Loading...
Diploma Years (DP)2024-01-23T18:47:46+00:00

Project Description

The Diploma Years Programme at Codrington

The Diploma Programme (DP) provides a challenging, internationally focused, broad and balanced educational experience for students aged 16 to 19. Students are required to study six subjects and a curriculum core concurrently over two years. This rigorous programme is designed to equip students with the academic skills needed for university study, further education and their chosen profession. Additionally the programme supports the development of the values and life skills needed to live a fulfilled and purposeful life.

For students planning to enter most European and Commonwealth universities, the IB Diploma is usually the only guarantee for university admission available to international students. For American and Canadian universities, successful participation in IB courses can promote university acceptance, while successful completion of IB exams can lead to university course credit and/or advanced university placement.

The Six Subjects*:

Students study:

  • Two modern languages
  • A humanities or social science subject
  • An experimental science
  • Mathematics
  • One of the creative arts (but this is not mandatory)
Group 1
Studies in Language and Literature
English A Literature  (SL, HL)
Group 2
Language Acquisition
French B (SL, HL)
Spanish B (SL, HL)
Spanish Ab initio (Beginner) (SL)
Group 3
Individuals and Societies
History (SL, HL)
Business Management (SL, HL)
Economics (SL, HL)
Environmental Systems and Societies (HL and SL)
Group 4
Experimental Sciences
Biology (SL, HL)
Environmental Systems and Societies (HL and SL)
Design Technology (SL, HL)
Group 5
Mathematics
Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation (SL)
Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (SL)
Group 6
Arts and Electives

Visual Arts (SL, HL)
*The school reserves the right to add or delete courses according to student demand and staff availability.

There is also the opportunity to choose an online course such as:

  • French Ab Initio (SL)
  • Mandarin Ab Initio (SL)
  • Digital Society (SL, HL)
  • Mathematics (HL)
  • Psychology (SL, HL)
  • Philosophy (SL)
  • Film (SL)

These online courses are provided by Pamoja Education.

The Learner Profile:

Like all IB programmes the learner profile is at the very core of the DP. The DP is committed to the development of students according to the IB learner profile.

The profile’s aims to develop learners who are:

You can read about the IB learner profile in more detail, and watch a video about it below.

http://www.ibo.org/benefits/learner-profile/

Uniqueness:

What makes the DP different from other pre-university education programmes in Barbados?

1.Depth, breadth & balance:

A distinguishing characteristic of the DP is its concern with the whole educational experience of each student. The curriculum framework is designed to ensure that each student is necessarily exposed to a broad and balanced curriculum with real academic depth. The learner profile and the core are positioned at the centre of the programme, reflecting the priority given to affective disposition as well as cognitive development, and a concern with developing competent and active citizens as well as subject specialists. The core requirements of theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay and creativity, activity, service (CAS) broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding in real-life contexts. This core is detailed more below.

2. Our Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills & Approaches to Teaching:

These skills are woven in our units of study by our teachers, affording many opportunities for our students to develop across these invaluable and wide-ranging skills. These skills are not only vital to the development of the whole child but also to prepare our young people for University and college study and/or paid employment.

Our Approaches To Teaching, in that:

We have an inquiry-based curriculum:

        • which involves asking open-ended questions
        • that is concept-driven
        • that is contextualized
        • that is collaborative
        • that is informed by assessment, of & for, learning

We seek to create a learning environment, rather than a teaching one:

        • promoting education beyond the classroom
        • and defining the role of the teacher as more of a learning facilitator

We teach and espouse academic honesty.

  1. Creativity, Action & Service:

Creativity, Action & Service (CAS) is one element of the DP Core; it is included as a “counterbalance’ to the academic rigor of the DP.  It is a programme designed to help students develop their creativity, well-being and commitment to serve the communities in which they live and beyond.

  1. The Extended Essay:

The Extended Essay is a further element of the DP Core; students are introduced to and guided in university-level research, culminating in the writing of a 4,000-word essay.  The Extended Essay affords DP students the very special opportunity to conduct independent research or investigation on a topic of real personal interest to the student.

Examples of Extended Essays from Codrington students include:

  • To what extent do tourists cause damage to coral reefs in Barbados? 
  • To what extent was the use of atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima justified?
  • How does the distinction between two key periods of King’s life alter King’s approach to poetry both thematically and structurally?
  • To what extent did FC Barcelona’s extended marketing mix contribute to the increase in tickets sales during the 2014-2015 calendar season?
  • Is there a relationship between the CaCO3 content of seashells in Barbados compared with seashells in other parts of the world and the pH of the water?
  1. Theory of Knowledge (ToK):

Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is the final element of the DP Core; ToK is a foundational course that all DP students take, helping them to explore and understand the problematic and holistic nature of knowledge. Students are taught to seek out knowledge through critical thinking, a fundamental skill for the challenging world that we live in.

DP Administration

Codrington’s DP is managed by the Head of Secondary School, Nicola Leedham and the DP Coordinator, Kirsty Thomas.

Curriculum

  • Students study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups
    • Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature: English A Language & Literature (SL, HL), English A Literature (SL, HL)
    • Group 2 – Language Acquisition: French B (SL, HL), Spanish B (SL, HL), Spanish Ab initio (SL)
    • Group 3Individuals and Societies: History (SL, HL), Business Management (SL, HL)
    • Group 4 – Experimental Sciences: Biology (SL, HL), Chemistry (SL, HL), Design Technology (SL)
    • Group 5 – Mathematics: Mathematical Studies (SL) , Mathematics (SL)
    • Group 6 – Arts and Electives: Visual Arts (SL, HL), Music (SL, HL)

*The school reserves the right to add or delete courses according to student demand and staff availability

There is also the opportunity to choose an online course such as:

  • Economics (SL, HL)
  • French Ab Initio (SL)
  • ITGS (Information Technology in a Global Society) (SL, HL)
  • Mathematics (HL)
  • Psychology (SL, HL)

These online courses are provided by Pamoja Education.

The Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is an in-depth study of a limited topic within a subject. Its purpose is to provide a student with an opportunity to engage in independent research at an introductory level. For more information on the extended essay, click here.

Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

Theory of Knowledge is a course centered around the question “How do we know?” Students are taught to seek out knowledge through critical thinking and analysis of the Ways of Knowing of Perception, Emotion, Reason and Language. By the end of the course, students should be proficient in formulating arguments and analysing knowledge claims. The central features of the theory of knowledge course are critical analysis questions called Knowledge Issues.

Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)

All students must be actively involved in the CAS programme to obtain the diploma. For more information on CAS, click here.

The Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is an in-depth study of a limited topic within a subject. Its purpose is to provide a student with an opportunity to engage in independent research at an introductory level. Emphasis is placed on the process of engaging in personal research, on the communication of ideas and information in a logical and coherent manner, and on the overall presentation of the Extended Essay in compliance with IB guidelines. Students are required to devote 40+ hours to the essay over the course of twelve months.

Subject Choice

In choosing a subject, an essential consideration should be the personal interest of the student. The subject should offer the opportunity for in depth research but should also be limited in scope. It should present the candidate with the opportunity to collect or generate information and/or data for analysis and evaluation. Extended Essays submitted in Language B (Spanish or French) must be written in that language. All other essays must be in English.

Organization of the Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is limited to 4,000 words and should include an abstract, an introduction, a development methodology, a conclusion, a bibliography, and any necessary appendices.

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

“…if you believe in something, you must not just think or talk or write, but must act.”

Creativity, action, service (CAS) is at the heart of the Diploma Programme. It is one of the three essential elements in every student’s Diploma Programme experience. It involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. The three strands of CAS, which are often interwoven with particular activities, are characterized as follows.

Creativity: arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking.

Action: physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the Diploma Programme.

Service: an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.

CAS enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning. At the same time, it provides an important counterbalance to the academic pressures of the rest of the Diploma Programme. A good CAS programme should be both challenging and enjoyable, a personal journey of self-discovery. Each individual student has a different starting point, and therefore different goals and needs, but for many their CAS activities include experiences that are profound and life-changing.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are differentiated from assessment objectives because they are not rated on a scale. The completion decision for the school in relation to each student is, simply, “Have these outcomes been achieved?”

As a result of their CAS experience as a whole, including their reflections, there should be evidence that students have:

  • Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas for growth
  • undertaken new challenges
  • planned and initiated activities
  • worked collaboratively with others
  • shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
  • engaged with issues of global importance
  • considered the ethical implications of their actions
  • developed new skills

Theory of Knoledge (ToK)

Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is the final element of the DP Core; ToK is a foundational course that all DP students take, helping them to explore and understand the problematic and holistic nature of knowledge. Students are taught to seek out knowledge through critical thinking, a fundamental skill for the challenging world that we live in.

HAPPY PARENTS

I cannot say enough good things about Codrington and how wonderful it has been for my kids and by extension for my family. The school cares deeply about each child and attends to each child’s individual needs. And through the teachers’ dedication they develop well rounded, healthy, worldly children who care about others and are good citizens of the world. They certainly did that for my children and for that I will always be grateful.

Ron & Rachel Albalak, Parents of Ari (Graduate), Liyat (DP2) and Elan (MYP 5)

We specifically chose this school based on the strength of its programmes, the quality of its teachers and its administrative staff and also the nurturing and enriching learning environment provided by its beautiful campus. After our first week, we are very pleased with our initial interactions with the teachers, administrative staff and parents as they all have been extremely welcoming, professional and helpful. However, the greatest confirmation that we made the right choice, has been in the smiles and excitement of our children at the end of each day so far!

Shawn & Warren Mottley, Parents of Emmanuelle (DP 2) and Laurenne (MYP 4)

llegamos a Barbados hace 3 meses. El cambio de culturas ha sido difícil considerando que venimos de una ciudad bastante grande como es Buenos Aires. Para mi hija Laura(18) ha sido aun mas difícil . En un principio extraño mucho sus maestros, sus amigos y su colegio en general. pero poco a poco se ha dado cuenta que en Codrington School puede tener experiencias diferentes. Rápidamente fue acogida por sus compañeros. Los niños locales son muy especiales y con mente abierta. aceptan fácilmente a todos los nuevos estudiantes y los hacen sentir como en casa. Los maestros son excelentes y el programa académico insuperable donde se enfoca en las necesidades personales y académicas de cada estudiante. las actividades extracurriculares son muy variadas y hay para todos los gustos. En este periodo Laura está practicando surfing y tenis además de muchas otras actividades que organiza el colegio. En tan corto tiempo veo que Laura se ha ido adaptando muy bien a su nuevo ambiente y ha tenido un año escolar lleno de aventuras y nuevos amigos.

Constanza Verdina, Mother of Laura (DP 2)

This Is A Custom Widget

This Sliding Bar can be switched on or off in theme options, and can take any widget you throw at it or even fill it with your custom HTML Code. Its perfect for grabbing the attention of your viewers. Choose between 1, 2, 3 or 4 columns, set the background color, widget divider color, activate transparency, a top border or fully disable it on desktop and mobile.

New Courses

Contact Info

1600 Amphitheatre Parkway New York WC1 1BA

Phone: 1.800.458.556 / 1.800.532.2112

Fax: 458 761-9562

Web: ThemeFusion

Recent Posts