File - TRAVEL TO TOULOUSE, FRANCE jUNE 7

Global News
Like
Tweet
Forward
IBGLOBALNEWS
VOL. 3,
2, ISSUE 2,
5, 2015
2014
Global News
AFRICA/EUROPE/
MIDDLE EAST
ASIA PACIFIC
THE AMERICAS
Study of IB alumni explores the lasting
impact of IB programmes
Katie Wright at
the University of
Melbourne conducted
23 in-depth interviews
with IB graduates
between the ages
of 20 and 63, from
14 countries. The
interviews explored
the ways in which
IB programmes may
have influenced their professional pathways, attitudes
toward learning as well as personal beliefs and overall
view of the world.
“It gave me a perspective that I would never have had
otherwise. I would not be the person that I am today … there’s
nothing that was more important and more influencing
on me than that two year period.”—Jessie completed two
Diploma Programme (DP) courses in her public high school in
Canada more than twenty years ago. Her quote illustrates one
of the many perspectives of IB alumni from this study.
IB alumni suggested that one of the key impacts of the
programmes was how they helped them to develop
dispositions and skills that have served them well both
in further education and in life beyond. Among them,
Get a PD tune-up online in
60 minutes or less!
more
more
Featured teacher: Shamita
Johnson
from
Atlanta, offered
MYP online
workshops
Georgia,
USA
in French and Spanish more
more
Ministry of Education in
Nine
Diploma
Programme
Buenos
Aires achieves
goal of
subjects
complete
review
ten new public DP schools
more
more
TED-style talks spark
Remembering
Chris creativity
Mannix,
founding
debate
at the
father
Peterson
of the IBCC
Academic Symposium
more
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2015
2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
Like
IB graduates cited the development of internationalmindedness, love of learning, analytical and writing skills,
and notably, critical thinking skills.
A number of students suggested that it was not until many
years later that they were able to see the full benefit of
courses such as theory of knowledge (TOK). As one student
commented on his DP experience in the mid- 1970s: “You
know, I benefited more from [TOK] after I did it than when
I was doing it … I think I was a bit immature from the
academic perspective, I mean that was a very interesting
subject, and I probably now get more out of thinking about
the things that were presented at that time than I did when
I was a student there.”
Tweet
Forward
headlines
Study of IB alumni explores the
lasting impact of IB programmes
Second pilot of new support
service seeks applicants for
training
GLOBAL NEWS
Global News
TED-style talks spark creativity
IBGLOBALNEWS
AFRICA/EUROPE/
Read the
summary
of this study plus
full research
report.
Global
News
ASIA the
PACIFIC
THE AMERICAS
MIDDLE EAST
Second pilot of new support service seeks
applicants for training
The latest
new service
to schools is
preparing to
start its second
trial phase.
The IB’s Global
School Services
team is looking
for motivated
IB educators to
receive training that will enable them to provide support
to the schools taking part.
This is the second pilot for Building Quality Curriculum, a
service that will provide feedback to improve a school’s
pedagogical approaches to PYP (programme of inquiry and
units of inquiry) and/or to support curriculum changes in
MYP unit planning. The service is available to both IB World
Schools and candidate schools.
debate at the Peterson Academic
Symposium
Get a PD tune-up online in 60
minutes or less! VOL. 2, ISSUE 5, 2014
Qatar Foundation approved
to deliver IB professional
development workshops
School-based PD cluster events
gain momentum in the Middle East
Featured DP students take on the
Interest Rate Challenge
more
Newly authorized programmes in
Africa, Europe and Middle East
Former Prime Minister of Australia
speaks at IB conference in Macau
Featured
school:workshops
“Two schools offered
MYP online
in French
and Spanish
together”
in Japan
more
Newly authorized programmes in
Asia Pacific
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
grant bridges equity gap for US
students
Nine Diploma Programme
Ministry
of Education
in Buenos
subjects
complete
review
Aires achieves goal of ten new
more
public DP schools
Are you or do you know an IB educator who would like to
get involved? The IB seeks experienced practitioners with
expertise in PYP and MYP curriculum planning. Please share
with your friends and colleagues. For more information,
email gss@ibo.org.
