IB Programme
Making a difference with the International Baccalaureate Programme
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) was designed in 1968 as a solution to a problem: How could international students qualify to study in universities in any country? Now, over 35 years later, it has become something more. Educators and parents have realized the need for young people to embrace and comprehend a wider world. The combination of academic rigor, international awareness and best teaching practices has led to the IB Programme being embraced worldwide, including here in the United States.
Their philosophy meshes with that of the Spartanburg Day School so well, that integration of the programme has been a natural fit. The IB Programme has enhanced our existing curriculum by allowing for deeper understanding of content, ensuring consistency across grade levels, and providing support in character development. Nothing is more delightful than seeing a child excited about learning and in the Lower and Middle Schools the enthusiasm is obvious! Teachers, parents and especially students are excited about the learning process.
Mary Kay Deese, IB Coordinator
Their beliefs are reflected in the International Baccalaureate Organization’s mission statement:
The International Baccalaureate Organization 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 IBO 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.
Our young people are experiencing learning, not just memorizing facts. Lessons are student-driven with an emphasis on inquiry. Critical thinking skills, authentic assessment, and creative problem solving are all necessary in developing a student who is prepared for the 21st century. Our students are developing skills that will help them transfer their learning from the classroom to their lives outside of that classroom and to the world as a whole. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes are not only successful, but they are truly making a world of difference at Spartanburg Day School.
Spartanburg Day School is a IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme 4K-4th grades and Middle Years Programme 5th-8th grades.
Click here to view an IB curriculum document
Click here to view the Primary Years Programme Curriculum
To visit the International Baccalaureate Programme website, please click here.