International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate (IBCC)

Poudre High School is proud to be authorized to offer a pilot program of the IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC) beginning fall 2011.  We are in the initial stages of the authorization process.

In creating the IBCC, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has developed a framework of international education that will incorporate the vision and educational principles of the IB into local programs that address the needs of students engaged in career-related education. One of the missions of the IBCC is to broaden access to the international education provided through IB courses to all students. Because IBCC students must take at least two IB Diploma-level courses and exams, it is intended for juniors and seniors.

The IBCC at PHS will be delivered through an "academy" approach. Academies are smaller learning communities that offer interested students the opportunity to develop their personal and professional potential through specialized training programs. Academies group classes based on a career theme in order to help students see relationships and connections between academic subjects and their application in the real world of work and a specific career pathway. Academy components include academics and career and technical education, a committed team of teachers, and active business and post-secondary partnerships.

Beginning this fall, PHS will enroll the inaugural cohort of 11th graders in the IBCC Arts Academy. This academy will prepare students for career and post-secondary options in the visual, performing and creative arts. Students in the IBCC Arts Academy will take a minimum of two IB Diploma level courses, choosing from such options as IB Visual Art SL/HL, IB Music SL/HL, IB Theatre SL/HL and IB Film SL. In addition, the IBCC also requires students to participate in and successfully complete a program “core.” The IBCC core consists of:

· A reflective project: students must plan, create and present a research-based project that explores an ethical issue in their chosen career area.

· An Approaches to Learning (ATL) course: students must participate in a two-year course that emphases critical thinking, personal and interpersonal development, problem-solving and the acquisition of practical skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century.

· A community and service program: students must liaise with members of the community and undertake unpaid and voluntary activities that help the community and that have a learning benefit to the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.

Beginning in fall of 2012, PHS will also offer an IBCC Clean Energy Academy and an IBCC Geo-Spatial Technology Academy.

If you have questions about the IBCC at PHS, please contact Emily Richards-Moyer, IBCC Coordinator, at emrichar@psdschools.org.