Featured teacher: Shamita
Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia,
USA
Newly authorized programmes in
Remembering Chris Mannix,
the Americas
founding father of the IBCC
more
© International
Baccalaureate
Organization
2014 Centre
Published
by IB Communications
and Marketing,
IB Global
International Baccalaureate®
| Baccalauréat
International®
| Bachillerato Internacional®
Churchillplein
6, 2517 JW, The
Hague, The Netherlands
Global News
Like
Tweet
Forward
TED-style talks spark creativity debate at the Peterson Academic
Symposium
Speakers have been confirmed to present TED-style talks at the 2015 Peterson Academic
Symposium from 23–24 April in The Hague, Netherlands.
This is the fourth Peterson Academic Symposium, named after the former IB Director General
and one of the founders of the IB – Alec Peterson. The symposiums are a forum for IB academic
staff to both discuss with and learn from educators within and beyond the IB community on a
given theme. The insights gained are used for curriculum development and also serve to start
an ongoing dialogue on that theme between the IB and experts in the field.
IBGLOBALNEWS
The IB community was invited to participate by proposing speeches, of which two were
selected. These two IB practitioners will deliver their ideas in person to IB staff in the form
VOL.
2, ISSUE 5, 2014
of TED-style presentations. They join eight other speakers who were invited to
present.
Global News
AFRICA/EUROPE/
ASIA PACIFIC
THE AMERICAS
MIDDLE
theme
is EAST
Making time for creativity: Why does it matter? the
As this year’s
invitation was
extended to include submissions of video content that demonstrates creativity in practice
in the context of IB World Schools globally.
The symposium will focus on the following questions:
❍
❍
❍
❍
What is creativity?
more
Why are creativity and creative thought important in schools, in industry, and in life?
Where are creativity, creative thought and creative learning fostered and stimulated?
How can education promote and develop creativity in all subject areas and all age ranges?
Day 1 will be hosted by The American School of The Hague (ASH), Netherlands. Day 2 will
take place at the IB Global Centre, The Hague.
MYP online workshops offered
in French and Spanish more
❍ READ about this year’s speakers.
❍ Join or follow the conversation during the two days on twitter #IBPAS2015.
WATch a video of former and current Chief Academic Officers expressing their support for
greater creativity in education.
Nine Diploma Programme
subjects complete review
more
Remembering Chris Mannix,
founding father of the IBCC
more
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2015
2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
If it’s been more than a year since your last professional development (PD) workshop, you
may be due for a refresher course! One easy way to get a quick, monthly PD session is
through the IB webinar pass—perfect for individuals, an entire teaching team or a whole
school. IB webinars are one hour-long, informative, interactive online sessions to deepen
understanding of a specific IB programme. Once logged into the event, participants can
pose questions to the presenter in real
time and listen to other participants’
comments and questions. Join a
webinar from home, school or even your
mobile phone. They run throughout the
year.
DP educators, check out the new online
destination, IB DP Advantage for easy
ways to refresh your teaching skills. One
subscription covers the entire DP staff
and lasts a full year.
TRY AN IB DP ADvANTAGE WEBINAR FREE OF CHARGE
Latest research
available now
Read study on postsecondary
outcomes of DP students from
the United States
Read the latest key
findings from research
in Asia Pacific
Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre
Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands
GLOBAL NEWS
Get a PD tune-up online in 60 minutes or less!
Diploma Programme (DP)
students Thanh Thao Truong
and Thao Ha competed in the
2014 Interest Rate Challenge.
In the competition, students
present their opinions on the
policies that would help the
UK economy reach the target
inflation rate of 2%.
Asheesh Misra on excellence
and equity for all students
regardless of circumstance
Outreach means leaving the
school building
Thanh Thao Truong (left)
and Thao Ha
Why every school should care
about inclusive education
Teachers as PYP learners
How to prepare your students
for the Extended Essay
Read more...
Featured school: “Two schools
together” in Japan
Senri and Osaka International
Schools of Kwansei Gakuin
in Japan collaborate closely
in educating students to
share their different cultures.
William Kralovec, Head of
School at Osaka International
School of Kwansei Gakuin,
tells IB Global News about the
collaboration.
