Why do we follow the IB Programme?
At Liberty Woodland School we believe that teaching towards GCSEs develops a hollow understanding of any subject and comes at the expense of a rich, highly engaging and deep learning experience.
As a school we strongly believe in developing young people to be the best version of themselves, to prepare them for the exciting and as yet unknown future.
We have chosen the International Baccalaureate for our Secondary School, as it provides us and our students with a world leading and widely recognised curriculum which allows for a pedagogical approach which continues to emphasise intellectual challenges.
Alongside our school curriculum and ethos which ensures all learning is relevant, meaningful and purposeful, our students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to succeed in the 21st century.
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students between the ages of 11 and 16 and is taught in 108 countries around the world, is accredited by Ofqual as having the same status as GCSEs and is respected by universities in the UK and abroad.
The MYP enables us to nurture the character and strength of mind within each of our students, empowering them to succeed in adult life. There is a strong focus on ‘learning to learn’ through the systematic development of approaches to learning, skills for communication, collaboration, organisation, self-management, reflection, research, creative and critical thinking.
The MYP also fosters intercultural understanding and global engagement – essential qualities for young people today. Interdisciplinary teaching and learning builds a connected curriculum that addresses the developmental needs of students and prepares them for further academic study in an increasingly interconnected world.
Subjects Studied Through The IB
Language Acquisition
At Liberty Woodland School our students learn Spanish as the most widely recognised international language, with the emphasis placed on practical speaking and listening skills that are most useful when working and living abroad.
Language and Literature
We offer students a rich curriculum that develops skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting. students are introduced to a diverse and wide array of contemporary and classic literature, including novels, plays and poetry, with the opportunity to unpack the writing techniques employed by the author, as well as the moral, social, economic, political, cultural and environmental themes within the texts.
Individuals and Societies
This covers all areas of the humanities, including history, economics, geography, philosophy, sociology and anthropology, business management, psychology, and world religions.
Sciences
This encompasses biology, chemistry and physics, as well as offering students the opportunity to pursue a variety of interdisciplinary areas of scientific study, such as environmental science or sports science.
Mathematics
The MYP mathematics framework encompasses number, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability.
Arts
The MYP takes a broad approach to the Arts, incorporating Visual Art and Performing Arts.
At Liberty Woodland School our Visual Art seeks to stimulate young imaginations, challenge perceptions and develop creative and analytical skills. Involvement in the arts encourages students to understand the arts in context and the cultural histories of artworks, thus supporting the development of an inquiring and empathetic world view.
Design
Design challenges all students to:
* apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve design problems
* explore the role of design in both historical and contemporary contexts
* consider their responsibilities when making design decisions and taking action
Physical and Health Education
Physical and health education courses foster the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that will contribute to a student’s balanced and healthy lifestyle. Through opportunities for active learning, courses in this subject group embody and promote the holistic nature of well-being.
In our Sport, Liberty Woodland School teaches one team sport, one individual sport and one sport selected by the students.
IB Policies at Liberty woodland School