A new world of learning

Riffa Views International School (RVIS) will be taking a giant step forward next year by welcoming students to start securing all-important qualifications on their road to academic success and university life.

Come September, the growing school which now boasts around 300 students with pupil numbers continuing to grow each year since it opened six years ago, will soon be implementing a new educational programme for senior students.
 
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), described by some educationalists as more academically challenging than A-levels, is a two-year educational scheme primarily aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds that provides an internationally-accepted qualification for entry into higher education.

Heading the new programme is IBDP-co-ordinator and English department head, Greg Sipp, who was appointed to ensure its introduction runs smoothly. He said: “We are excited to announce that the IB Diploma programme will begin in September, 2014.

“During my tenure, I have had the opportunity to successfully lead RVIS through the process of school authorisation for the IBDP.

“Many years of preparation have gone into this process including co-ordinating all curriculum requirements, facilities, training and professional development, stakeholder communications, administration, teachers and students.”

He believes that the IBDP will be particularly beneficial to students in the kingdom as it is highly coveted by top universities around the world. The British newspaper, The Guardian, for example, claimed in a recent article that the IBDP was ‘more academically challenging and broader than three or four A-levels’ and it is not surprising that it has been introduced as an option for students studying at British curriculum schools on the island alongside A-levels.

Mr Sipp said: “IB students have greater university acceptance rates than other applicants. Students that participate in the programme also have increased scholarship and grant opportunities.
 
“The IB Diploma programme offers university level academic instruction that transitions students for success at the collegiate level. IB curriculum design emphasises an international outlook and fosters life-long learning. Students that graduate with an IB diploma are prepared to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and offer leadership in their communities and abroad.”

Mr Sipp has 15 years of international instructional experience, coupled with extensive programme and curriculum design experience. He also boasts eight years of IBDP experience. As an IB English Department head, he is US-certified and has taught IB English A1, IB English A2, IB Language and Literature, and IB Literature.

His background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s degree in International Diplomacy, and a certificate in Data Driven Instruction. He is also currently completing a second Master’s degree in Education, specialising in curriculum leadership. In total, he has six IB training certificates.

The IBDP lasts two-years and begins in the 11th grade and concludes at the end of the students’ 12th grade year. Preparation for the diploma programme at RVIS begins in the 9th grade and continues through 10th grade.

The curriculum written for each grade level aligns with both US state standards and the IBDP principles. All curriculum planning employs the concepts of interaction, technology integration, mastery in the unit design, formative and summative assessments, writing programmes, co-operative learning and project-based assessment.

By attending RVIS high school as a freshman, students will have two full years of pre-IB training before beginning the programme in the 11th grade. Heavy emphasis is placed on research essay writing, experimental science laboratory experience, mathematical preparation, and second language development, social science knowledge and development in the arts.

The IBDP is distinguishable due to its curriculum model that incorporates six subject areas. In order to be eligible, all students must take courses in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Society, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts. All students will complete exams in every aforementioned subject area. IBDP candidates also must complete 150 creativity, action and service hours outside of school, a 4,000-word extended essay and participate in a Theory of Knowledge course.
 
Mr Sipp added: “At RVIS, we offer a programme that caters to both the full IB Diploma Candidate and students wanting to take diploma courses (formerly IB certificate students). To be eligible for the IB Diploma, it is necessary for each candidate to take six IB courses, with one subject taken from each group in the curriculum model. If a student chooses to take fewer course subjects, then they become a Diploma Course Student and awarded a certificate for the coursework and examinations.”

He said teachers at RVIS are ‘committed’ to the students’ success throughout their IB journey. Both a secondary counsellor and IB co-ordinator will act as advisors on behalf of all participants.

“We will be working with students to determine their university choices and give our personal best to help them understand their chosen university requirements,” said Mr Sipp.

Dr Bern Carmody, RVIS director, is particularly proud of the school’s continued progression. He said: “The physical environment at RVIS, including the spacious, well-equipped classrooms and the range of relevant technology in every classroom, provides a platform for student learning of the best quality and highest standards, engaging the best educational practices from around the world.

“Every classroom has a smart board, ample resources and texts. In addition, to our classrooms we have three fully functional science labs that give students the opportunity to investigate and practice methods and skills. We also house art facilities at RVIS that feature excellent resources including a state-of-the-art print-making press and a class set of pottery wheels.

“If any parent or student is interested in hearing more about the IB Diploma Programme at RVIS, please don’t hesitate to call and make an appointment with me. I’ll gladly walk you through it and give you a more in-depth explanation.”

For further details, including programme fees and specific course details contact 16565000.