Learning and Teaching

All Broughton students are engaged in meaningful education that is organized around global themes that focus on the United National Sustainable Development Goals.  Themes include: no poverty, no hunger, reduced inequalities, and climate action. Each student has an Advisory Class. The global themes are embedded as a central component of the Advisory Class curriculum, and teachers highlight global issues and goals within all of their other courses, often through relevant and engaging project-based learning.

Skills for success in an interconnected global society include collaboration, critical thinking, research, writing, problem-solving, flexibility, creativity, project-management, and communication. These skills are developed throughout  all Broughton courses and programs.

A key component of global education at Broughton is the study of world languages, through which students develop the capability to communicate and collaborate across diverse cultures. Students study German, Spanish, French, and Mandarin from introductory through AP and IB levels. Beginning in 2021-22, we began to offer a Spanish language immersion program for students who began the Wake County Schools Spanish immersion continuum when they were in kindergarten, and are excited to initiate our Mandarin immersion program in 2023-24. Broughton also offers an exceptional English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students whose first language is not English, and the school greatly values the diverse backgrounds and experiences that students enrolled in this program provide. Broughton additionally supports the continued development of the heritage language of students for whom English is not the first language through Spanish for Native Speakers courses and the IB Self-Taught Literature courses that are available in hundreds of global languages. 

As a long-established International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, innovative global education is a central component of a Broughton education. Juniors and seniors who choose to enroll in the IB Diploma Programme are involved in one of the most challenging, enriching, and student-centered global education programs available in high schools today, and global issues are central throughout the curriculum. Students take IB courses across the range of subjects, including languages, sciences, math, humanities, and the arts. They also complete a two-year Theory of Knowledge class, research and write an Extended Essay, and reflect on numerous creative and service-oriented experiences. The IB Diploma can be used for admission to universities outside the USA or may be used for advanced university credit in the USA. Please visit the Broughton IB website for more information. 

Broughton offers approximately 65 student clubs, providing many opportunities for students to enrich their learning, develop leadership skills, forge connections with their peers, and have fun! Many of these clubs focus on global issues, environmental action, and service, which are all key aspects of the global magnet theme. Examples of these clubs include Model UN, Student Action for the Environment, world languages clubs, and many more.

In addition to ongoing club opportunities, most years, there are multiple student travel options. For example, Spanish language students often travel to Spain for language study, and our Humanities teachers often take students to various parts of Europe to further develop understanding of language and culture. 

Combined with our vibrant student government, successful athletics programs, and enriching service opportunities, Broughton offers countless ways for students to get involved, learn, connect, and make a positive impact.