Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre

 

ISG’s Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre (DBC) offers a balanced programme with a wide-range of courses to prepare students for post-secondary university and career options around the world. Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre received approval from the International Baccalaureate Organization in May 2011 to offer the Diploma Programme in September 2011. Community support and excitement for ISG's new IB Diploma Programme has been outstanding. Currently over thirty students are enrolled in the first cohort.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

IB Coordinators: Erin Rutherford (erutherford@isgdh.org) or Elizabeth Vallejo (elvallejo@isgdh.org).

 

The Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre (DBC) is managed under the auspices of Dhahran High School in partnership with Dhahran British Grammar School.

 

DBC Webpage: For additional information please consult the webpage mananged by Dhahran High School at http://www.dahs.org/html/baccalaureate.htm, or click on the following links to learn more about the IB Learner Profile, DBC curriculum and IB Programme application process.

Programme Information and DBC History

 

The IB Diploma Programme provides enhanced learning opportunities for students and “a holistic” approach which “emphasizes high academic standards” coupled with “personal development in areas such as philosophy, social awareness and the arts” (IBO website).

“A universally recognized diploma ... 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, M. & Morley, K. (2004). Implementing the IB Diploma Programme: A practical manual for principals, IB coordinators, heads of department and teachers. Cambridge University Press.

Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre is managed under the auspices of International Schools Group's (ISG) accredited college preparatory school, Dhahran High School (DHS); formerly Dhahran Academy. Sharing trained staff and IB curriculum coordination, the Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre represents a partnership between DHS and Dhahran British Grammar School (DBGS).

 

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 and prepare students for an increasingly connected and competitive global economy.

 

In March 2010, ISG appointed Ms. Erin Rutherford (DBGS) and Ms. Elizabeth Vallejo (DHS) to serve as IB Co-Coordinators. This shared leadership approach draws upon the distinct leadership skills and in-depth IB programme knowledge of both staff members and establishes a foundation for collaboration and clear communication between DBGS and DHS and their respective stakeholders.

 

Helpful Links

 

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): http://www.ibo.org

 

Archival News:

• ISG Initiates Application Process for Possible IB Programme - March 2010

• ISG Appoints IB Co-Coordinators Effective August 2010

 

Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre
Website:	The Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre (DBC) webpage, managed by DHS, can be found at the following link: http://www.dahs.org/html/baccalaureate.htm.
Geographic Area:	The DBC is situated on ISG’s Dhahran campus adjacent to the U.S. Consulate in Al-Khobar, near the Arabian Gulf.
Contact:	For inquiries or questions, please contact Elizabeth Vallejo (elvallejo@isgdh.org) or Erin Rutherford (erutherford@isgdh.org). General email messages are also accepted by ISG District at IBCentre@isgdh.org and forwarded to the above Co-Coordinators.
Historic Timeline
January 2010:	ISG Board of Trustees approves decision to initiate the IBO application process. Interim IB Coordinator appointed.
March 2010:	ISG appoints two Co-Coordinators, effective August 2010, representing a partnership between Dhahran British Grammar School (DBGS) and Dhahran High School (DHS).
May 2010:	Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre is accepted as an official candidate school by the IBO. Part Two of the standard 1 ½ years application process is put into motion.
January 2011:	Part B Application complete and submitted to the IBO.
March 2011:	Completion of successful IBO Team site visit as part of the IB application process.
May 2011:	IBO approval granted to Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre IB Diploma Programme.
September 2011:	Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre opens, offering the IB Diploma Programme to its first cohort of students.