Latest on the IB BLog
Will a ‘flipped’ classroom work
for you?
US school embraces
experiential learning with
spoken word artist
DP graduates in Turkey have
the skills needed for university
success
Visionary architecture allows
for two schools to operate
together within one building
Read more...
Featured teacher: Shamita Johnson
from Atlanta, Georgia, USA
In light of recent events at Charlie
Hebdo Magazine in Paris, France
students and teachers at Willis A. Sutton
International Middle School in Atlanta,
Georgia, US will soon host 24 students
and 3 French teachers from their sister
school, Saint Joseph school, Toulouse,
MYP teacher
France. The aim of the visit is to garner
Shamita Johnson
intercultural understanding and enable
the students to learn each others’ language in an
authentic context. Driving the initiative is Dr Shamita
Johnson, an MYP French teacher at Willis A. Sutton.
Speakers announced for the
Peterson Academic Symposium
2015
Everything you need to know
about the 2015 IB World
Student Conferences
Why the arts matter in schools
Ten things I like about the IB
Diploma Programme
Use Curriculum Connections
to map your curriculum
requirements to the IB
framework
How can we get more US
colleges and universities to
grant credit for SL classes?
23 in-depth interviews explore
the lasting impact of IB
programmes
A global citizen: Marina Catena,
Director of the World Food
Programme
Ten perspectives on
international-mindedness
Read more...
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
GLOBAL NEWS
Featured DP students take on the
Interest Rate challenge
Africa/Europe/Middle East
Like
Tweet
Forward
AFRICA / EUROPE / MIDDLE EAST
Global News
AFRICA/EUROPE/
MIDDLE EAST
ASIA PACIFIC
THE AMERICAS
VOL. 3, ISSUE 2, 2015
Qatar Foundation approved to deliver IB professional
development workshops
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community
Development (QF) has signed an agreement with the IB to
provide a series of teacher training workshops.
In supporting Qatar on its journey from a carbon economy
to a knowledge-based economy, QF is furthering the mission
by building on its core education activity to become an approved provider of IB Professional
Development workshops for educators. The first is scheduled to take place in March.
QF currently develops skilled graduates and first-class teachers through an innovative
and multidisciplinary education model. And in keeping with its objectives to enhance
educational standards, the IB workshops will further develop teacher training skills.
The workshops will be conducted in both English and Arabic.
QF’s Director of Academic Outreach in the Pre-University Education Office, Noof Ahmed
al-Thani, said: “Qatar Foundation believes that professional development should be ongoing for all educators, irrespective of experience—not only for continuous professional
and personal growth, but also to ensure that educators keep improving the learning
experiences and outcomes of all their students.” IB Regional Director for Africa, Europe, Middle East, Adrian Kearney said: “This agreement
represents an important step for the IB in Qatar and enables greater access to the
professional development workshops for which IB is renowned. We hope this will lead to
further collaboration with the educational authorities in Qatar.” Find out more about QF’s IB workshops.
Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre
Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands
School-based PD cluster events gain momentum in the Middle East
Cluster events are designed to provide training for IB educators at a host school’s premises.
This solution also accommodates gaps in Professional Development (PD) opportunities in
the Africa, Europe, Middle East region.
Host schools require a minimum of two participating schools in order to qualify for hosting
a cluster event. The IB will ensure that expert workshop leaders deliver on-site training to
meet the needs of all participants.
Apply to host a cluster event at your school. Find details online.
“We had an awesome cluster workshop! All participants were very happy, enthusiastic
and consistently engaged thanks to the outstanding abilities of the two workshop leaders
(flexible, knowledgeable, caring and very good listeners) that [the IB] chose. Participants’
needs were perfectly met”—Lina Ghamra, Ph. D., DP Coordinator, Emirates National School
Mohamed Bin Zayed City Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Featured DP students take on the Interest Rate challenge
Diploma Programme students from Rossall
School, England, Thanh Thao Truong and Thao Ha,
competed in the 2014 Interest Rate Challenge.
In the competition, students present their opinions
on the policies that would help the UK economy
reach the target inflation rate of 2%.
Q: What were the highlights and challenges of
the competition?
