March 5, 2009

International Baccalaureate Program Receives Board Approval in Principle

KELOWNA, BC: The Board of Education at School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) recently approved in principle the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP) as a potential program of choice for elementary students.  This decision was made as a result of parents inquiring to see if this program could be offered at any school in the District where there is sufficient interest. 

IBPYP focuses on international perspectives of learning and teaching while students fully explore their home culture and language.  Students participate in explorative learning opportunities that are intended to help them be self-directed, independent learners who can do well in any post secondary program.  They are also encouraged to participate in service-oriented activities in their community.  The IB program does not use different curriculum; rather the program focuses on student responsibility and cooperative approaches to learning.

“A key tenet of the program is inquiry-based research driven by the students,” says Superintendent Mike Roberts.  “For example, if the class was studying treaties with Aboriginal peoples, students might be encouraged to also explore the treaty process in other countries.  It teaches students to be independent learners and global citizens; attributes that will contribute to their life-long success as well as to society.”

“As a school district, we are committed to providing programs of choice and schools of choice.  IBPYP can be an opportunity for parents who want academic enrichment at the elementary level,” says Rolli Cacchioni, Chairperson of the Board of Education.  “This is an exciting and complementary program that fits within the existing B.C. curriculum.”

At a recent District information meeting, approximately 60 parents and staff came out to hear information about the IBPYP.  There appeared to be considerable interest in those attending, especially from parents who are looking for academic enrichment opportunities for their children at the elementary level.  Further information meetings will be held in the future.

For more information, please visit the International Baccalaureate website: www.ibo.org or the British Columbia International Baccalaureate of World Schools website: www.bcaibws.ca.  While the International Baccalaureate program has been in existence for more than 50 years, there have been many recent changes to the program’s focus and outcomes.  More than anything, the program now focuses on opportunities for all children, not just the academically-gifted.

Parents who are interested in having their children participate in this program should contact their school principal.

Approved by the Superintendent and Chairperson of the Board of Education

__________________________________________________________________________________________

For comments, please contact:

Rolli Cacchioni, Chairperson of the Board of Education, (250) 765-3419

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.