Approaches to Learning
In an age where knowledge is rapidly expanding and becoming obsolete, it's the skills that students develop which will remain relevant and valuable throughout their lives. The IBDP is committed to nurturing five essential skills: thinking, communication, social, self-management, and research skills. The cultivation of these skills is integrated throughout the IBDP's curriculum, ensuring that the entire educational experience, from classroom instruction to extracurricular activities, is designed to foster their mastery. Through a variety of teaching activities, project-based learning, and real-world applications, students are provided with ample opportunities to hone these skills. Students are challenged to think critically, communicate their ideas, work collaboratively, manage their time and tasks, and conduct research rigorously.
Approaches to Teaching
The IB's six prescribed approaches to teaching are essential because they ensure a learning environment that is not only engaging but also deeply focused on the development of the above-mentioned lifelong skills. The IB approaches to teaching skills are:
• based on inquiry - teachers stimulate students' curiosity by posing thought-provoking questions and challenges. They guide students through a process of exploration and discovery, encouraging them to seek answers and develop critical thinking skills. For example, in a science classroom, students may be tasked with investigating a scientific phenomenon, leading them to design experiments, collect data, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
• focused on conceptual understanding - Going beyond memorization of facts or development of skills, teaching aims to help students grasp the fundamental concepts that form the backbone of knowledge. In each subject, there are prescribed concepts that guide the curriculum. Teachers facilitate this by designing lessons that emphasize understanding and application of concepts.
• developed in local and global contexts - Lessons are framed within relevant contexts that connect to students' own experiences and the wider world. Teachers do this by bringing in case studies from different cultures, current events, and international perspectives, helping students see the broader implications of what they learn and its applications in real-life situations.
• focused on effective teamwork and collaboration - Students are encouraged to work in teams, share ideas, and learn from one another. Teachers organize group activities, discussions, and projects that require collaboration, teaching students the value of diverse viewpoints and the skills necessary for working effectively in a team.
• differentiated to meet the needs of all learners - Recognizing that each student has unique learning needs and styles, teachers adapt their instruction to ensure that every student can succeed. This might involve providing additional resources for different types of learners, modifying the complexity of tasks for students who need challenge or support, or offering alternative pathways to demonstrate learning.
• informed by formative and summative assessment - Regular assessments are used to monitor student progress and provide feedback that can guide both teaching and learning. Teachers use a variety of assessment tools, from quizzes and tests to presentations and portfolios, to gain insights into student learning and adjust instruction accordingly.
Moreover, our school's commitment to small-class sizes, with no more than 25 students per class, fosters a personalized learning experience. This approach allows for enhanced teacher-student interaction, ensuring that each student receives the individual attention needed to thrive academically. The intimate class setting promotes an open and collaborative learning environment where students feel encouraged to participate actively, share ideas, and learn from one another, while receiving the immediate feedback and support that are crucial for their growth and success.
The Foundation Programme and Integrated Curriculum in Grade 10 are taught in harmony with the IB approaches to teaching, ensuring that students begin developing essential skills from the very start of their high school journey.
