What is an IB Education?
IB seeks to make the world a better place through education, creating passionate life-longer learners through four IB programs for ages 3-19. All IB programs explore four foundational and interrelated elements:
1. International mindedness
2. The IB learner profile
3. A broad, balanced, conceptual and connected curriculum
4. Approaches to teaching and learning
Approaches to Teaching
The IB program is taught by teachers who explicitly help students learn how to develop the attitudes and skills they need for both academic and personal success. Teaching is:
- based on inquiry
- focused on conceptual understanding
- developed in local and global contexts
- focused on effective teamwork and collaboration
- differentiated to meet the needs of all learners
- informed by assessment (formative and summative).
Approaches to Learning
Proficiency in any skill can be increased through the deliberate use of techniques and strategies, feedback and challenge. Skills are therefore highly teachable. Teaching and learning in the Diploma Program (DP) incorporates the development of:
- thinking skills
- communication skills
- social skills
- self-management skills
- research skills
IB Middle Years Program (Grade 9-10)
South High has been a candidate IB MYP school since 2023.
Middle Years Info
IB Diploma Program (Grade 11-12)
South High has been an authorized IB DP school since 1999.
The IB Diploma Program is an academically challenging and balanced program of education, with final examinations, that prepares students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and in life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The program has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.
The program is a comprehensive two-year international curriculum, beginning in the 11th grade.
The Diploma Program's grading system is criterion referenced: each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one examination session to the next. Grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards that are applied equally to all schools. Top grades are not, for example, awarded to a certain percentage of students.
IB Career Related Program (Grade 11-12)
South High has been a candidate IB MYP school since 2023.
The IB Career-related Programme (CP) is designed for students interested in pursuing a career-related education in the final two years of secondary school. It provides them with an excellent foundation to support their further studies, as well as ensure their preparedness for success in the workforce.
Students complete at least 2 DP courses.
