The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School commemorated its third year as an International Baccalaureate World School by exhibiting student projects during its annual IB Night last week.
During the event, educators and students who have firsthand involvement with the program shared insights into the essence of the International Baccalaureate program.
School authorities emphasize that the IB program prioritizes inquiry, comprehension, and practical application. The Charter School was accredited in 2021 and has since operated as an inclusive “IB for all” institution, ensuring that students in both 11th and 12th grades graduate through the program. It stands as the sole Island school offering this program.
Hillary Smith, the IB coordinator, inaugurated the occasion, portraying the curriculum as “challenging yet approachable.”
Each IB class set up an informational booth featuring an overview of the curriculum and samples of student projects from the academic year.
Mathea Morais, an instructor, and senior Kaytlin Vanderhoop presented their exhibit for the IB English language and literature class. Morais explained, “We delve into the intricacies of language across various mediums: from magazines and news articles to infographics and films.”
The class includes a designated reading list and mandates students to produce an independent essay by the year’s end. Morais underscored the focus on critical thinking, emphasizing the importance of delving deeper into understanding various forms of content.
Morais highlighted the instructional liberty afforded by the IB program compared to other college-preparatory offerings. She expressed, “Certain topics that I find significant cannot be covered in an AP class.”
Similarly, Emily Smith, an environmental systems and societies teacher, emphasized the curriculum’s adaptability. Rather than solely concentrating on scientific content, Smith stressed the significance of diverse perspectives in exploring scientific concepts.
Senior Lucia Capece, alongside Smith, showcased her project on black razor snakes to illustrate Smith’s point. Capece shared her longstanding interest in these snakes and her involvement with them since a young age.
Calder Martin, a math teacher, and senior Sebastian Bennett-Rock presented their IB mathematics exhibit. Martin discussed the curriculum, which encompasses five primary math categories ranging from algebra to statistics.
Sebastian highlighted the rigorous nature of IB classes, noting that they provide comprehensive preparation for college and beyond.
In addition to traditional subjects, the IB curriculum underscores three core elements: theory of knowledge, the extended essay, and creativity, activity, and service.
Melissa Knowles leads the Creativity, Activity, Service class, which she described as a platform for students to nurture their learning within the community through various activities.
Jonah Maidoff, the IB Theory of Knowledge instructor, elucidated the class’s purpose, wherein students select one of 30 questions to address through an internal assessment paper.
Student Grace Robinson, presenting alongside Maidoff, shared her appreciation for the class, highlighting how it has broadened her perspective and equipped her with knowledge applicable to various facets of life.