WILLEMSTAD - Douglas Vaughan, Director of the International School is proud to announce that, “following an exhaustive three year process, the International School of Curaçao has received authorization to provide the IB Middle Years Program for grades 6-10 for students aged 12-16.” ISC now joins the ranks of the few IB World Schools in the Caribbean offering multiple IB programs.
What is the IB?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an organization that offers educational programs that “focus on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic. The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish” (ibo.org). The IB is offered in over 5,000 schools globally in over 150 countries around the world.
The IB learner profile represents the IB Mission statement in action. These profile traits describe “human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success. They imply a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them” (ibo.org). The program aims to develop learners who are:
● Inquirers
● Knowledgeable
● Thinkers
● Communicators
● Principled
● Open-minded
● Caring
● Risk takers
● Balanced
● Reflective
ISC has offered the Diploma Program (DP) since 1996. Kate Ribeiro, College Counselor at ISC states that “the DP, equivalent to the highest level in the Dutch system, is required for entry to many high level European universities and is highly desirable for admittance to top US Universities. In fact, in the US, students can be eligible for college credit based on qualifying scores.”
With this latest authorization, ISC now also offers the IB Middle Years Program (MYP). The MYP is inquiry based and units are taught which are interdisciplinary and intentionally incorporate internationalism, learning skills, community service and use authentic, real-world assessments. The program culminates with a student driven project that incorporates all elements of the program.
The MYP Program has benefits for all stakeholders in the school community. According to Daniel Cwik, MYP Coordinator at ISC, “It prepares students for an effective transition to the DP program and makes an easy transition for students who transfer in from other MYP schools abroad. The MYP targets inquiry and critical thinking, enabling students to be productive members of the international community.” All teachers are provided with ongoing professional development in the program, which enhances the quality of instruction and the knowledge base of teachers. Student learning is enhanced, teacher qualifications are enhanced and parents get additional value for their child’s education.
ISC is excited to offer this new program and looks forward to sharing its many benefits with the island community.