Poughkeepsie Day School’s International Baccalaureate® (IB) candidacy forms a central component of PDS GROW and puts us on the path to becoming the first preK-grade 12 IB World School in the Mid-Hudson Valley. As a candidate school, PDS is connected to over 5,800 like-minded institutions worldwide, giving us the opportunity to affix a more global perspective to our existing wide range of local studies as we prepare students for a world where international and intercultural understanding are essential to success.
Primary Years Programme
The International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an inquiry-based educational framework for children aged 3 to 12 years. It focuses on developing the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and socially—by promoting active learning, critical thinking, and global awareness.
Key Features:
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Inquiry-Based Learning: exploration and investigation, allowing students to ask questions, explore concepts, and make connections across subjects.
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Transdisciplinary Approach: The curriculum is organized around six transdisciplinary themes that integrate multiple subjects. These themes encourage students to make connections to the real world.
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Concept-Driven: The focus is on developing a deep understanding of key concepts, such as change, perspective, and responsibility, rather than memorizing facts.
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Student-Centered: The PYP places students at the center of their learning, fostering autonomy, responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning.
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Global Awareness: Students are encouraged to think globally and appreciate diverse perspectives, preparing them to engage with local and global communities.
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Development of Essential Skills: The PYP develops skills such as collaboration, communication, thinking, research, and self-management.
Assessment:
Assessment in the PYP is continuous and focuses on both the process and product of learning, emphasizing growth and understanding rather than just grades.
In essence, the PYP aims to nurture young learners to become curious, responsible, and compassionate individuals, preparing them for future success in the global community.
Middle Years Programme
The International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11 to 16 (typically covering grades 6 to 10) and aims to develop young people who are critical thinkers, active learners, and responsible global citizens. The MYP focuses on fostering intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth, preparing students for the academic challenges of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or other future educational paths.
Key Features:
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Holistic Education: a well-rounded education that includes eight subject groups:
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Language and Literature
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Language Acquisition (Second language)
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Individuals and Societies (Social Studies)
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Sciences
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Mathematics
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Arts (Visual Arts, Performing Arts, etc.)
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Physical and Health Education
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Design (Technology, Engineering, etc.)
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Interdisciplinary Learning: The MYP emphasizes connections between subjects through interdisciplinary units, helping students see the relevance of their learning in real-world contexts. This approach encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.
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Inquiry-Based Learning: Students ask questions, explore issues deeply, and develop solutions through research and analysis.
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Global Contexts: The MYP curriculum is organized around global contexts, which help students understand the connections between their learning and the world. These include topics such as identities and relationships, fairness and development, and scientific and technical innovation.
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Approaches to Learning (ATL): The MYP focuses on developing key skills that will serve students throughout their lives, including:
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Thinking skills (critical thinking, problem-solving)
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Communication skills (writing, speaking, presenting)
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Research skills (information gathering, evaluating sources)
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Social skills (collaboration, teamwork)
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Self-management skills (organization, goal-setting)
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Service as Action: Students are encouraged to engage in community service and take part in activities that connect academic learning to social responsibility. The MYP emphasizes action based on learning, fostering a sense of agency and social responsibility.
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Assessment: The MYP uses a combination of formative and summative assessments, with students assessed on both their content knowledge and their skills. Assessments include projects, presentations, written work, and practical work, often assessed against criteria specific to each subject area.
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Personal Project: At the end of the MYP, students complete an independent Personal Project that involves in-depth research on a topic of personal interest, allowing them to apply their learning in a practical, meaningful way.
PDS will begin its candidacy for Grades 11 & 12 in 2028.
PDS Timeline Towards full World School Authorization
January 2025 – Candidacy Stage (24 months)
Key Actions:
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Professional development for teachers in IB pedagogy. Teachers participate in workshops, training, and collaborative planning
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Beginning to align the school’s curriculum with the IB framework.
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Preparing the physical and administrative environment to support the IB model.
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The school ensures adequate resources (teaching materials, technology, etc.) to support the program.
Before application (Spring 2027)
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Preparing for the evaluation team, showcasing progress, and implementing any last-minute adjustments.
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Gathering feedback from students, staff, and parents to demonstrate broad community support for the program.