International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is at the heart of Jefferson's teaching and learning. In the PYP, students are members of an innovative global program of education, which supports the development of well rounded, knowledgeable and inquiring students. At Jefferson, we focus on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. International and diverse perspectives are embedded in our units so that our students can be mindful global citizens. Students learn to be active participants in real issues by participating in service-oriented activities, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of reflection on a personal and academic level.

As an IB STEAM world school we use a variety of methods to determine student's skill level and differentiate the curriculum accordingly. Teachers meet in PLC's weekly to share expertise, and work collaboratively to determine how best to support teaching and learning. At Jefferson we use a variety of strategies that support the individual needs of each child. Some of these strategies include ongoing formal and informal assessments, transdisciplinary units, student led and project/problem based learning, inquiry based instruction, and learning engagements that foster student collaboration.

As an IB school, we focus on the development of the intellectual skills and also the personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly changing world. We do this by focusing on the development of the Learner Profile which consists of ten core attributes that all IB learners strive to show. This shapes the educational experience and character development of our students so they grow to be engaged, active citizens of the world.

For more information visit the following links:

Jefferson IB Parent Handbook

IB Digital Toolkit

IB Parent Information: http://www.ibo.org/information-for-parents/

IB 5th Grade Exhibition

As the culminating Primary Years Program (PYP) experience, it is required that the Exhibition reflects all the major features of the IB program. The PYP Exhibition offers students the opportunity to:

• Engage in collaborative, in-depth inquiry about a significant, relevant issue
• Demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning
• Explore multiple perspectives around an issue
• Synthesize and apply their learning of previous years in the PYP
• Reflect on themselves as internationally-minded students
• Demonstrate their understanding in an authentic situation
• Take action as a result of their learning
• Unite with teachers, parents and other members of the school community in a cooperative experience that incorporates the essential elements of the PYP
• Celebrate their transition from the PYP to the MYP