“Shirakatsy Lyceum” International Scientific-Educational Complex HANDBOOK IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME 2020-2021 Shirakatsy Lyceum Mission Our mission is to develop future leaders, intellectuals, and citizens possessing and respecting national and global human values. IB LEARNER PROFILE The IB Mission The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring Inquirer: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn young people who help to create a better and more independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout peaceful world through intercultural understanding life. and respect. Knowledgeable: We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range To this end the organization works with schools, of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. governments and international organizations Thinkers: We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on com- todevelop challenging programmes of international plex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. education and rigorous assessment. Communicator: We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in These programmes encourage students across the many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and world to become active, compassionate and groups. lifelong learners who understand that other people, Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with with their differences, can also be right. respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. Open-minded: We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience. Caring: We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us. Risk-takers: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. Balanced: We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives-intellectual, physical, and emotional-to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdepen- dence with other people and with the world in which we live. Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to under- stand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development. Source: www.ibo.org Source: IB Learner Profile, IBO TABLE OF CONTENTS About Shirakatsy Lyceum....................................................................................................................... 4 What is an IB education?......................................................................................................................... 5 Diploma Programme............................................................................................................................... 5 IB Diploma Programme Structure.......................................................................................................... 6 DP Subject Groups ............................................................................................................................. 6 The Curriculum........................................................................................................................................ 7 Assessment & Qualifications................................................................................................................. 8 Award of the IB Diploma......................................................................................................................... 8 Success stories.................................................................................................................................. 9-10 School Results.................................................................................................................................... 9 University Progression, 2016-2020.................................................................................................. 10 About Shirakatsy Lyceum The Components of the Diploma Programme.............................................................................. 11-16 Extended Essay............................................................................................................................11-12 Shirakatsy Lyceum International Scientific and Educational Complex, established in 1990 Theory of Knowledge...................................................................................................................13-14 as a high school with a goal to provide a high standard curriculum with consideration of Creativity, Activity, & Service........................................................................................................15-16 special needs of gifted and talented students, now offers three IB programmess – PYP, Group 1-Language A: Literature.......................................................................................................17-18 MYP, and DP- to more than 1200 students. Keeping our balanced philosophy, we address educational, social, health, and civic activ- Group 2 - Language B.......................................................................................................................19-22 ism issues through our academic program, after school curriculum, supporting the learn- Language AB Initio..................................................................................................................... 21-22 ing environment and infrastructure. Group 3............................................................................................................................................. 23-30 The school premises include kindergarten and primary schools situated near big campus- History........................................................................................................................................ 23-24 es for middle and high schools. Our curriculum developed to meet individual needs of students to the greatest extent Economics.................................................................................................................................. 25-26 possible as well as implementation of the three IB programs in Armenia makes us one of Business Management.............................................................................................................. 27-28 the leading educational institutions in Armenia proven by awards received from national Geography................................................................................................................................... 29-30 and international organizations. The academic program is built on national curriculum and Group 4 ........................................................................................................................................... 31-39 addresses IB programmes’ standards and practices. Instruction of foreign languages is emphasized: along with Armenian, students learn Russian and English, German, Spanish Physics........................................................................................................................................ 31-32 or French. Biology..........................................................................................................................................33-34 Professionalism and commitment of teachers and leadership result in high performance Chemistry ....................................................................................................................................35-36 and successful career opportunities of our graduates in Armenia and abroad. Computer Science...................................................................................................................... 37-38 The Lyceum has a psychological center and laboratory to better address individual needs of students and offer a balanced and safe atmosphere. Group 4 Project..................................................................................................................................39 The lyceum has developed a rich after school curriculum with a wide range of activities, Group 5..............................................................................................................................................41-42 including after school clubs and summer program in its facility in Hankavan, a resort in Mathematics:Analysis and Approaches....................................................................................41-42 Kotayk Province of Armenia. School Policies.................................................................................................................................43-47 Modern Science Laboratories, Library enriched with both print and