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International Baccalaureate (IB)

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About the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a nonprofit established in 1965 in Geneva, Switzerland to address the growing needs of the children of diplomats. It has since grown into four programs for ages K-12. IB programs are offered at over 5,500 schools in 160 countries (as of October 2022) and serve over 1.95 million students.  West High is home to the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) and the IB Career-Related Program (IBCP), both recognized as some of the most highly respected high school academic programs in the world. The IB mission statement highlights the philosophy of all IB programs which sets it apart from other rigorous academic programs:

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

The IB learner profile

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

As IB Learners we strive to be:

 

Inquirers

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

knowledgeable

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

open-minded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

caring

We show empathy, compassion and respect. we have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

Risk-takers

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives - intellectual, physical, and emotional - to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

The IB Program at West

West High has been a proud IB World school since we were first authorized to offer the IB Diploma Program in 1984. Since then we have emerged as a leader in the Utah IB community, and in 2013 West was one of the early adopters of the IB Career-Program. Our IB program welcomes students from all backgrounds and provides appropriate paths for students to participate in IB while still in high school. We believe it is about finding the best fit for the individual student and no two students are identical. What is best for one is not best for another. 

Students can participate in the West High IB program through one of three ways: Diploma Program (DP), Career-Related Program (CP) and through single IB courses. No matter which option students pursue, the most successful IB students learn how to self advocate, are reflective, are academically ambitious and aren't afraid to ask questions.

To participate in the Diploma Program (DP) or the Career-Related Program (CP) students must submit the IB Application before the end of their sophomore year. Most students apply during 9th or 10th grade, but it's not too late to apply mid year of sophomore year.  Students who would like to participate in IB courses, but not either IB program, only need to speak with their counselor during the course selection process sophomore year.

Students who complete the IB Diploma Program earn a high school diploma and the internationally recognized IB Diploma. Students who complete the IB Career-Related Certificate Program earn an IB certificate. Students may earn college credit and advanced standing at universities & colleges throughout the world.

To learn more about IB at West please click here.

What is an IB education?

Contacts

Sandra Crockett

Sandra Crockett

Titles: Administrative Assistant
Locations: West High School
Departments: West High
Email:
Jenny Nicholas

Jenny Nicholas

Titles: High School Teacher
Locations: West High School
Departments: West High
Email: