Cheshire Academy is an internationally minded college-preparatory school that challenges its students to maximize their potential by developing the confidence, character, and critical-thinking skills that enable them to thrive as global citizens. Our students grow increasingly capable of independently observing, questioning, explaining, interpreting, and analyzing the world. Our academic process begins with what students know and want to know, and develops active learners who reflect on their growth and the implications of their learning. The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme aims to do more than other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. Cheshire Academy is the only private school in Connecticut to offer this globally recognized high school diploma. We strive to develop students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect.

 WHAT IS THE IB PROGRAMME?

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) organization currently works with over 4,000 schools in approximately 150 countries. Globally recognized, the IB programme is one of the most widely accepted educational curricula, offering challenging programs to more than 1.2 million students ages 3-19 years. IB students are intellectually curious, engaged citizens who both embrace their own cultures and are open and responsive to other cultures and views. Cheshire Academy values the esteemed reputation of the IB programme because of its quality, high standards, and pedagogical leadership.

INTERNATIONALLY MINDED LEARNERS

The IB focuses on each student as a whole person. Thus, IB programmes address not only cognitive development but social, emotional and physical wellbeing. The aim is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people with adaptable skills to tackle society’s complex challenges and who will help to make it a better, more peaceful world.

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a curriculum which emphasizes both breadth and depth of knowledge. The DP is made up of three core elements and six subject groups.

Three Core Elements:

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary course that asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know.
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires students to engage in activities outside the classroom. These may include arts, athletics, and community service.
  • Extended Essay (EE) is a research paper on a topic of the student’s choosing based on individual interests and passions.

Six Subject Groups:

  • English
  • Language
  • Arts
  • Science
  • Math
  • Individuals & Societies

Three or four courses must be taken at the higher level (HL) to be considered for the diploma. Standard level (SL) courses comprise 150 teaching hours, while HL courses comprise 240 teaching hours.

 WHY OFFER THE IB PROGRAMME?

Research has proven that the IB programme is beneficial for several reasons, including:

  • Encourages students to be reflective, active, lifelong learners, and critical thinkers.
  • Increases confidence in managing demanding workloads, time management, and high expectations.
  • Improves students’ approach to learning in higher education, better preparing them for college studies and life after college.

STANDING OUT IN COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS

 IB students are distinctive and will bring a unique set of attributes to whatever university or college that they ultimately attend. IB Diploma (DP) students:

  • Know how to do independent research
  • Have a demonstrated foreign language skill
  • Contribute a global perspective to current events
  • Have given back to their communities through volunteerism and community service
  • Study the language, history and arts of diverse cultures, and approach problems from multiple perspectives
  • Have above-average time management skills and are exceedingly well-prepared for the rigor of college-level coursework
  • Take a year-long course to develop critical thinking, analysis, and explore ways of knowing theory of knowledge (TOK)

DP students apply to more than 3,300 higher education institutions each year, in close to 90 countries. Studies show that IB students are more likely to be accepted at some of the most competitive colleges and universities. The highly acclaimed international reputation of the IB diploma programme is especially beneficial to students interested in pursuing studies outside of the United States.

CHESHIRE ACADEMY IB PROGRAMME ALUMNI TESTIMONIAL

“The IB Diploma Program provides the best educational experience available to a high schooler. It forces you out of your comfort zone — within the classroom and beyond — and allows you to grow not only as a student but as a citizen. Each IB class includes a broad and deep exploration of the topic at hand, but it is the way that all of this material comes together between subjects that makes the Diploma Program truly rewarding.

I would consistently find my classes in the humanities informing the most logical way to communicate an idea in the sciences, and likewise, scientific investigation forming the basis of a research paper in history. The IB further provides opportunities for interdisciplinary studies that allow students to continue these experiences as far as they desire.

Since completing the Diploma, I have found myself very well-prepared for my first year at Yale. I believe my experience in the IB has shaped me as a critical thinker and will continue to impact my life wherever life takes me next.”          Patrick Brown ‘17

To learn more about Cheshire Academy’s IB Programme or to complete your application for admission, visit us online at www.cheshireacademy.org/ib