An Introductory Guide for Students and Parents 2011 -2012ISB Curriculum Model<strong>International</strong> Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)IBO Mission StatementThe <strong>International</strong> Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring,knowledgeable and caring young people who help to createa better and more peaceful world through interculturalunderstanding and respectThe IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs<strong>of</strong> international education and rigorous assessment. As an IB World <strong>School</strong>, ISB <strong>of</strong>fers all three programs:<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Years</strong> <strong>Program</strong> (<strong>PYP</strong>), Middle <strong>Years</strong> <strong>Program</strong> (MYP) and Diploma <strong>Program</strong> (DP).These programs encourage students across <strong>the</strong> world to become active, compassionate and lifelonglearners who understand that o<strong>the</strong>r people, with <strong>the</strong>ir differences, can also be right.HistoryFounded in 1948 by <strong>the</strong> wife <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> British Ambassador, Lady Peak, <strong>the</strong> Foreign Colony <strong>School</strong> was housedin two rented rooms at <strong>the</strong> American Mission. One staff member, assisted by mo<strong>the</strong>rs, taught elementarychildren using British texts. The wife <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American Ambassador became <strong>the</strong> first chairperson <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>School</strong> Board in 1949.During <strong>the</strong> 1950s, <strong>the</strong> <strong>School</strong> grew to be a K-8 school using American Forces’ teaching manuals. In 1952, <strong>the</strong>name was changed to <strong>the</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Belgrade</strong>.In 1957, ISB moved to its present Lower <strong>School</strong> residential location. The Main Villa was remodeled andadditional buildings were constructed on <strong>the</strong> beautiful grounds. Enrollment has fluctuated considerably,reflecting <strong>the</strong> population <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diplomatic community, <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r foreign national schoolsin <strong>Belgrade</strong>, and <strong>the</strong> political and economic situation in <strong>the</strong> former Yugoslavia.6
An Introductory Guide for Students and Parents 2011 -2012In 1962, <strong>the</strong> <strong>School</strong> began to receive yearly United States Government financial grants enabling <strong>the</strong>recruitment <strong>of</strong> overseas-hired teachers and <strong>the</strong> opportunity for long-term teachers to attend courses atU.S. universities. From 1966 through 2000, <strong>the</strong> <strong>School</strong> was associated with <strong>the</strong> Pittsford, New York <strong>School</strong>District in a <strong>School</strong>-to-<strong>School</strong> program, which included resources, information, and teacher exchange. ISBalso became associated with <strong>the</strong> European Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong>s and <strong>the</strong> Central and EasternEuropean <strong>School</strong> Association.ISB was accredited in 1981 by <strong>the</strong> New England Association <strong>of</strong> <strong>School</strong>s and Colleges and <strong>the</strong> EuropeanCouncil <strong>of</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong>s.In <strong>the</strong> spring <strong>of</strong> 2003, ISB inaugurated <strong>the</strong> opening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> second campus for grades 6 through 12. To caterfor expanding student population, in <strong>the</strong> fall <strong>of</strong> 2005, <strong>the</strong> middle school was located on a newly renovatedthird campus within walking distance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two campuses.Thousands <strong>of</strong> children have passed through <strong>the</strong> ISB threshold <strong>of</strong> knowledge since its inception. The futurelooks bright, not only for <strong>the</strong> <strong>International</strong> <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Belgrade</strong>, but also for <strong>the</strong> country as a whole.<strong>Primary</strong> <strong>Years</strong> <strong>Program</strong> (<strong>PYP</strong>)The <strong>PYP</strong> is a transdisciplinary program <strong>of</strong> international education designed to foster <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> whole child. Designed for students from age 3 to 12, it focuses on <strong>the</strong> total growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> developingchild, touching hearts as well as minds, and encompassing social, physical, emotional, and culturalneeds, in addition to academic development. Drawing from a wealth <strong>of</strong> knowledge and experience frominternational schools and focusing on research and best practice from a range <strong>of</strong> national systems, <strong>the</strong> <strong>PYP</strong>creates a relevant, engaging, challenging and significant educational framework for all children.The <strong>PYP</strong> Curriculum ModelTeachers and students are guided by six <strong>the</strong>mes as <strong>the</strong>y design curricular units for exploration and study.Students explore subject areas through <strong>the</strong>se <strong>the</strong>mes, <strong>of</strong>ten in ways that transcend conventional subjectboundaries. In <strong>the</strong> process, <strong>the</strong>y develop an understanding <strong>of</strong> important concepts, acquire essential skillsand knowledge, develop particular attitudes, and learn to take socially responsible action.The aim <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>PYP</strong> program is to develop students who display <strong>the</strong> attributes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> learner pr<strong>of</strong>ile. IBlearners strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring,risk-takers, balanced and reflective.7