Unlike other Queensland schools, the Queensland Academies offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme as the only senior years curriculum offering.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous and academically challenging pre-university curriculum for students aged from 16 to 19 years. The Diploma Programme emphasises the importance of breadth and depth in academic study whilst maintaining a focus on the very way we understand knowledge through the Theory of Knowledge course.
Students are encouraged to become active global citizens and understand the importance of care and compassion in an increasingly globalised world. The Diploma encourages students to develop their physical, emotional, intellectual and ethical selves and as such is well regarded and recognised by the world's leading universities. Students commence their senior years at the Academies at the beginning of Year 10 for an immersion IB preparation program.
The IB mission statementThe International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and life-long learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. To be eligible for the award of the IB Diploma, students are required to: - study 6 academic subjects, one from each of the groups represented by the circle pictured right (exceptions for group 6 apply)
- complete at least 3 (and not more than 4) of these at the higher level and the remainder at the standard level
- satisfactorily complete the following additional core requirements
- Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).
| Key features of the IB Diploma Programme- High quality curriculum with breadth, depth and balance.
- Curriculum flexibility allowing students to accelerate studies and re-sit examinations.
- Student centred philosophy that is focussed on preparation for life by encouraging social responsibility, critical thinking, and international awareness.
- The quality assurance requirements of the International Baccalaureate Organisation ensure high standards are maintained.
- Externally marked and moderated examinations allow results to be compared on an international level (no limit to number of students who can attain a perfect score).
- The focus on developing independent and self-directed learning prepares students for the demands of university study. Research conducted by the International Baccalaureate Organisation indicates that IB graduates are significantly more likely to be successful at university.
- The IB Diploma is truly an international qualification as graduates regularly gain admission to some of the best known universities in the world (universities have adopted a range of processes for IB graduate entry including full scholarships, second year entry credit for IB subjects studied and automatic entry).
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