in fulfillment of our own mission: to provide opportunities and resources for all students to achieve their highest academic and social potential in a global society.
The Primary Years Program for pupils aged 3 to 11 focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside.
PYP Coordinator: Ashley Wright, 967-2712 (Email)
The Middle Years Program for pupils aged 11 to 16 provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, becoming critical and reflective thinkers.
MYP Coordinator: Kathleen Zipp, 967-2725 (Email)
The Diploma Program for students aged 16 to 19 is an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepare students for success at university and life beyond. The program is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.
DP Coordinator: Kathleen Zipp, 967-2725 (Email)
The three programs all aim to develop a set of values throughout the IB community – values that reflect the principles of their mission. This mission has been translated into a learner profile which “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.”
IB learners strive to be:
ØInquirers
ØKnowledgeable
ØThinkers
ØCommunicators
ØPrincipled
ØOpen-minded
ØCaring
ØRisk-takers
ØBalanced
ØReflective
These student qualities fill each IB program, creating students who serve as the connective, engaged, active force binding our fours schools.
