Academics
Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12)
The International Baccalaureate DP
Students in Grades 11 and 12 are exposed to a broad-based education through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). The wide range of courses offered at SJK allows each student to build a personalized program that is best suited to their interests, strengths and goals. The benefits of the IB DP are backed by research and can be found here.
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students for success at university and life beyond. The programme is taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities.
IB Diploma Programme students study six courses; three at a higher level and three at a standard level. To ensure a breadth of experience, DP students must choose one subject from each of:
Students often have first year university credits granted for them on a basis of the grades earned in their Higher Level subjects. There are a few universities that enter IB Diploma graduates directly to the second year.
IB Diploma Programme students study six courses; three at a higher level and three at a standard level. To ensure a breadth of experience, DP students must choose one subject from each of:
- Languages & Literature (native language)
- Language Acquisition (foreign language)
- Individuals & Societies
- Experimental Sciences
- Mathematics
Students often have first year university credits granted for them on a basis of the grades earned in their Higher Level subjects. There are a few universities that enter IB Diploma graduates directly to the second year.
DP has three additional core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding.
- The Extended Essay is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.
- Theory of Knowledge is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).
- Creativity, action, service (CAS) requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately.
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB Learner Profile Attributes
List of 10 items.
-
Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life. -
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. -
Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. -
Communicators
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups. -
Principled
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. -
Open-Minded
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience. -
Caring
We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us. -
Risk-Takers
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. -
Reflective
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development. -
Balanced
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives – intellectual, physical, and emotional – to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
The International Baccalaureate Mission
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.
St. John's-Kilmarnock School
©2018 St John’s-Kilmarnock School. All Rights Reserved.
