By merging the IB philosophy and the Louisenlund pedagogy, we have created an internationally unique school model for lifelong learning, built on a strong foundation of an international community and clear principles that permeate all levels and structures of our IB World School and define its culture. Within the boarding school community, young people are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the German language and culture.
As part of the International Baccalaureate, Louisenlund is the only boarding school in Germany to offer the last two years of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). These programmes are designed to provide students with a comprehensive, globally recognized education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of a globally networked world. The school language is English. In addition, the IB World School Louisenlund is also accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC CIE). Both IB programmes are part of the IB's educational philosophy, which has been continuously developed since 1968 and aims to promote competent, self-effective, critically thinking and open-minded young people who are motivated to make a lasting contribution to society and the world.
The MYP programme is the ideal preparation for the IB Diploma. It aims to teach effective learning and to broaden one's horizons. It addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of learners holistically. It provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to deal with complexity and act responsibly for the future.
The MYP provides a basic education through the study of six to eight subject groups. At least two languages are studied (language of instruction and an additional elective language), which promote understanding of one's own culture and the culture of others. Service in the community helps learners prepare for further education, the workplace and lifelong learning.
The Community Project is a social project for MYP4 students where they identify and tackle a local issue through community engagement. It fosters a sense of responsibility, teamwork and empathy as students learn how they can have a positive impact on their community. This gives them a better understanding of social responsibility and a sense of actively contributing to the common good.
The Personal Project is an individual, research-based project for MYP5 students in which they explore a topic of their choice. It encourages independence, creativity and problem-solving skills as students apply research, planning and reflection. In the process, they develop time management and scientific working methods, which prepares them for academic and professional challenges. The project encourages personal responsibility and self-reflection and provides valuable experiences that develop students as independent learners.
| IB MYP Subject Groups | MYP subjects |
|---|---|
| Language Acquisition | German Language Acquisition; Spanish Language Acquisition |
| Language and Literature | English Language and Literature; German Language and Literature |
| Individuals and Societies | Integrated Humanities |
| Sciences | Interdisciplinary Science |
| Mathematics | Extended Mathematics; Standard Mathematics |
| Arts | Visual Arts; Design; Media Arts; Music (MYP 4) |
With the so-called core areas, the IB Diploma Programme becomes a coherent overall qualification. The IB Diploma curriculum includes three additional, essential components outside of the six subjects. These core areas turn the IB Diploma Programme into a coherent and valuable overall qualification.
"Theory of Knowledge" (TOK) is a subject that offers learners the opportunity to critically engage with a wide range of knowledge and subject areas and to reflect on these in class. The aim is to develop a deeper understanding of how and through different methods and perspectives knowledge is generated. In particular, this should also promote critical thinking.
Another component is a self-chosen research project, the so-called "Extended Essay" (EE). This culminates in an independently written academic paper. Students and teachers attach great importance to this project, as it teaches the basics of academic research - important for future university studies.
The third building block in the core area of the IB Diploma is "CAS" (Creativity, Activity, Service). This encourages students to lead a creative, active and social lifestyle. They are encouraged to work independently on various projects for the community. In doing so, the IB students make use of the extracurricular activities offered by the school.
IB students strive to be thoughtful members of the community who demonstrate a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in society. Students choose offerings from the Guild booklet.
| IB DP Subject Groups | Diploma Program Courses |
|---|---|
| Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature | English A Language and Literature (HL/SL); German A Literature (HL/SL) |
| Group 2: Language Acquisition | English B (HL); German B (HL/SL) |
| Group 3: Individuals and Societies | Economics (HL/SL); History (HL/SL); Business Management (HL/SL) |
| Group 4: Sciences | Biology (HL/SL); Chemistry (HL; SL); Physics (HL/SL); |
| Group 5: Mathematics | Mathematics Analysis & Approaches (HL/SL); Mathematics Applications & Interpretations (SL) |
| Group 6: Arts* | Visual Arts (HL/SL) |
The IB Diploma Programme has a high academic standard. For this reason, each student is assessed individually during the admissions process in order to make the most accurate prediction possible regarding their future chances of success on the path to the IB Diploma.
Applicants for the MYP must have completed the previous year (or equivalent) with good grades and demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to work consistently and effectively.
International students who wish to attend the IB World School in Louisenlund do not need to know German, but have the unique opportunity to learn additional German and use it in the boarding school community.
