Outlined below are specific areas in which students should consider prior to choosing the IBDP programme. Any questions about the IB Program should be directed toward IB Programme Coordinator: Dr. Brenda Fields - brenda.fields@windermereprep.com

Windermere Preparatory School recognizes that the International Baccalaureate Programme as the leading academic curriculum taught throughout the world. Because of the rigor involved with the program, students who complete the Diploma Program or Certificate courses develop a profound and applicable knowledge of the material they have learned.

The program itself provides students with access to the major facets of academic education in English, World Languages, Social Sciences, Science, Mathematics, and the Fine and Performing Arts. Each course, the objectives, and the measurements of student success are generated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and are consistent across all schools and all regions. By utilizing both internal and external assessments and moderators, the IB ensures that the curricular standards are fair and equitable to all students and instructors. Because of the wide reach the program has, along with the depth of the curriculum, the organization maintains its status as the premier international academic program.

Windermere Preparatory School celebrates the variety of talents and interests of our students. We seek to provide all of our students with access to academic programming that challenges them to be more than absorbers of information. As such, we know that having students take advantage of the IB program in whatever capacity is right for them is an important step to ensuring their future success.

The WPS IB Student

The program that a student chooses to participate in is dependent on the individual student and his or her future goals as well as current priorities. Understanding who the student is, how he or she learns, and what is important to him or her makes the choice easier. Below are key areas of consideration that students and parents must consider prior to choosing any program.

Growth Mindset

Based on the principles established by Dr. Carol Dweck, WPS seeks to educate families on the importance of the growth mindset. When students enter IB courses, they must do so with a willingness and eagerness to learn and grow. They must understand that where they currently are and what they have done to date does not prevent them from gaining more from their educational experience. As they receive instruction in IB courses, they will be required more than ever to harness every resource available to them to learn and apply the material. What may have once worked may need to be changed in order for students to grow, and they have to be willing to seek out help from their teachers, counselors, IB coordinator, etc. Overall, students have to let go of anything they feel “never” works or is difficult in order for them to be successful. Learning about and applying the principles of Mindset will be great determinants of future success. WPS encourages all families to read and discuss Mindset by Dr. Dweck.

Work Ethic and Expectations

In order to successfully navigate the IB courses, students must approach their learning with an increased work ethic, meaning that they are actively engaged in their classrooms as well as seeking additional information. Knowing that there is more work involved with the program is only the beginning. Students must be willing to approach their studies with vigor and enthusiasm. Below are expectations that students in the IB courses can have:

• Students should take greater responsibility for their learning.

• Students must advocate for themselves by seeking out assistance from teachers when having trouble in class.

• Students should complete ALL formative work assigned.

• Students must adhere to established deadlines.

• Students can expect homework each night.

• Students must devise appropriate means to prioritize work in order to abide by deadlines.

• Students must engage and collaborate with other students regarding course work and discussions, when appropriate, in classes.

• Students should have an open mind about any subjects, showing curiosity.

Windermere Prep IB Program Options

While we understand that the IB Diploma Programme is the most rigorous academic program in the world, we also understand that the Programme is not the right fit for all students. As a result, we have created a variety of options for students, with all resulting in students earning (at minimum) their WPS traditional diploma.

   IB Diploma Programme

This program is recognized by the IB and by colleges as the most rigorous option for high school students. Diploma program requirements:

• 3 Courses at the Higher Level

• 3 Courses at the Standard Level

• The Diploma Core:

  • Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)

  • Extended Essay (EE)

  • Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

Course Overview

Students are able to take most courses at the higher or standard level. All courses, regardless of their level, require students to develop critical thinking skills so that they are able to apply their knowledge. Therefore, each IB course will offer a rigorous curriculum. The details about the differences in courses are below:

• Higher Level (HL): Students will receive at least 240 hours of instruction per class during the two-year program of studies. Testing for HL courses must take place in the senior year.

• Standard Level (SL): Students will receive at least 150 hours of instruction per class during the two-year program of studies. The courses are rigorous as well but cover fewer topics than the HL courses.

• Language Ab Initio: “Ab Initio” means from the beginning. Students who have limited or no previous instruction in the language of choice may enroll in one of our ab initio language acquisition courses. Although these courses are introductory, they move at a rapid pace to ensure students learn about the culture and language during the two-year curriculum. Examinations include written and oral assessments. Ab initio courses are considered standard level (SL) courses.

Students at WPS are offered a variety of courses to take during their IB program of studies. IB classifies the academic curriculum into six (6) groups and has corresponding assessments relative to the different disciplines.

Assessments by Group

Students who register for one or more two-year IB courses will be expected to complete all internal and external assessments.

• Internal Assessments are graded by their WPS teachers. These can take the form of labs, oral commentaries, written papers, and more depending on the course. After the assessment is awarded a grade, a sampling of student work along with teacher comments and scores are sent to an IB examiner to be moderated to ensure that the grades awarded are commiserate with IB rubrics and expectations.

• External Assessments are those that are solely graded by an IB examiner that is not associated with Windermere Preparatory School.