Hunter Valley Grammar School is a World School teaching the Primary Years Programme for students in the Early Learning and Junior School. We are a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7 and 8 which will extend into Year 9 in 2020 and Year 10 in 2021.
IB Primary Years Programme
Informed by research into how students learn, how educators teach, and the principles and practice of effective assessment, the PYP places a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning and offers a framework to meet the academic, cultural, physical, social and spiritual development of each student.
HVGS is the only school in the region authorised to offer the PYP and we’ve been doing so since 2015.
Year 6 PYP Exhibition
In the final year of the Primary Years Programme, Year 6 students undertake a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems. Parents and guests are invited to attend the PYP Exhibition and what our Year 6 students speak about, present and share, will blow your mind.
Students can access expert teachers from the Senior School to assist in their projects which creates an authentic whole school experience.
IB Middle Years Programme
The MYP builds on the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed by the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and is an inclusive, whole-school programme for students in Years 7 – 10. HVGS is a candidate school and we have just completed the authorisation process for the MYP.
The MYP has an emphasis on intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life. The MYP teaches for understanding, not for rote memorisation of knowledge.
International Baccalaureate FAQ
Here’s some answers to the questions we’re most frequently asked.
Acronyms explained!
You’ll likely read lots of acronyms associated with the International Baccalaureate on this website. Here’s a quick rundown of the most commonly used:
- IB = International Baccalaureate
- CP = Career-related Programme. Developed for students who wish to engage in career-related learning in Years 11 and 12.
- DP = Diploma Programme. It is an academically challenging and balanced program which prepares Years 11 and 12 students for success at University and beyond.
- LP = Learner Profile. The ten attributes valued by IB schools. Click here.
Difference between a Candidate School and Authorised School
Schools who wish to become an IB World School and deliver one of its programmes must submit an application to the International Baccalaureate and once accepted, enter what is called the Candidate Phase.
For the PYP and MYP, schools will undertake a trial implementation of the program for a period of no less than 2 years. Once they have submitted an application to become an authorised school and have been assessed by the IB (including a 2 day visit from IB evaluators) they will then become an International Baccalaureate authorised school, meaning they are authorised to deliver the IB programmes.
For the CP and DP, schools must undertake the authorisation process and be accepted as an authorised school, prior to beginning teaching the first cohort.
At HVGS, we are an authorised PYP school, have just completed the authorisation process for the MYP, are a candidate school for the CP and are about to submit an application to be a DP candidate school.
How does the IB integrate with Australian Curriculums?
Good question! The IB is the curriculum framework by which the NSW/Australian Curriculum is delivered to students.
With the implementation of any IB program, schools are required to examine their curriculum carefully to ensure that there is alignment with local, state and national standards.
In other words, HVGS meets the expectations of state and national curriculum outcomes, but we teach it through the lens of the IB.
Why implement the IB?
We believe that our students should be inquiring, knowledgeable and contribute to their local and global community.
A balanced, innovative and creative curriculum is essential to challenge young minds and equip students with the skills and knowledge they will need for the future.
The IB is perfectly aligned with our aspirations for our students and has a long and strong history of excellent results.
How do you ensure curriculum requirements are met?
We ensure compliance through a rigorous internal curriculum and teaching structure.
- At the highest level, our Principal has the overall responsibility for the curriculum P – 12.
- For students P – 6, the Head of Junior School has oversight of curriculum issues. Additionally, our Junior School IB and Curriculum Coordinator has direct responsibility for aligning and meeting syllabus requirements. She works closely with staff to develop Units of Inquiry and to ensure IB compliance.
- In the Senior School, the Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School oversees the 7 – 12 curriculum. Additionally, our Director Director of IB Programs and MYP Coordinator are members of the pedagogical leadership team and has oversight of the IB Middle Years Program, for students in Years 7 – 10.
- Our Dean of Curriculum and Innovative Learning is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the curriculum with regard to the NSW Educational Standards Authority syllabi and Australian Curriculum.
How many schools teach IB programs?
Across the world, over 4,000 schools teach the IB. The result is that we are a part of a team of over 7,000 educators.
How is quality assured in IB programs?
Becoming an IB World School takes dedication and commitment on the part of the school, parents, and learning community to meet thorough quality assurance requirements.
Once authorisation is confirmed, a regular cycle of support and evaluation ensures the highest quality assurance.
What are the advantages of an IB education?
- IB World Schools (the only schools authorised to offer IB programmes) are subject to a strict accreditation process monitored by the IB, ensuring that schools provide a high-quality education.
- IB teaching methods and curriculums are research-based and draw from the best educational practices from systems around the world.
- IB teachers are required to participate in many professional development opportunities to continually promote their awareness of current educational practices and new thinking.
- IB students are well prepared for a global future.
- IB programmes are recognised internationally.
What about the IB in Years 11 and 12?
We are examining the benefits of the offering the IB Diploma (Years 11 and 12) and Careers-related programme in the future. This could mean that students can undertake the HSC or IB Diploma at HVGS.
Watch this space!
