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Kenmore West High School
Providing our students with the supports, tools, and diverse opportunities needed to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a challenging two-year curriculum for academically motivated college- bound students in the junior and senior year of high school. It leads to a special diploma from the International Baccalaureate Organization in addition to the student’s New York State diploma, or to certificates in individual IB subjects. In the Diploma Programme (DP), the curriculum consists of six subject groups and the three elements of the DP core. As one of these core elements, the theory of knowledge (TOK) course encourages students to become more aware of their own perspectives and assumptions through an exploration of the fundamental question of how we know what we know. IB programmes offer students access to a broad and balanced range of academic studies and learning experiences. They promote conceptual learning, create frameworks within which knowledge can be acquired, and focus on powerful organizing ideas that are relevant across subject areas and that help to integrate learning and add coherence to the curriculum. The programmes emphasize the importance of making connections, exploring the relationships between academic disciplines, and learning about the world in ways that reach beyond the scope of individual subjects. They also focus on offering students authentic opportunities to connect their learning to the world around them.

Kenmore West IB Courses

IB Diploma Programme Courses 

IB is a comprehensive, creative program for students who are open, curious, and hardworking. This is a program for students who wish to expand their worldview in exciting ways. Students take two-year courses in the six traditional college preparatory areas. In addition, IB students complete a self-directed program of extracurricular activities; an independent research project (with the help of a faculty supervisor), and a course in Theory of Knowledge. Assessments are administered or monitored externally by the International Baccalaureate Organization. College credits may be earned depending upon the results of the IB examinations and the policy of the college. Many colleges give sophomore standing to students who complete the IB diploma with good grades.

IB Learner Profile

INQUIRERS

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life

KNOWLEDGEABLE

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. THINKERS We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

COMMUNICATORS

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

PRINCIPLED

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

OPEN-MINDED

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

CARING

We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

RISK-TAKERS

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

BALANCED

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives intellectual, physical, and emotional to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

REFLECTIVE

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.