Thanh Thao Truong: The Interest Rate Challenge
was one of the most exciting experiences during
Thanh Thao Truong (left) and Thao Ha
my time as a sixth form student. I particularly
enjoyed the presentation of our policies, the group
discussion, and watching competitor presentations. These aspects enabled me to explore
the diversity of economics and gain knowledge outside the classroom.
Thao ha: My main highlight was voicing our opinions to the officials from the Bank of
England. It was nothing like I had imagined; we were grilled by the judges, under a lot of
pressure to deliver prompt and accurate responses.
Q: how have your experiences as an IB student prepared you for this challenge?
Thao ha: My IB experience kept me relaxed during the preparations, despite being out
of my comfort zone. When dealing with inflation reports, it was frustrating to realize that
the data from different sources did not match up—I felt like we had reached a dead end.
However, having been encouraged to nurture my skills in research and critical thinking
since the start of the DP, I was able to tackle this new and challenging task.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
Q: What did you learn by participating in the challenge?
Thanh Thao Truong: I learned many different things about economics and its integration
into the real world. I had the privilege to watch professional economists debating and
questioning policies raised by students. I learned that though policies and theories can be
studied from textbooks, the overall assessment of the economy is influenced by personal
opinion.
Thao ha: I gained practical insight into monetary policy and how macroeconomics works
in the real world. Not only did this reinforce what I had learned in class, but also it taught
me to appreciate the problems that policymakers face on a daily basis to accommodate
changing market conditions.
Q: how has this experience impacted your outlook on economics as a subject?
Thao ha: The challenge reinforced my interest in economics. It is a popular topic in the
news, and I am grateful for the chance to assess economic events from my own viewpoint.
I highly recommend IB students to take the opportunity to stretch their knowledge outside
of the classroom and grasp the chance to participate in an active learning dimension.
Thanh Thao Truong: The experience provided an opportunity to put my economic
knowledge to the test, and it changed the way I see economics as a subject. I now realize
that in order to understand an area of economics, I need to develop first a personal
viewpoint on the matter. It also encouraged me to keep up with current economic events,
a great contributor to what I wish to pursue at university.
Newly authorized programmes in Africa, Europe and Middle East
Welcome to the following 17 schools, authorized to offer an IB programme in Africa,
Europe and Middle East since January.
School Name
Programme
Location
GKv Cemil Alevli College
DP
Sehitkamil, Gaziantep, Turkey
British International School of Stavanger
DP
Stavanger, Norway
Ecole Montgomery
DP
Brussels, Belgium
Complejo Educativo Mas Camarena
DP
Bétera, Spain
Lemania - verbier International School
DP
verbier, Switzerland
International School of Como
MYP
Italy
International School of Surrey
CP
Surrey, UK
Esbjerg Gymnasium & HF
CP
Esbjerg, Denmark
Children’s International School
MYP
Fredrikstad, Norway
The International School Stuttgart, Sindelfingen Campus
MYP
Sindelfingen, Germany
Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre
Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands
AFRIcA/EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST
Thanh Thao Truong: I have acquired skills over the last two years that helped me in the
preparation stage. For example, when doing research for our presentation, the procedure
was similar to the research conducted for my internal assessments—it was easier for me to
find information from reliable sources.
MYP
Breda, Netherlands
Shahid Mahdavi
MYP
Tehran, Iran
International School Breda
MYP
Breda, Netherlands
International School SEK Dublin
MYP
Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Children’s International School
PYP
Fredrikstad, Norway
IS of Samara
PYP
Samara, Russia
Kaluga International School
PYP
Kaluga, Russia
Congratulations
to SEK International School – Dublin for becoming the first Middle
Years Programme (MYP) school in Ireland.
“We are proud to be the first MYP school in Ireland. Quality standards in
infrastructure, resources and the methodologies required reinforce the values
that SEK has imparted for more than 30 years”
—Fidelma Murphy, director of SEK-Dublin International School.
“This recognition culminates the educational model and the values of the SEK
Educational Institution that we have applied at SEK - Dublin since its
foundation in 1981. The participation of students in their own learning process
and the rigour with which they undertake this task has been recognized by the
IB, which confirms, if confirmation were needed, that we are working in the
right direction and encourages us to keep on improving”
—Marta Rodger, General Manager of SEK International Schools.
