ISP Vision Statement on the IB Program
At the International School of Panama, we offer the International Baccalaureate Program in order to give highly motivated students between the ages of 16-19 an opportunity to challenge themselves academically and enrich their high school experience. Students who apply for the IB Diploma program must be of average or above average ability because it is a rigorous pre-university course of studies. Successful students in the IB Diploma program generally fit the following profile:
q excited and enthusiastic about learning
q self-motivated, mature, and self-disciplined
q goal oriented
q fluent in written and oral communication
q strong study and organizational skills
q an efficient time manager
q intellectually inquisitive and creative
q an independent, critical thinker
q performing well academically
q proficient in math
q involved in school/community activities
We recognize that the IB diploma program may not suit the needs of all students at ISP. For this reason, we aim to empower students to make their academic choices freely as they decide between the IB diploma/IB certificate programs and non-IB courses. Students who do not fully meet the IB Diploma student profile highlighted above and are interested in challenging themselves may be admitted to the IB diploma program provisionally and may continue in the program as long as they can maintain a good academic standing and meet the IB course requirements.
We believe in realizing our students’ full potential. Hence, our IB application process is not intended for selectively screening and admitting only the very best students but rather for finding what the students can and are able to achieve in order to assist them in making wise academic choices commensurate with their interests, abilities and career goals.
Sir Winston Churchill once said: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”. We give all ISP students opportunities to challenge themselves because we are optimistic that at the end of this rigorous two year journey and in spite of the difficulties that students may encounter along the way, they will realize the effort was worthwhile. At ISP we are proud of the fact that we are forming a generation of critical thinkers, good citizens, well rounded persons and active participants in world affairs and our IB program follows this philosophy.
Brief History of the IB Program at ISP
The International school of Panama implemented the prestigious IB Program in 1992 with first examinations in 1994. At the time of the first teaching of the IB program, ISP had 9 IB teachers and the first examination session began with a total of 20 IB students taking exams in 2 IB subjects (General Chemistry and History). 10 years later, the IB program at ISP expanded its IB subject offerings to 26 and the IB teaching staff to 20. In addition, IB registrations as of May 2002 totaled 194. The introduction of the IB program is a testament of ISP’s endeavors to offer a highly academic program that is dedicated to realizing the individual student’s full learning potential as well as preparing students well for college and for life. Beyond doubt, the IB program has made a difference in the lives of many students who took this challenging route. Improving the chances of being accepted by a prestigious university, receiving college credit for IB courses, building the analytical and research skills that are needed for college, and developing compassionate citizens are just a few of the numerous benefits that are harvested at the end of the two year journey.
As of December 2003, there are over 1500 IB member schools in 115 countries making the IB program one of the fastest growing educational programs in the world. ISP is proud to count itself as an IB member school hosting this prestigious program. What makes the IB program so distinguished from other programs is that it is designed as a model of holistic education and it satisfies the national educational systems of many countries.