As George Washington Academy (GWA) students embark on their final two years of secondary school in Grades 11 and 12, they enter a pivotal phase of university preparation. We understand that while some students have a clear career path and university in mind, many are still exploring their options. Our approach is designed to guide all students, leveraging their individual strengths, toward the right qualifications for their chosen university and future.
At GWA, our commitment to our Vision and Core Values and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Philosophy is central to this journey. We believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically prepared but also possess the critical thinking, communication, and global-mindedness essential for success beyond GWA.
All GWA graduates earn a US High School Diploma, providing a robust foundation for university admissions worldwide—be it in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, Africa, or Europe. Building upon this, our Grades 11 and 12 Three Pathways Approach is deeply rooted in the IBDP.
We've chosen the IBDP due to its academic rigor and its emphasis on approaches to teaching and learning. These elements collectively prepare GWA students exceptionally well for the intellectual demands and independent learning required at university. The IBDP seamlessly integrates with our school's foundational documents, including our mission, vision, beliefs, and Profile of Graduates, ensuring a holistic and coherent educational experience. The consistent feedback from our alumni, who report being significantly better prepared for university than their peers from non-IBDP backgrounds, further validates this approach.
This integrated approach means that all students in Grades 11 and 12 will share a common, enriching academic experience, which includes:
Continuing a program of study that ensures they earn all necessary credits and meet the requirements for the GWA High School Diploma.
Engaging exclusively with IBDP courses, benefiting from their in-depth subject content and rigorous assessment methods.
Taking courses across all six DP subject groups, fostering a broad and balanced understanding of various disciplines.
Participating in the 'Core' element of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), encouraging critical reflection on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know—a cornerstone of the IBDP philosophy.
Undertaking either the full Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) 'Core' element or a modified Community Service (CS) version, promoting personal growth, responsible action, and engagement with local and global communities, directly aligning with our vision for active and compassionate learners.
This comprehensive and interconnected approach empowers our students to develop their strengths, explore their interests, and acquire the necessary qualifications, all while embodying the spirit of inquiry, action, and reflection that defines both GWA and the IBDP.