SEK’s first school to be authorized for an IB programme was at SEK - El Castillo,
Spain in 1977.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
AFRIcA/EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST
Mencia de Mendoza, Breda
Asia Pacific
Like
Tweet
Forward
ASIA PACIFIC
Global News
AFRICA/EUROPE/
MIDDLE EAST
ASIA PACIFIC
THE AMERICAS
VOL. 3, ISSUE 2, 2015
Former Prime Minister of Australia speaks at IB conference in Macau
In March, Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia (2010-2013),
joined a host of expert speakers in Macau, China, for the 2015 IB Asia
Pacific Annual Conference.
Attracting more than 1,200 participants, the conference was the
region’s largest yet. Motivated by the IB mission, the conference fosters
partnership and participation, providing a forum for discussions
on educational quality, pedagogical leadership and international
mindedness. Search #IBMO2015 on Twitter to hear from participants
about the conference highlights.
Featured school: “Two schools together” in Japan
Senri and Osaka International Schools of
Kwansei Gakuin in Japan collaborate closely
in educating students to share their different
cultures. William Kralovec, Head of School
at Osaka International School of Kwansei
Gakuin, tells IB Global News about the
collaboration.
Q: How do the two schools work as “two
schools together”?
The idea of two schools together was brought
to life 24 years ago with the founding of the
schools. Osaka International School (OIS)
serves the English-speaking international
Visionary architecture allows for two schools to
operate together within one building
Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre
Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands
community of Osaka. Senri International
School (SIS), serves Japanese returnee
families (from living overseas) and local
students in Japanese language instruction.
The schools are managed by the non-profit
educational foundation, Kwansei Gakuin,
and are designed to work closely together
in sharing the best of Japanese and nonJapanese educational ideas.
Q: What are the benefits and challenges of
working so closely together?
High school Japanese students teach elementary
students in collaborative children’s literature class
The collaboration offers a closer connection
between the local culture and our faculty, students and parents. The challenge is that it
takes longer to get things done. Dealing with the different requirements of the Japanese
education ministry can make practical considerations, like scheduling, complicated.
Q: how does the ‘Shared Program’ manifest in the student culture at the school(s)?
The two schools combine for visual arts, physical education and music classes, as well
as for all extracurricular programs. Sharing students gives OIS, with an enrolment of
270 students, the advantages of a larger school, with full music and sports programs,
which would not be possible with just our students. When walking through the hallways
or cafeteria, it is difficult to distinguish the students from a particular school. It is a
stimulating environment to be in.
Q: how do the schools’ teaching of the ‘common ground’ impact the wider community
surrounding them?
Constantly needing to consider the perspective
and values of another culture is good for our
school community. Students from both schools
are easily recognized in the community because
of the way that they carry themselves: they have
a high level of expressiveness and individual
focus, balanced with empathy for one of the
oldest and most distinct cultures on earth. This
is carried on to the wider community in many
ways; for example, the IB philosophy of service
learning resulted in our students continuing to
support victims of the Tohoku earthquake and
tsunami (2011) still today. They also carry the IB
Learner Profile traits into universities in Japan
and throughout the world.
All school productions bring together elementary
through grade 12 across both schools in visually rich
performances
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
There is a movement in the Japanese educational system to reform schools to align
more with the IB philosophy and practices. OIS is the oldest school in Japan to offer the
IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. We are
working closely with SIS to get more of their students to enrol in our Diploma Programme.
SIS is a very progressive Japanese school and much of our professional development is
shared. We are an ideal model for Japanese schools, and our international faculty works
closely with the Japanese faculty, to develop a school-wide IB system of education in the
Japanese context.
Newly authorized programmes in Asia Pacific
Welcome to the following 16 schools, authorized to offer an IB programme in Asia Pacific
since January.
