Carrollwood Day School

International Baccalaureate Organization

International Baccalaureate Programmes

CDS follows the International Baccalaureate Organization’s academic program and philosophy. The IBO assists schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. IB strives to develop students to become critical and compassionate thinkers, life-long learners, and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life. The IB programme, while demanding, is not an elitist program for exceptionally gifted students only. This curriculum framework offers teachers and students an opportunity to strengthen all students’ ability to learn.

Primary Years Program (PYP):

The PYP is a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning designed for children ages 3 - 12. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child. It offers a framework that meets children’s several needs: academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural. Traditional academic subjects are part of the program but it emphasizes the interrelatedness of knowledge and skills through a transdisciplinary program of inquiry. In March 2005 Carrollwood Day School became one of the first schools in Florida fully authorized by the IBO to offer the IB Primary Years Programme.

Middle Years Program (MYP):
The MYP addresses the unique needs of students in grades 6 - 10. This period, encompassing early and mid-adolescence, is a significant phase of personal and intellectual development. Learning how to learn and how to evaluate information critically is as important as learning facts. The MYP helps students develop learning attitudes and skills that will enable them to participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly interrelated world. The students’ experience with the MYP culminates in their sophomore year with a yearlong Personal Project. This project provides students with a wonderful opportunity to shine: to choose and explore a topic that showcases their unique interests and talents .For the past year CDS administrators and faculty worked closely with IB consultants to put in place all the necessary processes and resources to deliver the MYP. This included teacher training, curriculum development and horizontal and vertical curriculum planning. In October 2007 a team of IB examiners visited CDS for an authorization evaluation. Results of this visit will be announced in Spring 2008.

Diploma Programme (DP):
The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course of studies that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary school students. The IBO's reputation for rigorous assessment gives IB diploma holders access to the world's leading universities and solid preparation for high achievement once enrolled. Unlike the PYP and MYP IB programmes which are integrated throughout the curriculum for all students through grade 10, the IB Diploma Programme will be optional for 11th and 12th grade CDS Prep students. In February 2008, CDS became fully authorized to offer the prestigious IB Diploma Programme (grades 11-12).

Becoming a Full IB World School:
Carrollwood Day School’s IB programme is led by coordinators at each level.  Mrs. Sabrina McCartney serves as the coordinator for CDS’s Primary Years Programme, Mrs. Jennifer Dosher leads the Middle Years Programme and Dr. Stephen Orbison is coordinator for the Diploma Programme.  CDS is fully authorized to offer the PYP and DP programs. CDS expects to receive notification in April 2008 regarding its application to become authorized to offer the MYP.

Currently there are only four schools throughout the United States that are authorized to offer the full IB programme – PYP, MYP and DP.

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02/08