Crosswinds East Metro Arts and Science School - International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate

Crosswinds has been certified as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program School since July 2007. The school teaches the IBO Areas of Interaction, five themes that appear within all curriculum. The Areas of Interaction are as follows:

1. Approaches to Learning -- (how we learn and communicate information). This Approach focuses on learning styles and is informed by the theory of multiple intelligences
2. Community and Service -- (our relationship with and responsibility to other people).
3. Human Ingenuity -- (how and what we create, and its effect). The study of art and creativity.
4. Environment -- (our relationship with and responsibility to the world around us)
5. Health and Social Education -- (our physical, social, and emotional well being) Deals with the preservation of physical health and mental health.

In addition to working in all five areas of interaction, International Baccalaureate students are taught to be well-rounded people by developing a set of values called the "Learner Profile" Students who follow the profile strive to be:

• Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. The 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 to 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. They 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.