School Name
Programme
Location
Nagoya International Junior and Senior High School
DP
Nagoya, Japan
Xi’an Hanova International School
DP
Xian, China
Guangdong Shunde Desheng School
DP
Shunde, China
The Cathedral and John Connon School
DP
Mumbai, India
YK Pao School
DP
Shanghai, China
Le Bocage International School
MYP
Curepipe, Mauritius
Utahloy International School Zengcheng
MYP
Guangdong, China
Southern Christian College
MYP
Kingston, Australia
Pathways World School
MYP
Delhi, India
Southern Christian College
PYP
Kingston, Australia
Mentari School, Jakarta
PYP
Jakarta, Indonesia
Premier International School
PYP
Lalitpur, Nepal
The Learning Tree
PYP
Karachi, Pakistan
European International School
PYP
Ho Chi Minh City, vietnam
The International School
PYP
Karachi, Pakistan
Beijing Huijia Kindergarten
PYP
Beijing, China
Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre
Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands
ASIA PACIFIC
Q: how has offering the full IB continuum shaped the school’s way of teaching?
The Americas
Like
Tweet
Forward
THE AMERICAS
Global News
AFRICA/EUROPE/
MIDDLE EAST
ASIA PACIFIC
THE AMERICAS
VOL. 3, ISSUE 2, 2015
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grant bridges equity gap for
US students
Last year, the IB received a US$1.3 million grant from
the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. The grant will
identify ways to increase the number of low-income US
students participating and succeeding in the IB Diploma
Programme (DP) and help them persist and succeed at
college. In the last five years, the number of low-income
students participating in the DP in US public high schools has nearly doubled.
The “Bridging the Equity Gap” project was developed as the mechanism to deliver on
the grant’s promise. It began with the selection of five schools—through a competitive
application process—for participation in a three-year pilot. Schools will receive mentoring
and services that support the implementation of a model consisting of five components.
To enable the whole IB community to participate actively in the implementation, progress
and findings of the Bridging the Equity Gap project, the E2: Excellence and Equity blog has
been created. If you have an interest in expanding access to an IB education for low-income,
minority and first-generation students, take a look and sign up to our mailing list. Regular
posts will address issues related to access plus reports on the project’s findings. Prominent
guest bloggers will include Carol Burris among many others.
Join the discussion—post your feedback and comments on the E2 blog!
Ministry of Education in Buenos Aires achieves goal of ten new
public DP schools
The IB welcomes ten public secondary schools in the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina that
are now authorized to offer the Diploma Programme (DP). The schools join 2 existing public
schools and 45 private schools that offer the DP across Argentina.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
THE AMERICAS
Authorities from schools and Government celebrating the authorization
The Ministry of Education—part of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires—initiated
the project under the leadership of Mrs. Mercedes Miguel, General Director of Education
Planning and Innovation. The schools joined the initiative as volunteers to become IB World
Schools. Each school will offer the DP to one class as part of an initial pilot stage and to
promote access and innovation. The initiative also ensures that the DP courses offered best
suit the school communities.
Mrs. Miguel reflects, “We are delighted to have reached authorization—coordinating the
requirements for ten schools was a huge undertaking. During the two-year authorization
process, in-situ training was provided to over 250 heads of schools, teachers and
administrative personnel at the schools and within government.”
Featured teacher: Shamita Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia, USA
In light of recent events at Charlie Hebdo Magazine in Paris, France
students and teachers at Willis A. Sutton International Middle School in
Atlanta, Georgia, US will soon host 24 students and 3 French teachers
from their sister school, Saint Joseph school, Toulouse, France. The
aim of the visit is to garner intercultural understanding and enable
the students to learn each others’ language in an authentic context.
Atlanta, Georgia, USA and Toulouse, France have been sister cities since
the 1970s. Over 40 years later, MYP teacher Shamita Johnson is driving
this initiative to help students from both cities to develop intercultural
awareness and respect, and continue the tradition of cities’ partnership
in the 21st century.
MYP teacher Shamita
Johnson
Q: What activities are you planning for your visitors?
I want to give the students an opportunity to practice their intercultural skills, enhancing
their cognitive development and global literacy. They will work collaboratively, enabling
connections between their academic course studies and the real world, thereby developing
an understanding of global challenges.
Academic field trips will include the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical site, The
National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and The Atlanta History Center.
Q: how will you prepare your MYP students for the experience?
