By Neil Corbett – Maple Ridge News
The announcement that Garibaldi secondary is going full IB might have some students thinking their work load is about to become intense.
Indeed, the International Baccalaureate program at the Grade 11-12 level, called the IB Diploma Program, calls for serious academic rigour in an internationally standardized program. It also results in students getting university course credits and generally more choices for university entrance.
“They are kids who want to be challenged,” said diploma program science teacher Helen Carelse.
The school also offers regular Grade 11-12 courses, so the IB Diploma Program (DP) is an option Garibaldi students can choose or not.
The Grade 8-10 program is much different.
The Garibaldi staff explain the Middle Years Program (MYP) for Grades 8-10, is a different approach to education. It will be taken by all kids in the school, starting with Grade 8s only next year, with Grades 9 and 10 being added in the two subsequent years.
“DP is sort of a subset of our school, whereas MYP is a whole-school initiative,” explained principal Darren Rowell. “It falls under the IB umbrella, but it is an inclusive program.”
The MYP will be unique to Garibaldi in School District 42, although it is offered at the Meadowridge private school.