Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre

In May 2010, Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre received approval as an official candidate school from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). With this approval, International Schools Group is one step closer to making the Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre a reality. Once approved by the IBO, ISG will offer the first IB classes during the 2011 school year. Please refer to the below timeline for general information regarding specific milestones in the planning process.

The IB Diploma provides enhanced learning opportunities for students and is categorized by the IBO as having “a holistic philosophy” which “emphasizes high academic standards” coupled with “personal development in areas such as philosophy, social awareness and the arts.”

“A universally recognized diploma and ranking, with an international perspective insisting on expertise in at least two languages and emphasizing areas of global concern, [the IB Diploma] brings with it an increased adaptability and mobility, a major advantage in an increasingly globalized world.”
Source: Van Loo, Marc and Kevin Morley. Implementing the IB Diploma Programme:
A practical manual for principals, IB coordinators, heads of department and teachers, Cambridge University Press. 2004.

Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre will be managed under the auspices of ISG’s accredited college preparatory school, Dhahran High School (DHS); formerly Dhahran Academy. DHS offers a rigorous academic curriculum and its students are accepted by the world’s most prestigious universities/colleges. The high academic standards and supportive environment, which are cornerstones of DHS’s excellence, blend fluidly into the IB curriculum to enhance students' unique talents and abilities.

International Schools Group is the oldest and best established co-educational expatriate school organization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located adjacent to the American Consulate, Dhahran High School’s history began in 1962 when the Consular Academy was first established with only a handful of students. Building upon DHS’s success, and by working in partnership with Dhahran British Grammar School (DBGS) in the sharing of staff and IB curriculum coordination, Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre will prepare students for the global economy and a future of increased competition on an international platform.

To guide the program design and planning process, ISG has appointed Erin Rutherford and Elizabeth Vallejo to serve as IB Co-Coordinators beginning with the 2010-2011 school year. This shared leadership approach draws upon the distinct leadership skills and in-depth IB programme knowledge of both staff members (currently working with DBGS and DHS respectively) and establishes a foundation for collaboration and clear communication between DBGS and DHS and their respective stakeholders.

ISG will provide updates to parents, students, and staff as we continue the application and planning process. In the interim, general information regarding the International Baccalaureate Programme can be found by consulting the official website of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) at http://www.ibo.org.

The Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre will be situated on ISG’s Dhahran campus adjacent to the U.S. Consulate. This campus houses the administrative offices of ISG District, Dhahran British Grammar School (DBGS), Dhahran High School (DHS), and Dhahran Elementary and Middle School (DEMS). 

Links and related articles:

• International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) official website: http://www.ibo.org
• ISG Initiates Application Process for Possible IB Programme Beginning Fall of 2011 - March 2010
  ISG initiated the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) application process in January 2010, following the unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees of the decision to seek IB Programme applicant status.

• ISG Appoints IB Co-Coordinators Effective August 2010 – March 2010