In the couple of weeks since Seneca Academy received the
notice from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) that we are
finally authorized as a Primary Years Program (IB/PYP), our focus has been on
advertising and marketing; getting the good news out to everyone we can.
Throughout all of that though, I’ve been reflecting on what authorization means
to me, and to the school.
I think this recognition from the IBO primarily provides validation: of the hard work
we have done, and the accomplishments we have made. It means our teachers,
administrators and students have lived up to a long list of standards set by international experts in education.
But this authorization hasn't changed us
significantly since we received it. We started on a journey when we first
applied to become an IB/PYP school 4 ½ years ago, and we have come a long way
on that journey. As a result of our efforts over the past years, our students
are conversant in the learner profile (http://www.ibo.org/programmes/profile/)
and the attitudes we promote, are comfortable asking and answering conceptual
questions, and are more knowledgeable about the wider world. Our teachers
regularly plan together, and are creative in finding ways to fully engage
students in the learning process. Our Parent Association is focused on ways to
integrate global awareness and multi-cultural activities into their events.
However, our journey isn’t over. Seneca Academy has always
promoted lifelong learning, which is supported by the IBO. We will continue to
routinely be reflective of our practices and strive to enhance them. Receiving
the IB authorization at this point in time is much appreciated (and exciting) confirmation that we are on the right path, and is recognition
of how far we have come. It is encouragement to continue on our journey, and we
will.
Fundamentally, Seneca Academy has been implementing the Primary Years Program for some time now; authorization now gives us permission to trumpet that to the world!
Fundamentally, Seneca Academy has been implementing the Primary Years Program for some time now; authorization now gives us permission to trumpet that to the world!
PS. We would love your help with that trumpeting so please
feel free to spread the word!
Seneca Academy
15601 Germantown Road
Darnestown, Maryland 20874
Phone: (301) 869-3728
Fax: (301) 869-3348
Seneca Academy
15601 Germantown Road
Darnestown, Maryland 20874
Phone: (301) 869-3728
Fax: (301) 869-3348
