International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) develops lifelong learners, critical thinkers and inspiring leaders. Read more out about the IB learning program, including the range of subjects on offer. (Read More)

At Grace Christian College, the academic, social and personal growth that a student experiences when studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) is unique.

The IB Diploma is a common curriculum and university entry credential recognised across the world. It is a two-year program for Year 11 and 12, focussed on developing lifelong learners who are committed to excellence in all aspects of their lives beyond school.

The IB Diploma is designed to:

• prepare students for tertiary studies
• provide students with a balanced education
• foster critical thinking skills
• encourage cultural understanding and tolerance
• enable students to move between countries and cultures without affecting their education
• develop international awareness and broadened perspectives.

Our IB educators are highly experienced  in their fields. With regular professional development and an active engagement with the IB Diploma Co-ordinator’s network, we ensure that our program meets the requirements of the IB approaches to teaching and learning. Our staff are professional, committed, passionate and inspiring leaders and mentors for our IB students.

Students are offered the support they need to produce their best efforts.

More information on the IB

IB Learning Program

The IB is made up of the core learning and the elective subjects. The core program requires students to participate in three studies:

1. Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

CAS is a fundamental part of the Diploma, emphasising the importance of life outside the world of study. Participation in theatre and musical productions, sports and community service activities allow students to share their special talents while developing social awareness and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

2. Extended Essay (EE)

The EE offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The topic must arise from one of the six subjects studied, and is undertaken under the supervision of an appropriate mentor (usually a Carey staff member who teaches in that area). The task requires students to conduct original research on the chosen topic.

3. Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

In ToK, students explore how we know what we know and the relationships between the subjects they study. A variety of broader issues that are relevant to all subject areas and our attainment of knowledge will be considered. This will include exploring the concept of ‘truth’; examining how we are influenced by the media and academic or ‘expert’ discourse; and looking at the many different ways that people develop, justify and maintain their beliefs and values.

Subject Choices

Students also choose one subject from each of the following categories, based on their personal interests and goals:

* ab initio language subjects are for students who are studying the language for the first time

** Course offered online only through Pamoja and subject to numbers

The IB Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

The programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right’. – IBO 2009

Enquiries

Families who are interested in the IB at Grace Christian College should contact the school directly on info@gcc.vic.edu.au or (02) 6056 2288 for more information including up-to-date subject choices and course requirements.