The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a world-renowned academic programme of study which has been in existence for forty years. The programme emphasises "the development of the whole student - physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically." It prepares you for university and encourages you to:

* ask challenging questions,
* learn how to learn,
* develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

You study the stimulating theory of knowledge, take part in creativity, action and service as well as writing an extended essay. The IB allows you to study six subjects "ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics".
IB learners strive to be:
* inquirers,
* knowledgeable,
* thinkers,
* communicators,
* principled,
* open-minded,
* caring,
* risk takers,
* balanced,
* reflective.

The IB Diploma is only taught in schools that have undergone a rigorous application process and are authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. As part of the application process thirteen teachers from the College attended workshops in Athens in July 2008 to prepare for September 2009.
In the words of the International Baccalaureate Organisation, "Prior Pursglove is a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy - a commitment to high quality, challenging international education that Prior Pursglove believes is important for its students".
The College's authorisation visit is in December 2008.
*"Only schools authorised by the IB Organisation can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the Diploma Programme. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted."