Summary of IB Consultant Les Phillip’s Report to the International Baccalaureate Organisation
Because Les’s report is the property of IB, we cannot post it in its entirety. What follows is a summary of his report.
The report consists of four sections: Philosophy, Organisation, Curriculum and Students. In each section, the consultant must report on the progress made to date and identify any issues that need resolution. At the end of the report, there is an Additional Comments section.
Philosophy
In this section, the consultant assesses whether the school’s “educational beliefs and values” reflect those of the IBO.
Les stated that the school’s mission statement and educational philosophy do match those of IB. He further noted that Highland, despite anticipating a student fee of approximately $1000, is ensuring that the programme will be accessible to all. Students within and outside the school district shall be free to apply.
Les pointed out that we were successful in designing a timetable which met all of the IB requirements, including hours of instruction for both levels of IB courses, as well as concurrency (maximum overlap of different course). This is generally a difficult feat within a semestered school.
Additionally, in this section the consultant must assess the promotion of “international-mindedness” by the school.
Les felt that there was ample evidence of international-mindedness in the school already, noting that there is a high level of commitment among the staff for implementing international perspectives in the classroom. Les was particularly impressed by the variety and quality of the artwork displayed around the school.
Organisation
This section requires that the consultant assess programme support in terms of resource allocation, staffing, and administration.
Les noted that the school district has been very supportive of the IB programme and has ensured the necessary funding will be available. He also pointed out that appropriate release time is being planned for the CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service), EE (Extended Essay) and DP (Diploma Programme) coordinators.
Further, Les noted that the library is well-equipped and that the IB teachers have the resources necessary to identify and order materials for their classes.
Curriculum
In this section, the consultant must assess the proposed curricula of the IB courses to be offered.
Les approved of the IB courses we have offered and noted again the timetable requirements for the IB courses have been met. He approved of the plans for regular student contact within the CAS programme and the idea of an international service component within the CAS requirement.
Les did identify the issue of which of the two Group 1 English courses Highland should offer. Both the English SL and the English HL teachers have been trained in the Literature option, but we may wish to consider the Language and Literature option. We have made this decision a priority and we are currently addressing the situation.
Further, the consultant must ensure that collaboration is occurring between the IB staff.
Les noted that the IB committee have biweekly meetings where we discuss and address issues in a collaborative manner.
The consultant must assess whether students are being encouraged to develop the learner profile criteria.
Les noted that the Leaner profile attributes are not new to Highland and are currently being encouraged in our existing classes.
Finally, the consultant must determine if the staff understands and commits to the IB requirements for assessment.
Les noted that the IB teachers seemed quite familiar and comfortable with IB assessment. Specifically, they understand and use criterion-referenced assessment and understand the IB system of internal and external assessment. Les also noted that the staff was aware of the importance of carefully scheduling major projects to avoid student overload.
Students
In this section, the consultant must assess the preparedness of the CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) programme.
Les noted that the IB teachers are aware of CAS requirements, but that the CAS coordinator is developing ways to educate the whole school community about CAS, as all staff may potentially have a role to play.The plan in place should assure that students are able to reflect on their experiences.
Also in this section, the consultant must assess the EE (Extended Essay) requirement.
Les noted that the EE seemed well-understood by the IB teachers and that each was ready to assist students with essays in their fields of expertise. Les also noted the willingness of the librarian to assist in the process.
In the Additional Comments section, Les noted the enthusiasm and collegiality of all those involved in the implementation of IB at Highland and at the school board level.