Upper School

WIS Upper School is composed of four grades. In Grades 9-10, students continue with a multidisciplinary course of study and also begin specializing in preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The Diploma Program is a challenging university preparatory course of study for the final two years of high school and is among the most comprehensive and intellectually stimulating secondary school programs offered anywhere in the world.

Upper School Leadership

Sarah Polland, Upper School Principal

Beta Eaton, Grades 9 & 10 Assistant Principal

James Bourke, Grades 11 & 12 Assistant Principal and IB Diploma Program Coordinator

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile comprises 10 characteristics:

INQUIRERS

They nurture their curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. They know how to learn independently and with others. They learn with enthusiasm and sustain their love of learning throughout life.

KNOWLEDGEABLE

They develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. They engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

THINKERS

They use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. They exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

COMMUNICATORS

They express themselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. They collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

PRINCIPLED

They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. They take responsibility for their actions and their consequences.

OPEN-MINDED

They critically appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. They seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

CARING

They show empathy, compassion and respect. They have a commitment to service, and they act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around them.

RISK-TAKERS

They approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; they work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. They are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

BALANCED

They understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others. They recognize their interdependence with other people and with the world in which they live.

REFLECTIVE

They thoughtfully consider the world and their own ideas and experience. They work to understand their strengths and weaknesses in order to support their learning and personal development.