WHAT IS THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME?

The IB Diploma Programme is a highly demanding and rigorous 2 year pre-university course that seeks to promote international-mindedness within a broad and balanced curriculum as shown in the curriculum model hexagon below:

At the centre of the curriculum model is the student encircled by the Learner Profile, a list of ten attributes that students are expected to cultivate and strive to develop with as much commitment as to their academic pursuit as follows:

Inquirers	They develop their natural curiosity and acquire skills necessary to conduct research
Knowledgeable	They explore concepts, ideas and issues to acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding
Thinkers	They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively
Communicators	They express ideas confidently and creatively
Principled	They act with integrity, honesty and a strong sense of fairness
Open-minded	They are open to the perspectives, values and experiences of others
Caring	They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the feelings of others
Risk-takers	They approach unfamiliar situations with courage and stand up for their convictions
Balanced	They understand the importance of intellectual, physical, emotional and moral balance
Reflective	They give thoughtful consideration to their own learing and experience

At the core of the curriculum are

Theory of Knowledge—an internally and externally assessed transdisciplinary course that examines the nature of the knower, and of knowledge in general as well as in the various disciplines;

Extended Essay—an externally assessed, independent research essay of 4,000 words in one of the six subject areas. This is a mini-thesis that prepares students for research and thesis writing at university;

Creativity, Action and Service (C.A.S) that allows students to gain real-life experience beyond the classroom.

WHY GREENSPRINGS SENIOR SCHOOL?

The Greensprings Brand

             For 25 years, Greensprings has been at the forefront of delivering qualitative international education in Nigeria.  Greensprings leads the way in training independent and critical thinkers through the Montessori curriculum at preschool level, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) at elementary school level, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) at secondary level, and now, the International Baccaulaureate Diploma at pre-university level.

Our Rich Residential Programme

         In recognition of the fact that IBDP students are young adults Greensprings Senior School will operate a trust model residential programme whereby students will be given more privileges and freedoms than secondary school students.  For instance, phones and i-pods will be allowed in the pastoral centre as will some provisions. 

         In partnership with professionals (including our parents) and leadership development groups, the STEP initiative will empower IBDP students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become positive proactive change agents.  Our goal is to birth within our students the drive and determination to be leaders in our national and continental renaissance.

         IBDP will  normally be given an exeat once a month, usually on the last Saturday of the month, and will be allowed to leave campus on the preceding Friday.

Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)

              The CAS programme which is a core component of the IBDP programme seeks to develop the potential of students to be creative, to engage in sports and to engage in community development.

              Through the CAS programme, students will be challenged

To develop their creative skills, perhaps in art and design or music;

To develop themselves physically by engaging in sports; and

To participate in one form of community project or another.  This could include visits to an Old People’s Home or orphanage, or volunteering to serve in a soup kitchen or to assist in a children’s hospital.  The aim is to expose students to the ‘real world’ so that they will develop empathy for the weak and less privileged members of our community.   Students will be motivated to action and will realize that they can make a difference, no matter how small.

Experienced and dedicated Staff

             All IBDP staff are seasoned educators who have been selected for their enthusiasm and commitment to their subject areas.  As part of our staff development policy, IBDP staff would all have attended workshops to prepare them to teach the programme. 

Saturday Enrinchment Programme (STEP)

STEP, an acronym for our Saturday Enrichment Programme has been carefully planned to provide IBDP students with viable opportunities for personal growth and development.  Over the two year period students will engage in activities and workshops aimed at enabling them

  To extend learning beyond the classroom.  Students will be able to have extended lab periods or uninterrupted language sessions when recording oral presentations.  Field trips and excursions will also happen on Saturdays, so that whole days of teaching are not lost when students go off-campus.

To develop the attributes listed in the Learner Profile.  We be-lieve that character development, self management and metacognition must be consciously and conscientiously taught; they do not just happen.  This is essential for IBDP students because of the rigorous demands of the programme.  In addition to the development of these skills and traits within the classroom, interactive, engaging and thought provoking workshop modules have been designed which will be delivered in partnership with parents and leadership development organisations.  Some of the modules include:

Setting & Achieving SMART goals.   

Doing a SWOT analysis, Building on Strengths & Minimizing   Weaknesses

Time Management

Self Management

Domestic Management (sewing, cooking, ironing, cleaning)

Conflict Resolution

Habits of Highly Effective People

Making Wise Choices & Taking Sound Decisions

Successful Public Speaking & Debating Skills

Effective Study Skills (mind mapping, speed reading, etc)