IB stands for International Baccalaureate.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a comprehensive two-year program that is delivered in grades 11 and 12 using an internationally standardized curriculum that includes rigorous common examinations marked by trained examiners from around the world. The program is highly regarded internationally and accepted for entrance into universities around the world. It is currently offered at schools in 160 countries. Sydney Academy is one of thirteen schools in Nova Scotia that offers the IB program as an alternative to the Nova Scotia Public Schools Program curriculum (graduates receive a Nova Scotia graduation certificate).
The IB Program is structured to provide unique learning experiences and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of learners with diverse interests and aspirations. It is academically challenging, emphasizing critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of points of view.
The program is not intended just for academically talented students. Typical IB students:
are motivated
enjoy academic challenges
are capable of success in high school academic courses
are committed to putting in the effort necessary for success
are well-rounded, involved in the school and community through sports, arts, and service
IB Approached to Learning
We believe that learning "how to learn" is fundamental to a student's education.
We have five interrelated skills called the IB approaches to learning. These skills aims to empower IB students of all ages to become self-regulated learners who know how to:
ask good questions
set effective goals
pursue their aspirations, and
have the determination to achieve them.
We hope these skills will help you feel in control of your own learning and see your learning as an active and dynamic process.
The five IB approaches to learning are:
thinking skills—including areas such as critical thinking, creative thinking and ethical thinking
research skills—including skills such as comparing, contrasting, validating and prioritizing information
communication skills—including skills such as written and oral communication, effective listening, and formulating arguments
social skills—including areas such as forming and maintaining positive relationships, listening skills, and conflict resolution
self-management skills—including both organizational skills, such as managing time and tasks, and affective skills, such as managing state of mind and motivation.
We offer programmes rather than just subjects because we believe it is important to make connections, explore the relationships between academic disciplines and learn about the world in ways that reach beyond the scope of individual subjects. We also want to offer you authentic opportunities to connect your learning to the world around you.
Even if you are only taking a few IB subjects and not a whole programme, the IB’s approach to teaching will help you think beyond the narrow boundaries of the subject and make links to other ways of thinking.
IB Learner Profile
The IB Diploma Program is committed to the development of students according to the IB learner profile.
The profile aims to develop learners who are:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
Reflective
Why the IB is different
We strive to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect, alongside a healthy appetite for learning and excellence.
The IB's programmes are different from other curricula because they:
encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions
develop independently of government and national systems, incorporating quality practice from research and our global community of schools
encourage students of all ages to consider both local and global contexts
develop multilingual students.