International Baccalaureate (IB) at French International

The International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy commits to creating a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding, respect, and a robust curriculum framework. Students in IB programs become inquirers and understand the world through untangling complex issues. 

As the only school in Portland authorized by IB for preschool through eighth grade (PYP & MYP), French International uses the IB as a framework for delivering our curriculum in a language immersion setting. 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN IB SCHOOL?

Regardless of location, size, or make‐up, an IB school strives to develop international-mindedness.

Both the IB and French International missions strive: 

• To develop inquiring and knowledgeable critical thinkers
• To create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding fostering an inclusive community
• To build the foundation for reflective, compassionate, and active learners who thrive and effect change
• Develop key learning opportunities through Approaches To Learning (ATL) and develop the IB learner profile in all school experiences

WHAT IS THE IB LEARNER PROFILE?

The IB learner profile is described as the IB Mission Statement in action. These attributes are aspirational and are meant to inspire and motivate students, highlighting the inclusive nature of IB programmes and French International.

INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING
A unifying thread throughout all IB programmes is teaching students how best to learn. The approaches to learning (ATL) provide the foundation for independent learning and encourage the application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

Developing and applying these skills helps students learn how to learn not just in the classroom but in a real-world context. Teachers explicitly teach ATL skills throughout their units and give students several opportunities to practice and refine these skills.

CONCEPTS
Conceptual thinking is a shift from teacher-centered, fact-based thinking fostering critical thinking to make sense of overarching ideas that help to make sense of the world.

Conceptual planning and teaching are organized around broad, timeless, universal, and often abstract notions that transcend disciplines. This type of learning allows students to make connections through subject areas. Examples of concepts include systems, perspectives, forces, interactions, logic, space, and value.

All French International policies are reviewed and updated annually. Last updated October 2022.