International Baccalaureate Programme
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Limited openings are available for the 2009-2010 school year. Applications for the 2010-2011 school year are due by
February 5, 2010.

International Baccalaureate Programme

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Notre Dame Academy is an
Authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. 

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme(PYP):
At Notre Dame Academy, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) will:

  • be for students from Pre-K to Grade 5

  • promote in-depth guided inquiry in teaching and learning by building on stu­dents’ own knowledge and interests

  • explore the construction of knowledge through personal experience 
  • be transdisciplinary, in that it fosters the development of the whole child, addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs
  • at the same time give children a strong foundation in all of the major areas of knowledge: mathematics, social studies, drama, language, music, visual arts, science, personal and social education, and physical education
  • strive to help children develop an international perspective - to become aware of the points of view of people in other parts of the world
  • study a second language (Spanish) and gain an understanding of the cultures in which the language is spoken
  • develop attitudes that are socially responsible and that are positive learning experiences

"The PYP draws on research and best practice from a range of National Systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant, engaging, challenging and significant educational framework for all schools."
The curriculum framework consists of five essential elements:

  • concepts
  • knowledge
  • skills
  • attitude
  • action

The knowledge component is developed through inquiries into six transdisciplinary themes of global significance supported and balanced by six subject areas:

  • Who we are
  • Where we are in place and time
  • How we express ourselves
  • How the world works
  • How we organize ourselves
  • Sharing the planet”

Primary Years Programme at a Glance,
International Baccalaureate Organization, 2005

These themes are intended to help children make sense of themselves, of other people, and of the physical environment, and to give them different ways of looking at the world.The curriculum framework is further structured around three interrelated questions.

  • What do we want to learn? The written curriculum.
  • How best will we learn? The taught curriculum.
  • How will we know what we have learned? The learned curriculum.

At the very heart of the programme, IB learners strive to be: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective.

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