Students from both schools are exchanging letters twice a month and conducting regular
video conferences via Skype. In doing this, they are already having the opportunity to reflect
Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre
Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands
critically and creatively on ideas and behaviors to develop intercultural awareness and
become more motivated to learn English and French, respectively, in authentic contexts.
Q: how was the program designed?
The program is founded upon three fundamental concepts: intercultural awareness,
holistic learning, and communication. The design is based upon a child-centered pedagogy
that includes community service, human ingenuity, environment, health, and social
education. Students will immerse in the language studied—French or English—through five
basic skills: writing, reading, listening, speaking (presentational), and interacting (interpersonal
communication). Their experience will be further enhanced by living with families from their
sister schools. All students will gain academic credit toward their foreign language course and
will present their skills to peers at school plus district personnel, policymakers, and others from
the community.
Q: how have your professional
achievements prepared you for your
current role? Education in the 21st century is
measured by global standards, and
the U.S. public education system is not
competitively keeping pace with that of
other nations. Because of this, I decided
to dedicate my professional life to
international education.
After graduating from Pennsylvania
State University, I spent time in Sénégal,
Africa conducting research toward
my master’s degree. After two years
and two more languages (Arabic and
Wolof ), I was fortunate to be selected
Shamita and her MYP students at Willis A. Sutton
by the Ministry of Education in France
International Middle School
to develop my experience of the
European curriculum in Paris. As a James
William Fulbright World Exchange Educator, I was educating native French students in
English Language Arts at a middle school—Collège Boris vian in Paris. During this time,
I developed my purpose, vision and passion that became my driving force to becoming
a doctoral learner. I was humbled that the Ministry of Education in Paris later bestowed
me with a knighthood of a distinguished academic in the world of culture and education.
It was originally founded by the former Emperor of France, Napoléon Bonaparte, who
honored eminent educators! Through my dissertation, A Case Study of How an International Baccalaureate Middle
Years Programme and Leadership Synergistically Promoted Student Learning and School Success,
I maintain my purpose, vision and passion, working towards ensuring middle school students
at Willis A. Sutton International Middle School become thoughtful citizens of the 21st century.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
Welcome to the following 80 schools, authorized to offer an IB programme in the Americas
since January.
School Name
Programme
Location
Instituto Educacional Juan XXIII
CP
venezuela
Downtown Magnets High School
DP
Los Angeles, USA
Unidad Educativa Kleber Franco Cruz
DP
Machala, Ecuador
Colegio Fiscal Técnico Agropecuario Galo Plaza
Lasso
DP
Daule, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa Fiscal Dolores Sucre
DP
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa Fiscal “Leonidas García”
DP
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Colegio de Bachillerato Atacames
DP
Atacames, Ecuador
Academia Fórum
DP
Coclé, Panama
Colegio N°4 DE 9° “Nicolás Avellaneda”
DP
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Escuela Tecnica 32 DE 14 - Gral. Jose de San
Martin
DP
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Colegio Fiscal vicente Rocafuerte
DP
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Escuela Técnica N°28 D.E. 10 “República Francesa”
DP
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Unidad Educativa Eugenio Espejo
DP
Babahoyo, Ecuador
Escuela Normal Superior en Lenguas vivas N°1
DP
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Chippewa Secondary School
DP
North Bay, Canada
Dunbar High School
DP
Fort Myers, Florida, USA
Colegio Técnico Nacional Carmen Mora de
Encalada
DP
Pasaje, Ecuador
U.E. Liceo Naval de Guayaquil “Cmdte. Rafael
Andrade Lalama”
DP
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Colegio Fiscomisional Alejandro Humboldt
DP
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador
Colegio Nº 6 D. E. 02 “Manuel Belgrano”
DP
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Colegio Caluma
DP
Caluma, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa del Milenio “Nela Martínez
Espinosa”
DP
La Troncal, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa 24 de Mayo
