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International Baccalaureate (IB)

A world-class learning experience. 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education— developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Our programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.

The distinction of being an IB world school is one sought by schools around the globe because they know it represents a model of learning that puts students at the centre of their own development.

The IB Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

IB learners strive to be:

INQUIRERS

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others.

KNOWLEDGEABLE

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

THINKERS

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

COMMUNICATORS

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

PRINCIPLED

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

OPEN-MINDED

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

CARING

We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

RISK-TAKERS

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

BALANCED

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

REFLECTIVE

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

The IB Program at St. John’s Academy

St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake (SJASL) is one of only a few dozen independent schools in all of Canada offering the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) and IB Diploma Program(DP), and it has quickly become embedded into all aspects of our teaching and learning.

As an MYP authorized school, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and work with our partners at the IB Organization to ensure our learning community continues to adhere to the vision and values that define an IB World School.

SJASL is a IB DP authorized school too. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that SJASL believes is important for our students.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

What difference does the IB make?

IB students develop strong academic, social and emotional characteristics. They are also likely to perform well academically – often better than students on other curricula.

Read key findings from IB research to learn more about how the IB programmes impact students and schools.

STILL NOT SURE WHAT THE IB PROGRAM IS?

While the IB Program recently celebrated it’s 50th year of supporting student learning, it’s still new to some. For those asking, ‘what is an IB Education?’ here’s a brief summary:

To get a more in-depth look at the IB approach check out this 16 page downloadable PDF or visit the International Baccalaureate (IB) website.

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasizes intellectual challenge. It encourages students aged 11 to 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life.

Research shows that students participating in the MYP:

    • Build confidence in managing their own learning
    • Learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world
    • Outperform non-IB students in critical academic skills
    • Develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.

Established in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) was the first programme offered by the IB and is taught to students aged 16-19.

The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge, creativity, activity, service and the extended essay.

Research suggests that there are many benefits to pursuing the Diploma Programme (DP). The programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge—students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

St. John’s Academy in Shawnigan Lake anticipates being able to offer DP courses starting September 2023, allowing students entering Grade 11 at that time to be SJA’s first DP cohort.