International Baccalaureate Program
Tuesday, September 11, 2007

DOUGLAS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM

The International Baccalaureate Organization, which began in 1968, is currently in 129 countries and has 2390 schools, 21 of which are in Georgia.  Douglas County High School received its official letter of welcome to the international community of IB world schools in April 2007 and is now authorized to offer the IB Diploma Program.  

The International Baccalaureate Program is a rigorous, comprehensive program for high achieving, highly motivated students that is specifically designed to emphasize traditional disciplines while encouraging an international perspective.  Now in its third year at DCHS, there are 248 students enrolled in the program and 19 IB certified teachers. 2010 is the date for the first class of Douglas County High School students to earn an IB diploma.  

The curriculum is an integrated program that includes six subject areas, a service component, an extended essay and a required course called Theory of Knowledge.  Active citizenship and global perspectives are encouraged in each area of the curriculum.  The IB educational experience will provide the student with a well-rounded, highly academic course of study, emphasizing the development of the total individual while accommodating diverse student interests.   IB allows the opportunity to earn college credit as well as giving students a greater opportunity for scholarships and acceptance to highly selective schools around the world.  As of March 2008, the State Board of Regents ruled that student earning an IB diploma could earn up to 24 college credits based on their IB courses.  The International Baccalaureate program encourages individual accomplishment, rewards student achievement, fosters self discipline and responsibility, and challenges students to reach their potential.       

Students interested in participating in the International Baccalaureate Program must meet specified criteria and make formal application to the program.  The complete student profile will include the following:

Application                                
Writing Sample
Teacher recommendations
Successful academic history
Standardized test scores
Interview

Information meetings are held at all middle schools each fall and interest forms are distributed at a county Informational Meeting in October at Douglas County High School.

IB Learner Profile

 

 

The IB Learner Profile defines the type of learner that the International Baccalaureate Program hopes to develop.  The profile indicates that the goal of the IB Program is to promote the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth.  It focuses on the dynamic combination of knowledge skills, independent critical and creative thought and international mindedness in order to educate the whole person for a life of active, responsible citizenship.

 

  

THE IB LEARNER PROFILE K-12

  

Inquirers

Their natural curiosity is nurtured.  They acquire the skills necessary to conduct constructive inquiry and research, and become independent active learners.  They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

  

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas and issues which have global relevance and importance.  In so doing, they acquire, and are able to make use of a significant body of knowledge across a range of disciplines.

  

Critical Thinkers

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to approach complex problems and make reasoned decisions.

  

Communicators

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication.

  

Risk-takers

They approach unfamiliar situations with confidence and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.  They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe.

  

Principled

They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning.  They have integrity, honesty, a sense of fairness and justice and respect for the dignity of the individual.

  

Caring

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others.  They have a personal commitment to action and service to make a positive difference to the environment and to the lives of others.

  

Open-minded

Through an understanding and appreciation of their own culture, they are open to perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.

  

Well-balanced

They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being for themselves and others.  They demonstrate perseverance and self-discipline.

  

Reflective

They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and personal development.  They are able to analyze their strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.