The world we live in is always changing. With globalization and constant innovation, the children of today will have opportunities and face challenges that we don’t even know about yet. The International Baccalaureate Organization reviews each curriculum it offers “… on a seven-year teaching cycle to ensure that each is fit for purpose in a changing world and incorporates the latest educational research and lessons learned from a thorough evaluation of the existing curriculum.” (Latest Curriculum Updates, IBO.org)
Futuro Verde students currently in 10th grade and below will embark on newly developed courses in: Spanish Literature, English Language & Literature, English B, Spanish B, and Math. These changes affect: what is studied, how it’s studied, and how students are assessed.
During recent years the IB diploma program has been changing to a more conceptual approach to the subjects that are taught. Starting in 2020, English Language & Literature will be focused on the concepts of: culture, identity, creativity, communication, perspective, transformation, and representation. Other changes include the use of learner portfolios which students will create as they investigate connections between texts on a global issue of their choice. The Spanish literature course will be formed around the same seven concepts, while also covering three “areas of exploration”: readers, writers, texts; time and space; and intertextuality. Changes in language acquisition include the addition of a listening comprehension assessment, and new themes to explore: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet.
Math has also undergone a seven-year review, with the result being a number of new math courses for schools to select from. We are still reviewing the options to determine the best fit for our students, but the emphasis will now be more on critical thinking in a mathematical context. All new math programs will focus on developing skills of analysis, abstraction and generalization, risk awareness and statistical literacy, algorithmic thinking, modeling and inquiry.
Change can be difficult, but also rejuvenating. It is encouraging to see IB continually working to keep up with the pace of change in our world, in order to equip our students with the knowledge and skills that modern employers are looking for. During the remainder of this year all teachers will be familiarizing themselves with course changes, and updating their curriculum and methods of assessment to prepare students to be as successful as possible in the years to come.