Click Here to read about Cherryland Middle School and IB in the News
Throughout the summer and into fall 2009, half of the Middle School faculty will be immersed in training in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum so we can provide the kind of education and opportunities that will prepare our students to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Utilizing the IB curriculum, our educational environment encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world and become critical, reflective thinkers. We strive to encourage international-mindedness and a positive attitude to learning by challenging students to solve problems, show creativity and resourcefulness and participate actively in their communities. Our curriculum (1) reflects real life by providing a framework that allows students to see the connections among the subjects themselves and between the subjects and real issues, (2) supports the development of communication skills to encourage inquiry, understanding and to allow student reflection and expression and (3) emphasizes the development of the whole student – physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.
Through the IB curriculum, our teachers and learners strive to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective. There are five areas of interaction:
- Approaches to learning – concerned with developing the intellectual discipline, attitudes, strategies and skills that will result in critical, coherent and independent thought and the capacity for problem solving and decision-making
- Community and service – starting in the classroom and extending beyond it by requiring students to participate in the communities in which they live. The emphasis is on developing community awarenesss and concern, a sense of responsibility, and the skills and attitudes needed to make an effective contribution to society.
- Homo Faber (Human Ingenuity)- allowing students to focus on the evolution, processes and products of human creativity. It considers their impact on society and the mind. Students learn to appreciate the human capacity to influence, transform, enjoy and improve the quality of life. This area of interaction encourages students to explore the relationships between science, aesthetics, technology and ethics.
- Environment – Make students aware of their interdependence with the environment so that they become aware of their responsibility, and may take positive, responsible action for maintaining an environment fit for the future.
- Health & Social Education – Preparing students for a physically and mentally healthy life, aware of potential hazards and able to make informed choices. Developing in students a sense of responsibility for their own well-being and for the physical and social environment.
WHY IB?
This is an investment in our future!
- Global Economy: We are already operating in a global economy. By joining in a curriculum utilized in 2,500 schools in 130 countries, we can give our students the exposure and experiences they need to be successful and effective leaders of tomorrow.
- Service & Innovation Society: As the United States moves further from a manufacturing society toward a service society, innovation, problem-solving and effective communication will be key skills for our future workforce.
- College Ready: Major colleges and universities hold the IB Program in high regard due to its rigor and high standards. Students who successfully complete the IB Degree program can get up to one year of college credit - an investment that really pays off!
For more info on the International Baccalaureate Program, CLICK HERE
For more info on why we see a need to invest in our future, CLICK HERE
