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.
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 have submitted an application to be a DP candidate school.
Hunter Valley Grammar School is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme and pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.
Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
HVGS hopes to be offering the IB Career-related Programme (CP) to Year 11 students from 2021 and the Diploma Programme (DP) in 2022. This means that students in Years 11 and 12 may choose to study the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or IB Career-related Programme (CP), IB Diploma Programme (DP) or a bespoke program at HVGS.
Hunter Valley Grammar School is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme and pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.
Watch this space!
