International Baccalaureate (IB)
Franklin Academy understands the value of offering its students a well-rounded educational experience that is rooted in experiential learning, while providing an environment of rigor and exposure to the world in which they live. At Franklin Academy, we believe that empowering our students with tools that allow them to out-perform their peers further cements our commitment to their academic, social and emotional growth. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international program offered on various levels. Depending on the Franklin Academy campus you attend, distinct IB Programmes may be offered. Franklin Academy has chosen to offer the IB because it offers something different. Alongside the required state curricula, we offer the IB. The International Baccalaureate programmes are different from other curricula because they encourage students of all ages to think critically and challenge assumptions, develop independently of government and national systems further providing a more global context for Franklin Academy students, and finally, they develop multilingual students.
Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Franklin AcademyThe International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), for Franklin Academy students in Grades K-5 is designed as an inclusive, whole-school program by the International Baccalaureate (IB). Franklin Academy’s Boynton Beach campus along with Franklin Academy’s Palm Beach Gardens campus will begin offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme beginning in August 2017. The PYP prepares students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both within and beyond the classroom.
Why the Primary Years Programme?
Parents who want the best possible education for their children choose the PYP because of the way the PYP invigorates learning and teaching, and transforms the school community and culture. The aim of Franklin Academy’s involvement as a a candidate school is to continue promoting the academic, social and emotional wellbeing of its students, to focus on international‐mindedness and to intill strong personal values. The PYP nurtures independent learning skills, encouraging every student to take responsibility for their learning.
The programme incorporates local and global issues into the curriculum, asking students to look at six related, transdisciplinary themes and to consider the links between them. The themes include ‘who we are’, ‘where we are in place and time’ and ‘how the world works’.
Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Franklin AcademyThe International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), for students in Grades 6‐8 is designed as an inclusive, whole‐school program by the International Baccalaureate (IB). Franklin Academy’s Sunrise Campus, as a candidate school will be implementing this elite program in August 2017, and will join Franklin Academy’s Cooper City campus, which is already authorized as an IB World School, and Franklin Academy’s Pembroke Pines K‐8 Campus, which is in its candidacy phase. The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is offered in over 3,700 schools in 147 countries across the globe.
Why the Middle Years Programme?
Parents who want the best possible education for their children choose the MYP because it includes:
- Rigorous learning objectives
- A student‐centered approach to teaching
- International perspectives
- Concern for the whole child
- Sustained teaching and learning in more than one language
- A focus on learning how to learn
- The development of flexible thinking that prepares students to evaluate information critically and apply knowledge in complex, unfamiliar situations
Who should consider the Diploma Programme?
Parents who want the best possible education for their children choose the DP for its academically challenging and balanced programme of education. It addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well‐being of students, and is respected by universities across the globe. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is an internationally recognized, rigorously academic curriculum for self‐motivated and achievement oriented students. Because the IB Diploma Programme offers a comprehensive and systematic education of the whole person, it is widely regarded as the most challenging college preparatory program in the world. The IB Diploma Programme is a two year curriculum in which eleventh and twelfth grade students take courses and examinations from the six groups of the IB curriculum. Successful performance on the IB examinations may enable students to receive college credits for work completed in high school. Since the IB examinations require high levels of achievement and preparation, students should enroll in preparatory courses prior to the eleventh grade. At Franklin Academy, students in grades 6‐10 are automatically enrolled in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) which enables the rigor of the programme to be met with familiarity for those who wish to take the path toward the Diploma Programme.
A student who is successful in the program should be...
- excited and enthusiastic about learning
- intellectually inquisitive and creative
- self‐motivated, mature, and self‐disciplined
- seeking high academic challenges
- respectful of the views and traditions of other cultures
- confident in exploring new ideas
- fluent in written and oral communication
- an independent, critical thinker
- supported and encouraged by parents/guardians
- performing well academically
- an exemplary student in both attendance and discipline
- a risk taker and goal oriented
- personally committed to school and community activities
- an efficient time manager
- applying to a major college or university
- proficient in math
- developing strong study habits and organizational skills
- an avid reader
- desiring to explore intellectual activities with students having similar interests
- Student AND Parent/Guardian must sign the DP application and commitment form prior to review of all documents
- Student must demonstrate proficiency on standardized assessments on previous year’s state exams
- Student must submit a writing sample which must accompany the DP application. Instructions are included in the DP application
General IB InformationWhy should parents choose Franklin Academy for its IB Programme?
