With the addition of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in 2020, Cranbrook became the first major Independent School in Sydney to become an IB Continuum School and just one of six Continuum Schools in NSW. As Cranbrook takes its first Year 11 students through the IB Diploma Programme this year, Nick Jolly, Director of Academics and Deputy Head of the Senior School, talks about the progress made and how the IB framework ties in with the School’s mission to develop inquiring, outward looking learners
who have the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in an ever changing world.
Cranbrook becomes an IB Continuum School
Nick Jolly is an enthusiastic proponent of IB programmes, having previously taught the IB at the Australian International School in Singapore and now serving on the Standing Committee for IB Schools Australasia, the association representing over 160 IB schools in the region. “Given that they are taught in over 150 countries, the IB’s programmes are truly international,” he said. “The IB was created by educators, and for educators, and all of their programmes have a reputation for quality in allowing for students to develop the skills to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.”
Cranbrook has successfully embraced the philosophies of the IB since gaining authorisation in 2010 for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), taught in the School’s Pre-Schools and Junior School, and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in 2018.
An IB Continuum School is a school that offers at least three of the four main
IB programmes. “As a School we have seen the wonderful outcomes from the PYP and the MYP,” said Jolly. “Now the IB Diploma Programme will add to this suite of accreditations as we officially become an IB Continuum School. The addition of the Diploma Programme for Senior years provides our Year 11 and Year 12 students with an alternative pathway to the HSC.”
“All IB programmes have shared principles and philosophies and are aligned with regards to their approach to teaching and learning.
It will therefore greatly benefit our students as they move through each stage of a familiar framework of learning. All IB programmes have a strong international dimension, give emphasis to learning languages, and encourage students to become responsible, active members of their community.”
