The Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization
at Sage International School of Boise

The Sage International School of Boise has initiated the application process to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization for full accreditation as a Primary Year Program (PYP) “International Baccalaureate World School.” The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet to create a better and more peaceful world.

Recognized globally as one of the best academic preparation programs in the world to help students succeed in college and beyond, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme offers:

• Curriculum and criteria-referenced assessments that reflect a rigorous, international standard
• Extensive opportunities for professional development and teacher training
• Philosophy of learning based on transdisciplinary learning and higher-order thinking skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving
• Worldwide network of educators sharing experiences informed by best practice from around the world
• Curriculum and assessment available for languages listed by the US Department of Education as “critical”, including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Hindi and Bengali.

A transdisciplinary program of international education designed to foster the development of the whole child, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the total growth of the developing child, touching hearts as well as minds and encompassing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic development.
The PYP draws on research and best practices from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and experience from international schools to create a relevant, engaging, 21st century educational framework for all children.
At the heart of the program’s philosophy is a commitment to structured, purposeful inquiry as the leading vehicle for learning. Six transdisciplinary themes of global significance provide the framework for exploration and study:

• who we are
• where we are in place and time
• how we express ourselves
• how the world works
• how we organize ourselves
• sharing the planet.

Teachers are guided by these six transdisciplinary themes as they design units of inquiry that both transcend and articulate conventional subject boundaries.

We are excited about the opportunities afforded to us through our planned participation in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program K-5 (PYP) to aid us in fulfilling these goals and recommendations. The PYP is predominantly an inquiry-based curriculum approach to education. Inquiry, interpreted in the broadest sense, is the process initiated by the learner or the teacher that moves the learner from his or her current level of understanding to a new and deeper level of understanding. This can mean:

• exploring, wondering and questioning
• experimenting and playing with possibilities
• researching and seeking information
• collecting data and reporting findings
• clarifying existing ideas and reappraising events
• deepening understanding through the application of a concept or rule
• making and testing theories
• making predictions and acting purposefully to see what happens
• elaborating on solutions to problems

The IB learner Profile

The attributes and descriptors of the IB learner profile define the type of learner the IB hopes to develop through it programme.

Students at The Sage International School will strive to be:

Inquirers
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.

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.

Thinkers
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical
decisions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Balanced
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

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.