International Baccalaureate (IB)
Principal, Heather McRae says: “The challenge for the Board of Governors and Senior Management today is to ensure that the education we deliver remains relevant to the needs of our students in the twenty-first century. The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification for senior students, providing an excellent fit with the Diocesan vision as it encourages independent thinking, academic rigor and community service as well as inter-cultural understanding and respect for others. This sits comfortably alongside the school’s ethos of educating hearts as well as minds.”
Diocesan School for Girls offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma in addition to the NCEA at senior levels and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in the Junior School.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, or Diploma, is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university course that demands the best from motivated students. It is a sophisticated two-year curriculum that covers a wide range of academic subjects and takes a holistic approach to learning. At its heart are three core requirements that make the Diploma unique:
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Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – an enriched learning component that explores different concepts of knowledge and asks students to compare different approaches to problem solving |
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Extended Essay – an externally assessed research assignment that allows students to specialise in a certain subject area |
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Creativity, action, service (CAS) – participation over the two years in creative, physical and service activities that allow the students to gain real-life experience beyond the classroom and play a participatory role in their society |
The Diploma has been used by students and educational institutions in over 125 countries since 1968 and graduates are welcomed by the world’s leading universities. The programme teaches students how to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community. Students have a strong sense of their own culture and identity, as well as the ability to communicate in two or more languages with people who have a different perspective of the world. They are able to ask challenging questions but also know how to research a topic and express their opinion.
Because of these guiding principles the Diploma fits well within the philosophy and approach to learning at Diocesan.
Diocesan School's ability to offer both the NCEA and IB programmes is a positive step for students, their parents and staff, and supports the school’s philosophy of providing students with choice and the support required to explore new opportunities.
For more information about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, please contact Ms Christine Buist, Assistant Principal, or click here for the IB Brochure.