IB at Brockton

The IB philosophy - learning through inquiry:

The philosophy and practices of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme are at the heart of the educational programme at Brockton School. The IB programmes form a world renowned curriculum framework that starts in Kindergarten and proceeds through to graduation. These programmes are offered as three distinct stand-alone modules: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme. All three programmes take advantage of a child's natural curiosity. Through inquiry, students develop an understanding of important concepts, acquire essential skills and knowledge, develop positive attitudes and learn to take socially responsible action. The programmes encompass the latest research in teaching and learning, enabling teachers to use learning strategies appropriate for the needs of individual students.

IB supports students in developing a lifelong learning mindset where they discover how to use inquiry based learning, develop critical thinking skills and apply those skills not only in their academic development, but also in their everyday lives both locally and globally. Each day at Brockton, students are engaged in something that is worthy of every effort on their part. With IB, they learn how to ask searching questions and to secure their knowledge; students develop valuable global perspectives that impact their lives, and an understanding of who they are.

The IB Organization has published the 'characteristics of an effective learner' for Kindergarten through Grade 12. This is the "if - then" statement of learning. "If I demonstrate these characteristics, then I will be an effective learner".

Can your child confidently say: "I am an effective learner" - an inquirer, knowledgeable, open-minded and so on, as you read through the 'learner profiles' below? Perhaps he can, or perhaps he is still working towards these goals. Either way, the IB has much to offer. An overview of the PYP and MYP profiles and objectives is provided below. For a full explanation and interpretation of the three levels of the IB Programme, click here for a link to the IB Organization website.

The IB Student 'Learner Profile'

Inquirer	I am naturally curious and enjoy learning. I am inquisitive about the world. I can conduct research by myself. I love learning and discovering new things.
Knowledgeable	I am knowledgeable. I can remember what I have found out. I can use this information in my life.
Open-Minded	I know that people are different and may do different things. I know that not everyone will think like me and I try to understand others.
Communicator	I am a communicator. I talk about my ideas and can express myself by writing and with pictures. I know more than one language.
Thinker	I am thoughtful. I can solve problems and make good decisions. I do this independently.
Caring	I have a caring attitude towards people and the environment. I want the people around me to be happy and I am sensitive to their needs.
Risk-Taker	I am a risk taker. I have the courage to try new things. I try to solve problems in a lot of ways and I tell people what I think is right.
Principled	I am principled. I am fair, honest and I take care of others. I follow the rules.
Well-Balanced	I am well-balanced. I am healthy and eat food that is good for me. I exercise and I understand that this is important in my life.
Reflective	I am reflective. I know what I am good at and what I am not. I try to think about these things and make changes when I can.

Primary Years Programme - Personal attitudes

It is interesting that Brockton and the IB are very much in harmony on what it means to live and work in a community of young people:

Cooperation Cooperation Confidence Independence Commitment Tolerance

Empathy Curiosity Creativity Integrity Respect Appreciation

Middle Years Programme - Areas of Interaction

During their journey through the MYP students are required to explore and experience each of the five areas of interaction (AOI). These AOI give the MYP its distinctive core. These areas are common to all disciplines and are incorporated into the MYP so that students will become increasingly aware of the connections between subject content and the real world, rather than considering subjects as isolated areas unrelated to each other and to the world.

Approaches to Learning	How do I learn best? How do I know? How do I communicate my understanding? How do I solve problems? How do I research this topic?
Community Service	How do we live in relation to each other? How can I contribute to the community? How can I help others?
Homo Faber	Why and how do we create? What are the consequences? What are the possible future developments of the invention, creation, idea?
Health & Social Education	How do I think and act? How am I changing? How can I look after myself and others? How do I play a responsible role in society?
Environment	Where do we live? What resources do we have or need? What are my responsibilities?