Overview

  • IB World School

     

    International Baccalaureate (IB)

    The International Baccalaureate Programme at E. Rivers is a key part of what makes E. Rivers special. Learn more about IB here:
    What does it mean to be an IB World School?

    The International Baccalaureate Organization website for parents features a variety of tools for parents Benefits for parents

    Parents can help reinforce our IB attitudes and learner profiles at home. Here are a few resources you can use at home:  IB Learner Profile Activities for Parents

     

    What is the IB Programme at E. Rivers?
    IB is a global academic program that E. Rivers embraces.  IB presents both a philosophy and a framework to enhance your child’s ability to live, learn, and work in our globalized world.  The Programme focuses on four critical areas of development:
    – Intellectual
    – Personal
    – Emotional
    – Social

    How do the IB enhanced standards support instruction in elementary schools?
    The International Baccalaureate (IB) enhanced standards serve as a framework in elementary schools to foster a holistic learning environment that emphasizes inquiry-based and student-centered approaches. These standards guide educators in designing curricular experiences that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural understanding. By aligning lessons with the enhanced standards, teachers can create differentiated instructional strategies that cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring that each student engages meaningfully with the material. Additionally, the enhanced standards promote collaboration among students and teachers, fostering a classroom culture where continuous reflection and improvement are integral to the learning process. This ultimately supports the development of well-rounded individuals prepared for a globalized world.
    Click here to review standards. 

    How does my child benefit from the IB Programme?
    IB  prepares your child to think independently, solve problems creatively, and work effectively with others.

    What does “inquiry-based” learning mean?
    Children nurture an innate curiosity and the ability to ask questions to satisfy that curiosity.  This focus on inquiry encourages your child to build his or her ability to solve problems by using information from many sources – different subjects at school, experiences within the community, and his or her own culture.  For example, your children will experience hands-on activities through the science lab and project-based learning in their classrooms.

    How does the IB Programme at E. Rivers compare to others within the cluster?
    Our naturally diverse culture creates the ideal environment for the IB Programme.
    Different perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, and languages enable us to experience concepts thoroughly.

    The programme encourages students to become:

    • Inquirers—their natural curiosity has been nurtured and they actively enjoy learning
    • Thinkers—they exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to solving complex problems
    • Communicators—they receive and express ideas and information confidently in more than one language
    • Risk-takers—they approach unfamiliar situations without anxiety and have the confidence to explore new ideas
    • Knowledgeable—they have explored themes that have global significance and have acquired a critical mass of knowledge
    • Principled—they have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning and have acquired integrity, honesty and a sense of justice
    • Caring—they show sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others, and have a sense of personal commitment to helping others
    • Open-minded—they respect the values of other individuals and cultures and seek to consider a range of points of view
    • Well-balanced—they understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being
    • Reflective—they give thoughtful consideration to their own learning by constructively analysing their personal strengths and weaknesses.

    What makes IB unique?
    The IB Programme promotes a love of learning, develops international-mindedness, and provides a continuum of learning that begins in kindergarten, continues in the Middle Years Programme at Sutton Middle School and North Atlanta High School, and concludes with the pre-university Diploma Programme at North Atlanta High School.

    • Encourages a love of learning – With IB, learning is about satisfying intellectual curiosity and developing a love of learning, not about grades or standardized tests.
    • Develops international-mindedness – First, IB students gain self-awareness and understanding of their own cultural and national identity.  Then, they learn about other cultures and nations.
    • Builds a foundation for continuum of education – The IB Programme begins in kindergarten and concludes with the pre-university diploma.  In the Primary Years Programme, your child develops a strong foundation upon which to build his/her life-long education.

    What is the end-result of the IB Programme?
    The IB Diploma Programme, which takes place in 12th grade, tests your child in her mastery of several advanced subjects.  Students who earn the IB Diploma may enter university with as many thirty (30) credit hours and sophomore standing.

    • Primary Years Programme (PYP) – Grades PK-5 –  E. Rivers Elementary
    • Middle Years Programme (MYP) – Grades 6-10 – Sutton Milddle School and North Atlanta High School
    • Diploma Programme – Grades 11 & 12 – North Atlanta High School

    Click here for more information on the IB program.