School Life

Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Advanced Placement (AP) are two prestigious academic curricula found in boarding schools offering rigorous college-preparation academics. While both programs offer significant benefits and have similar aims, they differ substantially in structure, philosophy, and the way they present their subject material. In this article, we'll examine these differences in order to help you make informed decisions about which program works best for you.

Canva generated this picture of students taking a practice AP test.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive two-year curriculum designed for students aged 16-19. Established with a global perspective, the IBDP aims to develop students who excel not only intellectually but also physically, emotionally, and ethically.

Established in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) was the first programme offered by the IB and is taught to students aged 16-19. Source: IB.org

Teacher Training and Lesson Planning

One of the questions to ask when you are researching schools is what training, certifications, and experience their IB or AP teachers have.

Teacher Training International Baccalaureate (IB)

To teach IB courses, teachers typically need specialized training and certification.

• The International Baccalaureate Organization offers various levels of certification, including the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning, which requires completing a recognized program of study.
• For higher-level certifications, such

Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds

By Betta Hanson, GOAT Co-Director & Residential Faculty at Annie Wright Schools

In a time when screens and schedules dominate our daily lives, outdoor education programs are redefining how students learn and grow.

• By blending academic learning with real-world outdoor experiences, these programs effectively foster resilience, leadership abilities, and a deeper connection to nature.
• The concept of outdoor education dates back to the early 20th century as educators sought ways to engage students beyond traditional methods.
• Early efforts initially focused on direct, experiential learning in nature but later evolved to incorporate academics, collaborative skills, and a focus on environmental responsibility.
• Outdoor education today equips students with critical life skills, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom.

This video offers an overview of Annie Wright Schools.

Why Outdoor Education Matters

Outdoor education provides benefits beyond the immediate thrill of adventure.

• Students develop important skills such as resilience, leadership, and environmental stewardship by participating in activities that push their physical, emotional, and intellectual limits.
• The impact of outdoor education goes far beyond the surface.
• It promotes curiosity and creativity, encouraging students to approach problems from various angles.

Outdoor education also builds a sense of community and collaboration.

• Whether summiting a peak together or navigating a kayak through uncharted waters, students learn to communicate effectively, trust one another, and work toward shared

I applied to teach at a private school in The Bahamas some years ago. During my interview, the head of school noted that I had a degree in Latin and Greek from McGill University. She exclaimed that she had always wanted her students to learn Latin. I looked at her, somewhat puzzled, and asked why she wanted Latin as part of her school's curriculum; she opined that it would help their SAT scores. I remember being skeptical about this claim, but I was more concerned about what the parents would think about having their children study a dead language. So, the head of the school called a meeting of the parents to discuss her proposed addition of Latin to the curriculum. Many parents expressed their concerns, but the head of the school was compelling in her arguments. As a result, I began teaching Latin to students in Grades 5 through 9.

Selecting a Curriculum

My next challenge, of course, was to select a Latin curriculum. Several courses were available, but I chose the Cambridge Latin Course. It enjoyed a good reputation. It was also very well laid out and organized. I made these choices in the 90s, so we were looking at the first or second edition of that particular curriculum. That was back when there was no such thing as a digital edition. Nowadays, the Cambridge Latin Course has a digital edition and a host of resources available on their website.

Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools

In the vast and evolving educational landscape, boarding schools have stood as beacons of tradition, discipline, and academic rigor.

• These institutions not only provide quality education but also foster personal development, independence, and resilience in students.
• However, boarding schools are currently navigating a complex maze of challenges.
• The obstacles are multifaceted, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers.

This article aims to delve into these challenges and suggest potential solutions.

Canva generated this picture of a boarding school campus.

Marketing Challenges

Historically, boarding schools thrived on word-of-mouth marketing and their reputations for producing well-rounded, academically accomplished students.

• However, shifting societal norms, increased competition, and the rise of digital media have disrupted these traditional strategies.
• Boarding schools now face the challenge of attracting a diverse student body, both domestically and internationally, while also addressing concerns about the value of the boarding school experience.

To overcome these challenges, schools need to adopt personalized admissions processes that highlight the unique benefits of their institution.

• Furthermore, leveraging digital marketing strategies, such as social media and content marketing, can extend their reach to prospective students and parents.
• Crucially, boarding schools must work to create unique selling propositions that distinguish them from their competition and resonate with today's discerning families.

This video offers suggestions for marketing your school.

Navigating Crisis: Best Practices in Public Relations for Boarding Schools

The chances of a boarding school head of school having to handle a crisis are fairly high. That's because of the sheer size of the school community. The typical American boarding school has between 150 and 350 students. Some schools are larger. Some are smaller. So, given the number of people involved, it's simply inevitable that incidents will happen. Minor incidents can usually be handled quickly and without adverse publicity. But what happens when a fire breaks out in the science lab, and three students suffer smoke inhalation? Or worse yet, the school bus carrying the girl's field hockey team blows a tire and crashes?

Handling a crisis at a boarding school requires effective communication and strategic public relations to safeguard the institution's reputation and maintain trust within the community. This article will explore best practices for engaging with the community, parents, and the media during a crisis. Additionally, we will examine examples of successful and unsatisfactory crisis responses and emphasize the perils of stonewalling.

Engaging with the Community

During a crisis, it is crucial to establish open and transparent lines of communication with your community. You can achieve this through proactive measures such as holding town hall meetings, organizing information sessions, and leveraging digital platforms. These efforts demonstrate the school's commitment to addressing concerns and ensuring the well-being of students. In addition, timely updates, clear information, and empathetic messaging are essential to foster