DP
Quevedo, Ecuador
Colegio Fiscal Dr. Eduardo Granja Garces
DP
Pedro Carbo, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa “El Carmen”
DP
El Carmen, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa “Santa Elena”
DP
Santa Elena, Ecuador
Colegio Fiscal el Empalme
DP
El Empalme, Ecuador
Colegio Fiscal Técnico valdivia
DP
Santa Elena, Ecuador
Colegio Réplica vicente Rocafuerte
DP
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Colegio Fiscal Guillermo Ordoñez Gómez
DP
Santa Elena, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa Fiscal Uruguay
DP
Portoviejo, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa Fiscal Aguirre Abad
DP
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Cathedral City High School
DP
Cathedral City, California, USA
Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre
Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands
THE AMERICAS
Newly authorized programmes in the Americas
The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and
International Studies
DP
Buckeye, Arizona, USA
St. Joan Antida High School
DP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Westlake High School
DP
Westlake, Ohio, USA
Unidad Educativa ventanas
DP
ventanas, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa Fiscal Tosagua
DP
Tosagua, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa “Manta”
DP
Manta, Ecuador
Colegio Fiscal Tecnico Industrial Ancón
DP
San José De Ancón, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa Fiscal Paján
DP
Paján, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa del Milenio Carlos Romo
Dávila
DP
Flavio Alfaro, Ecuador
Unidad Educativa “Quince de Octubre”
DP
Naranjal, Ecuador
École secondaire Macdonald-Cartier
DP
Sudbury, Canada
Unidad Educativa Eloy Alfaro
DP
Cariamanga, Ecuador
Lt. General William H. Harrison Preparatory
School
DP
Lakewood, Washington, USA
Thornridge High School
DP
Dolton, Illinois, USA
Spring Lake High School
DP
Spring Lake, Michigan, USA
Unidad Educativa Fiscal Sucre
DP
Ecuador
Colegio de Bachillerato Técnico Rafael vasconez
Gómez
DP
La Maná, Ecuador
Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School
DP
Guelph, Canada
Pioneer valley Chinese Immersion Charter
School
DP
Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
Thornton Township High School
DP
Harvey, Illinois, USA
Sarasota Military Academy
DP
Sarasota, Florida, USA
Lighthouse International School
DP
Escazu, Costa Rica
Bronte College
DP
Mississauga, Canada
Hilton High School
MYP
Hilton, New York, USA
Quest Elementary School
MYP
Hilton, New York, USA
village Elementary School
MYP
Hilton, New York, USA
Merton Williams Middle School
MYP
Hilton, New York, USA
Northwood Elementary School
MYP
Hilton, New York, USA
Fresno High School
MYP
Fresno, California, USA
St. Cecelia Interparochial School
MYP
Clearwater, Florida, USA
Greene County High School
MYP
Greensboro, Georgia, USA
Pilot Butte Middle School
MYP
Bend, Oregon, USA
Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy, School 26
MYP
Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA
The Healdsburg School
PYP
Healdsburg, California, USA
Colegio Bosques
PYP
Aguascalientes, Mexico
Esprit International School
PYP
The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Pulaski International School of Chicago
PYP
Chicago, Illinois, USA
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2014
International Baccalaureate® | Baccalauréat International® | Bachillerato Internacional®
PYP
Richmond, virginia, USA
Summit Charter Academy
PYP
Porterville, California, USA
Lord Byron School
PYP
Lima, Peru
Fundación Gimnasio Los Portales
PYP
Bogotá, Colombia
Arroyo Elementary School
PYP
Ontario, Canada
Knightsbridge Schools International Bogota
PYP
Bogotá, Colombia
York Academy Regional Charter School
PYP
York, USA
Hawthorn Academy
PYP
West Jordan, Utah, USA
Scandia Elementary School
PYP
Scandia, California, USA
REAL Learning Academy
PYP
Austin, Texas, USA
Congratulations
to Academia Fórum, Panama, one of the first schools in
Panama to be authorized to offer the Diploma Programme
(DP) in Spanish in Panama.
This school is distinct for its access project, developed specifically as a
tuition-free private boarding school for rural students in poverty. The
school is located in the rural mountains of Panama and supported by
Forum Foundation, a US non-profit foundation which was established by
a former Peace Corps volunteer, John Keffer, who worked in the region
decades previously. All students at the school receive full scholarships for
room and board, and the foundation does a lot of important work in and
around the local community.
Published by IB Communications and Marketing, IB Global Centre
Churchillplein 6, 2517 JW, The Hague, The Netherlands
THE AMERICAS
Chimborazo Elementary School