- The John Dickinson School
- What is IB?
What is IB?
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WHAT IS IT? The International Baccalaureate Programme is a rigorous course of study for highly motivated students in the 11th and 12th grades. Student work is graded on global standards by assessors around the world, and an IB diploma is internationally honored by universities as proof of excellent preparedness for college work. Many schools, including the Delaware public system, offer college credit for IB coursework.
But the IB program is far more than a fine academic program. IB focuses on the whole person, seeking to create “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” Students working towards an IB diploma are therefore required to complete Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) hours, to take a unique course in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and to write an extended essay under the supervision of a mentor. This comprehensive and international approach to student learning aims to develop the whole person as a citizen not only of the local community, but of the world at large.
The IB Learner Profile
The aim of the IB programme 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 learners strive to be:
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.
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