WISS:IB Program

The IBO offers three programmes to a wide variety of schools located throughout the world:

the Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for students aged 3 to 12

the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16

the Diploma Programme (DP), for students in the final two years of school before university

IB PYP

WISS defines the Primary Years as those from six to twelve years of age. The school comprises of classes from Grade One to Grade Five.

The IB PYP curriculum underpins teaching and learning in the Primary Years at WISS, and builds on to the continuum of learning provided by the PYP in the Early Years. The key elements of the PYP are articulated across the school from Nursery to Grade 5.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP)

encourages international-mindedness in IB students

encourages positive attitudes to learning by engaging students in inquiries and developing their awareness of the process of learning so that they become life-long learners

reflects real life by encouraging learning beyond traditional subjects with meaningful, in-depth inquiries into real issues

emphasizes, through the learner profile, the development of the whole student - physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically

The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB Primary Years Programme is the six transdisciplinary themes. The programme offers a balance between learning about and through the subject areas, and learning beyond them. The six themes of global significance create a transdisciplinary framework that allows students to "step up" beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.

IB MYP

The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16. This period, encompassing early puberty and mid-adolescence, is a particularly critical phase of personal and intellectual development and requires a programme that helps students participate actively and responsibly in a changing and increasingly interrelated world. Learning how to learn and how to evaluate information critically is as important as learning facts.

At WISS, all students must be sufficiently capable in English to complete the entire course of study in English. Those students who come to us needing support in English receive a wide range of EAL support in and outside the classroom.

The main subjects are:

Language A

WISS currently offers Language A English and Language A Chinese. This is the native or best language in which a student will develop speaking, reading, writing, listening and analytical/interpretive skills chiefly through study of literature. It also includes an understanding of visual images and text.

Language B

A chosen additional modern language for extensive study. WISS currently offers Language B Chinese and Language B English. The focus here is to attain language competency in the four key areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. If this program is followed through to high school it culminates in the study of literature in the second language and the exploration of themes, ideas, and techniques. Other language maybe offered according to demand eg. French, Spanish and German.

Humanities

Humanities includes the study of history, geography and economics. In Humanities, we expect students to gain a sense of personal identity and an international perspective. This 'internationalism' includes awareness and celebration of cultural differences, respect for the values of others, a sense of responsibility towards our community and environment and a sense of belonging to a global village. In keeping with the spirit of the MYP, we hope that our students will become lifelong learners, who ask relevant and meaningful questions about the world around them. Ultimately, we aim to teach students to think critically andcreatively, in order to become independent thinkers.

Science

Our science students are introduced not only to the fundamentals of physical, earth, life, chemical, and environmental sciences, but also to the methods of scientific inquiry. Our students approach science from a hands-on perspective, combining the practical with the philosophical and ethical aspects of the world around us.

Mathematics

Study of maths follows an integrated approach, which includes the five branches of mathematics: number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability, and discrete mathematics. Students are motivated to develop problem solving and reasoning as well as mathematical intuition.

Arts

Throughout the MYP students will be able to take courses in music, drama, and visual arts. The arts are a powerful medium for the exploration of the human condition, our society and our world. The arts enable students to establish links between subjects, culture and different areas of experience.

Physical education

Physical education at WISS is concerned with more than just participating in sports and games. Its primary aims are to encourage the development of an 'intelligent performer' and to encourage students to understand the importance of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Through the PE programme, students should develop knowledge, critical thinking and reflection skills, and a sense of responsibility, as well as interpersonal and self-motivational skills. This in turn should encourage students to make choices that will contribute to long-term healthy living.

Technology

Technology literacy is developed through the use of technology as a tool across the curriculum. The study of technology is not solely the acquisition of software or computer skills which are constantly changing. It is about learning how to adopt new experiences, being able to approach problems with appropriate skills and techniques, being able to identify important aspects of a problem and develop creative and innovative solutions.

School Ethos

Ours is a community where respect for all people and integrity are upheld every day. That we are a community means that we care for and support each other and that we seek to promote the best in each other. We work hard each day with wonder and passion to know and to grow. As a school requirement, we also serve the larger community because we care about the condition of our world. We know that each one of us plays an important role in the world and that we have the potential to contribute a great deal. Our aim as educators is to challenge and inspire our students.

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. Students learn more than a collection of facts.

The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts.

This is illustrated by a hexagon with the three parts of the core at its centre. Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours), and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours).

All three parts of the core - extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, action, service - are compulsory and are central to the philosophy of the Diploma Programme.

WISS offers a variety of Diploma subjects at Standard Level and Higher Level, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Economics, History, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Math (SL and HL), Visual Arts and Music. Our small class sizes ensure that every student gets the very best tuition and support, greatly increasing their chances for success in the IB Diploma examinations.