Academics
Why IB?
Pacific Beach Middle School offers a challenging inquiry-based curriculum unlike any other school in the San Diego region. The unique courses meet the requirements of the Common Core Standards as well as the challenging International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme objectives.
Our students receive an education with an international focus designed to help them develop the knowledge, global understanding, attitudes and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world.
The Pacific Beach IB Middle Years Programme curriculum consists of eight subject areas: MYP Language and Literature (English); MYP Mathematics; MYP Science and Design (integrated course); Individuals and Society and Arts (integrated social studies/history/geography and art course), Performing Arts Music; MYP Physical and Health Education; and Language Acquisition: Spanish or Mandarin. The IB MYP is an inclusive, balanced framework of education incorporating academics, with inquiry, project-based learning and relevant experiences inside and out side of the classroom. Students are encouraged to take action as they engage with learning through service both at school and in the local and global community.
Adding to the challenge for our students we offer specialized education to students identified in the gifted and talented education program (GATE), and its advanced Seminar component. We also offer advanced math and language acquisition courses to qualified students. In addition, PB Middle students have many enrichment opportunities such as video and yearbook design programs, Gateway to Technology, intra and inter-mural sports, one-to-one computing, competitions, World Café and Socratic Seminars and simulations, interdisciplinary units, a variety of learning spaces inside and outside of the classroom, award-winning performing arts music, dynamic partners in education, Student Government (ASB), a variety of clubs and advisory focus lessons, IB Community Projects, and so much more.
Assessment and Training
Students are graded and assessed based on standards and IB objectives and the Common Core State Standards. IB assessments are created and scored by the teachers using an IB rubric that clearly outlines the objectives for a given task, assignment, project, etc.
As a requirement for IB authorization, and to meet ongoing evaluation standards, our teachers are specially trained by the IB to teach and assess using the IB framework. Unlike a school that has the five year, full IB Middle Years Programme, the scores for students at our school, a three year IB Middle Years Programme, are not sent or validated by IB, per individual student. Instead, our subject-specific educators collaborate to standardize their IB assessment grades using the IB rubrics. IB does review our units and assessments prior to the the regular five year evaluation visit by International Baccalaureate officials and gives us feedback for outstanding progress, or suggests recommendations or matters to be addressed in order to better reflect international standards and objectives.
IB Learner Profile
The IB learner profile are a set of traits and characteristics that define a lifelong learner. We help our students to become critical thinkers, and courageous risk-takers, who are principled, caring, knowledgeable, open-minded, balanced and reflective. From the classroom to the field to the front-office, throughout the PB Middle learning community, the IB learner profile supports our school culture. Together we work to demonstrate and develop a love for learning and making a difference.