High School Overview
The focus on initiative, independence and inquiry in the WAB High School curriculum equips students with the lifelong learning skills central to success in all aspects of life. With this in mind, the WAB High School curriculum is underpinned by the IB Learner Profile:
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB learners strive to be: |
| Inquirers |
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. |
| Knowledgeable |
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. |
| Thinkers |
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. |
| Communicators |
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. |
| Principled |
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their omjmwn actions and the consequences that accompany them. |
| Open-minded |
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience. |
| Caring |
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. |
| Risk-takers |
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. |
| Balanced |
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. |
| Reflective |
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. |
The WAB High School program is designed to:
• Meet entry requirements to a broad range of university and tertiary educational institutions around the world. Successful WAB students will be well prepared for the demands of post-secondary education;
• Support all students in attaining their educational goals. WAB's inclusive admissions policy is supported by strong ESOL, Learning Support, Gifted and Counseling Departments. A wide range of course offerings and emphasis on differentiated teaching strategies ensure that all students are supported in achieving their potential;
• Provide quality inquiry based learning opportunities that support the development of independent learners;
• Assist students in developing effective social and emotional skills.
• Foster increasing responsibility for the student’s personal learning. This includes good time management skills and personal reflection on all aspects of their learning.
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
(IBMYP):
Grade 9 and 10
During the final two years of the IBMYP at WAB, students must undertake study in each of the eight subject groups (see the curriculum model above). In addition, all students are expected to participate in the Community and Service Program and complete a Personal Project in Grade 10. Sample portfolios of student work are submitted to the International Baccalaureate (IB) for external moderation. This process is necessary for students to receive an MYP Certificate and Record of Achievement from the IB. The external moderation processes involves trained MYP practioners evaluating the assessment tasks designed by teachers and the application of MYP assessment criteria. This helps to ensure international standards are being met. Students who have met the minimum IBMYP requirements at the end of Grade 10 are eligible to receive an IBMYP Certificate and Record of Achievement. The Record of Achievement lists students achievement in each subject and the Personal Project. This achievement is based on the IB’s 1-7 Grading Scale. A more detailed outline of the IBMYP is available in the WAB High School Course Guide or from the IB’s public website (www.ibo.org).
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
(IBDP):
Grade 11 and 12
In Grade 11 and 12, students will choose from a range of High School and/or IB Diploma Courses. These courses are designed to meet the varying interests and needs of our student body. In addition to being eligible for the WAB High School Diploma, students may also enroll in the prestigious IB Diploma Program at WAB. Depending upon course selection during Grades 11 and 12, students may graduate with a total of 25 or more credits. All students will have a minimum of one block of study time during which they can work in the Green Sky Library or consult with their teachers and counselors.
• IB Diploma Program Courses
WAB offers the IB Diploma Programme as a natural extension of the IBMYP and IBPYP. The IB Diploma Program is a comprehensive two-year international curriculum that enables students to fulfill the requirements of their national or state educational systems.
Students successfully completing the IB Diploma will receive both a WAB Diploma and a Diploma from the International Baccalaureate.
The IB Diploma Programme incorporates the best elements of many national systems without being based on any single one. It is well respected by universities around the world.
Students must complete a total of 6 courses across the two years of the programme. Each of these courses runs for two years. Students must undertake one subject from each group, including three to four at a higher level and two to three courses at standard level. Higher level courses require more hours of study and in some cases involve more assessment or assessment of a greater complexity. IB Diploma students must also complete a mandatory course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an Extended Essay of 4,000 words (maximum) and meet the requirements of Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).
IB Diploma courses may be taken as part of the full IB Diploma Programme or as certificate courses that count towards the WAB High School Diploma.
A more detailed outline of the IBDP is available in the WAB High School Course Guide or from the IB’s public website (www.ibo.org).
• A Combination of IB Courses and/or
WAB Courses
Combining the WAB High School Courses and IB Certificate Courses permits students to pursue interests and build upon skills established in the IBMYP program or previous school experiences. The diversity of course selection enables students to choose to increase the depth of study in a particular field or to broaden their horizons by choosing from a wide scope of subject areas. Colleges and universities support applications by students completing such programs.
• WAB High School Courses
Students who do not wish to study IB Diploma Courses can select from the High School Courses on offer at WAB. This selection is aimed at providing a rigorous, practical and diverse educational program to meet unique needs of students in an international environment. The selection of courses will grow as the High School develops and as student interests dictate. Through these courses, WAB helps ensure it is responsive to new international trends and developments so that students can prepare effectively for changing a rapidly changing world.
• World of Work
All students in Grades 10 – 12 participate in the World of Work Programme at WAB. In Grade 10 this consists of a work experience week, and in Grade 12 it consists of work experience opportunities and weekend retreats. During the weekend retreats, students explore issues relevant to their post-High School experiences. Students are also able to undertake Transition to Work courses within the curriculum. These courses have a distinct vocational education component to them.
• WAB High School Diploma
All students graduate with a WAB High School Diploma after successful completion of the minimum number of courses listed below. The requirements to receive an IB Diploma are clearly established by the IB and further details regarding the IB Diploma can be obtained from the programme Coordinator.
Each High School Course meets for 80 minutes on an alternate rotating day schedule throughout the school year, which runs from August to June. All courses are assessed on a 1-7 IB Standard Scale (7 being the highest). Course credit is awarded for successful completion of courses with a Grade of 2 or higher. New students joining the High School will, in discussion with the Counselor, have their previous transcripts/school reports verified and credit awarded.
Each student's Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated on an annual basis and can be used to support the college application process. Only courses taken at WAB are included in calculations of GPA and receive equal weighting. As a guiding principle, students are encouraged to take the most demanding courses in which they can be academically successful. Given the diverse nature of the student body and the transience of the international community it serves, it is a policy of WAB not to rank its students.
Graduation Requirements:
• 25 Full Year Courses
• WAB awards a High School Diploma to students
who successfully complete the High School Program. Credits awarded
in Grade 9-12 need to satisfy the graduation requirements listed
below.
Credits Subject Area
4 English*
3 Science
3 Mathematics
3 Humanities
2 Foreign Languages
3 Physical Education**
2 The Arts
2 Technology
3 Electives
*One English course must be Grade 12
**One Physical Education course must be Grade 11 |
