Brooklyn Latin: The IB and its Growing Influence on Education

In 1968, a group of educators from Switzerland created the International Baccalaureate Organization, a foundation that promoted a hands-on approach to learning for students between the ages of 3-19. The Geneva Organization strives to provide students with the tools to not only think critically but promote service and peace around the world. Since its inception, schools throughout the globe have integrated the IB philosophy into their own curricula. In New York City, for example, schools such as Brooklyn Latin, a New York City Specialized High School, use the IB principles to create unique learning environments.

The IB curriculum is centered on two predominant principles. TOK, or theory of knowledge, is a set of required curriculum in the Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, Arts, Mathematics, History, and Ethics. Students are required to take courses in all of these fields in order to graduate. Furthermore, students must complete projects and courses to fulfill the IB’s core principle of CAS. (Creativity, Action and Service). CAS focuses on the skills students need to apply their knowledge and to enact change. Both TOK and CAS are unique to high school curriculum in that they require teamwork, creativity, and community leadership: three areas that may be lacking in the uniformity and independent work promoted in public schooling.

As with other Specialized High Schools, IB focused schools like Brooklyn Latin are highly selective and difficult to get into. In New York City, the SHSAT is an achievement test that measures a student’s ability to think critically, and is the principle factor for admissions into a Specialized High School. Here at Five Points Learning, we offer an intensive SHSAT test prep course that focuses on achieving the result needed to gain admissions into one of these competitive schools. Our SHSAT tutors hail from Ivy League institutions, Specialized High Schools, and other esteemed schools and universities. Their insider knowledge is a key to helping our students achieve success.

So if the IB philosophy interests you, or if you desire the challenges and reputation of a Specialized High School, why not try to prepare early? Five Points Learning has summer SHSAT prep classes still available. Sign up early for discounted class rates today!