- To build confidence in managing their own learning
- To learn by doing, connecting the classroom to the larger world
- To outperform non‐IB students in critical academic skills
- To thrive in positive school cultures where they are engaged and motivated to excel
- To develop an understanding of global challenges and a commitment to act as responsible citizens.
Learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB)
What is an IB Education?
http://www.ibo.org/globalassets/digital-tookit/brochures/what-is-an-ib-education-en.pdf
What is the Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum?
http://www.ibo.org/programmes/primary-years-programme/what-is-the-pyp/
What is the Middle Years Programme (MYP) curriculum?
http://www.ibo.org/programmes/middle-years-programme/what-is-the-myp/
What is the Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum?
http://ibo.org/programmes/diploma‐programme/curriculum/
IB Learner ProfileInquirers
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
**This means that there will be more focus on students ASKING QUESTIONS and EXPLORING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS.
Knowledgeable
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
**This means there will be more focus on how the FSA standards can be applied to real world issues. In doing this, students in math class might work on cross curricular projects with social studies, science, ELA, computer, and health and PE.
Thinkers
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
**Building on the first two elements, students will use their knowledge and inquiry skills to approach mathematical problems in a variety of ways that doesn't necessarily lead to one correct answer. There will be an emphasis on project-based learning, and student assessments (tests and quizzes) will include extended response answers that pull from prior knowledge and utilize critical thinking skills.
Communicators
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
**This means math class will include more class discussions and open-ended questions, with whole class participation expected. There will also be an increased emphasis on writing including descriptive explanations of steps used to solve problems.
Principled
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
** In conjunction with our Character Counts and KITE Philosophy, many learning activities will incorporate elements of social justice and responsibility such as financial stewardship, how math relates to global finances and economic stability, and building a sense of community in and out of the classroom.
Open-minded
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
**Again, relating to Character Counts and the KITE Philosophy, students will be asked to consider issues from multiple perspectives, including those of other classmates and others in the world around them.
Caring
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
**Students will be challenged to think about how the knowledge they gain in class can be used to better the world, and also how their choices impact those around them.
Risk-takers
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
**We ask that students understand that not knowing the right answer is OK, that value lies in investigation, and questioning is the source new discovery. We will work together to develop a supportive classroom environment in which students feel safe to take a risk in their thoughts, ideas, and work.
Balanced
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
**Students will be encouraged to share their experiences with the class community in order to have a more balanced classroom. Remembering that math concepts relate to a variety of areas of life including sports, health, food, and everyday habits, we encourage students to consider those connections.
Reflective
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
**Every student brings their own unique background experiences, skills, and knowledge to the classroom. In order to help students become more self- reflective, we will be implementing more opportunities for self- assessment through rubrics and learning journals.
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
**This means that there will be more focus on students ASKING QUESTIONS and EXPLORING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS.
Knowledgeable
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
**This means there will be more focus on how the FSA standards can be applied to real world issues. In doing this, students in math class might work on cross curricular projects with social studies, science, ELA, computer, and health and PE.
Thinkers
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
**Building on the first two elements, students will use their knowledge and inquiry skills to approach mathematical problems in a variety of ways that doesn't necessarily lead to one correct answer. There will be an emphasis on project-based learning, and student assessments (tests and quizzes) will include extended response answers that pull from prior knowledge and utilize critical thinking skills.
Communicators
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
**This means math class will include more class discussions and open-ended questions, with whole class participation expected. There will also be an increased emphasis on writing including descriptive explanations of steps used to solve problems.
Principled
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
** In conjunction with our Character Counts and KITE Philosophy, many learning activities will incorporate elements of social justice and responsibility such as financial stewardship, how math relates to global finances and economic stability, and building a sense of community in and out of the classroom.
Open-minded
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
**Again, relating to Character Counts and the KITE Philosophy, students will be asked to consider issues from multiple perspectives, including those of other classmates and others in the world around them.
Caring
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
**Students will be challenged to think about how the knowledge they gain in class can be used to better the world, and also how their choices impact those around them.
Risk-takers
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
**We ask that students understand that not knowing the right answer is OK, that value lies in investigation, and questioning is the source new discovery. We will work together to develop a supportive classroom environment in which students feel safe to take a risk in their thoughts, ideas, and work.
Balanced
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
**Students will be encouraged to share their experiences with the class community in order to have a more balanced classroom. Remembering that math concepts relate to a variety of areas of life including sports, health, food, and everyday habits, we encourage students to consider those connections.
Reflective
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
**Every student brings their own unique background experiences, skills, and knowledge to the classroom. In order to help students become more self- reflective, we will be implementing more opportunities for self- assessment through rubrics and learning journals.