International mindedness Part 3 – Being a global citizen
The context a Hout Bay International School student is given through the International Baccalaureate within their own local community, and as part of a larger global network allows them better perspective on their role in an international space. They are a global citizen. Better prepared for the 21st century global challenges These days, tertiary education confronts students with global...Read More
International mindedness Part 2 – Understanding ourselves to connect with others
Understanding ourselves to connect with others “Ciao” and “Grazie” are the words spoken by a South African student hopping out of his lift club parent’s car on an Autumn morning at Hout Bay International School’s stop and drop. This sentiment is an unremarkable component of an HBIS student’s day to day. Students are exposed to ways of life different from their own on an ongoing basis through...Read More
International mindedness Part 1 – Respect and understanding for other perspectives, cultures and languages
Respect and understanding for other perspectives, cultures and languages By looking inward and finding their place locally, students are better able to look outward and find their role and influence within a broader, global community. Hout Bay International School places value in the importance of understanding international mindedness – a cornerstone of the International Baccalaureate...Read More
Learning dynamics: The IB curricula aren’t stagnant
The IB curricula aren’t stagnant. When a teacher receives a student group for the first time, it is necessary to assess the various skill levels and learning dynamics of the group. Teachers are given the opportunity to be dynamic in order to grow and advance the learning process, and add to their curriculum year on year. No two children absorb information in the same manner. Teaching...Read More
Student assessment – A two-way street
One of the IB Learner Profile traits is Reflection. But this doesn’t only apply to the students. Naturally, teaching staff need to constantly reflect on their students for assessment – their ability in completing a task; their skills; how well they engaged with the task or interacted with fellow group members; their overall understanding and more. This observation process is integral for...Read More
How Service creates open-mindedness in the IB
Different from a Service portfolio at other schools, at HBIS Service is part of a student’s curriculum. It is more than simply taking part in activities to fulfill required hours. In the Diploma Programme, Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS) is a large component of a students pass mark over their two final years. In PYP 6, Action is a part of their final exhibition project. The...Read More
How the International Baccalaureate is applied at HBIS
Hout Bay International School currently offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) ages 3 – 12, and the Diploma Programme (DP) ages 16 – 19 of the International Baccalaureate (IB). While the school structure is comparable to other South African Primary and High Schools, a marked difference can be found in the curricula of the IB. Read More
What is the IB Learner Profile?
You may have heard this term used at Hout Bay International School in reference to the characteristics of the students that study at our school under the International Baccalaureate. But what is the IB Learner Profile? And how is it instilled in students being taught at HBIS? More than simply offering students knowledge, the IB promises to develop internationally minded people. Read More
Taking a look at the PYP – The PYP 6 Exhibition
When first encountering the PYP 6 exhibition – the culmination of the Primary Years Programme, most noticeable is the confidence with which the students speak to visitors about the work they have been doing. The presentation skills they possess at such a young age don’t even compare to your standard classroom oral. Read More