the walden advantage
Academic Rigour, Whole Child Learning and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes
Walden International School is dedicated to cultivating and preparing principled, compassionate and confident young people who will become globally responsible citizens. Our balanced world-class education, focusing uniquely on wellness, fosters respect and harmony. We empower students to imagine, explore, and achieve a peaceful and sustainable future.
That’s why the IB PYP and MYP programme is central to our promise to develop lifelong learners who thrive and make a difference. The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. These 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.
“With an IB education our students will be prepared to be future leaders, inventors, theorists, and change makers.”
About IB
Preparing students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning
The PYP is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, as well as transdisciplinary skills, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry.
Learn more about PYP here
The PYP Teacher perspective:
Preparing students to be successful in school and to be active, lifelong learners
The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of learning which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and to the real world. It fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement, qualities that are essential for life in the 21st century.
Learn more about MYP here
The MYP Teacher perspective:
Explaining the IB learner profile
Insight from our IB Coordinator, Kristin Fowlin
The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.
“The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect.”
“Let’s look at three of the 10 profiles and see how they actually work.”
“We recently undertook a project on water pollution, its impact on us and how trees and their root systems help filter and remediate pollutants in groundwater. In fact, the students got their hands dirty (we love that!) by planting Red Oak as part of the lesson.”
“While some aspects of learning involve learning by rote, we know that it’s vastly more important to implement a homework and assessment policy that is about the transfer and application of knowledge beyond marks. We are so much more about this real-world learning than teaching kids how to take a test! Marks alone do not reflect understanding.”
“Beyond just thinking differently, though, what are the experiences and realities that form their perspective?”
“This trait is critical. If we are closed off and parochial, we will not embrace alternative points of view and will not be open to experiences vastly different from our own.”
“The IB Programme fits Walden like a glove and we welcome you to learn more by reaching out to us.“
Frequently
Asked Questions
+ WHAT MAKES YOUR SCHOOL “INTERNATIONAL”?
In the tradition of international schools worldwide, our dedication to programs and curriculum that focus on cultivating globally responsible citizens inspire the name of the school. Our student population is comprised of children living in the Oakville and neighbouring communities. Students from abroad who have an interest in attending our school will also be welcomed.
+ WHAT IS THE IB? WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) has a hardearned reputation for high standards of teaching, pedagogical leadership, and student achievement. The IB works with schools, government, and international organizations to develop challenging programs of International Education. IB students develop strong academic, social, and emotional characteristics and are encouraged to think independently and drive their own learning.
+ WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN IB CONTINUUM SCHOOL?
Students are introduced to important learning attributes early in their schooling. Over a long period of time, students are able to embrace and practice the necessary qualities for personal and scholastic success. Furthermore, core skills developed in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) may help to prepare students for facets of the Diploma Programme (DP) pertaining to inquiry-based learning, problem solving, criterion-referenced assessment, organization and time management.
+ DO UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES RECOGNIZE THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA?
Post-secondary institutions in Canada and worldwide recognize the IB diploma programme to be rigorous and suitable to prepare students for higher learning. The IB Works closely with universities and colleges to communicate grades and standards.
+ WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT PYP?
Click here to learn more.
+ WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MYP?
Click here to learn more.
+ STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
You can reach out to our team here.