As a parent, you want to raise a well-rounded child who is academically challenged and thinks about issues and problems beyond the community in which he or she lives - a member of a global society. At PVSchools, we are helping students on this pathway with the K-12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, offered at Quail Run Elementary School, Vista Verde Middle School and North Canyon High School.
IB focuses on each student as a whole person and addresses, not only the cognitive development but social, emotional and physical well-being. IB World Schools are subject to a strict accreditation process monitored by IB to ensure that schools provide a high quality education for students. The IB teaching methods are researched-based and draw from the best educational practices from around the world. Additionally, IB teachers are required to participate in professional development opportunities to promote awareness of current educational practices and new thinking.
The IB Pathway at PVSchools
Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Quail Run Elementary School
In 2010, Quail Run Elementary became an authorized IB World School. In the PYP, students learn about and use knowledge, concepts, and skills through a variety of subjects to explore six trans disciplinary themes with students learning across subject areas while investigating big ideas.
The PYP curriculum at Quail Run was created by aligning the state standards for math and language arts with the IB philosophy. The coursework is designed to prepare students for the rigorous program offered in the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Vista Verde Middle School
Vista Verde Middle began to offer the MYP curriculum to academically motivated 7th and 8th grade students in 2009. The MYP is a four year program in PVSchools that begins in 7th grade and continues to 10th grade at North Canyon High School. The curriculum reinforces the MYP philosophies, which is a holistic approach to teaching students. MYP teaches students character, global awareness and the interdependence of the different disciplines of school.
MYP provides students with a rigorous learning environment. Students should take MYP if they want to be part of a close knit group of students who want to be challenged, creative and exposed to a wider view of of the world. The program also prepares students to be successful in high school, regardless of the programs and goals they have. Students at Vista Verde learn character traits of successful adults, an appreciation of global differences, time management, accountability, how subjects relate to one another, as well as the curriculum. The coursework is designed to prepare students for the advanced IB program in high school.
Diploma Programme at North Canyon High School
The IB Diploma Programme at North Canyon High School is the oldest IB program at PVSchools, commencing in 1993. The Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning are emphasized through each phase of the IB program. Students use these in high school to plan and reflect on their service learning in the community and they see how these skills can be applied outside of the classroom.
The programme at this level goes beyond simple classroom learning. Students are required to take part in service learning activities and extracurricular activities, plan projects, and conduct research outside of the classroom. If students successfully complete the 11th and 12th grade diploma program, they will earn an IB Diploma, which can open doors to universities and career opportunities.