International Baccalaureate
An International Baccalaureate School means
“IB For All”
Here at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, we believe in “IB For All.” In other words, the benefits of the International Baccalaureate program are not reserved for only the highest academic achievers, but instead provided to each and every student at our school, meeting them at their own learning level.
The IB Diploma Program at CCC is meant to offer both opportunity and challenge to our students, while at the same time, providing them with support and the promise of success in a caring and nurturing Catholic environment. At CCC, we envision the broadest possible access to IB as we see the IB Learner Profile as a model of what we wish for each of our students as they move through CCC towards graduation.
The IB Learner Profile outlines the kind of student and person we wish all CCC students to become, in alignment with our school’s philosophy, mission statement and Graduate Profile.
KnowledgeableWe develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. |
InquirersWe nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life. |
ThinkersWe use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. |
CommunicatorsWe express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups. |
CaringWe show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us. |
PrincipledWe act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. |
Risk-TakersWe approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. |
BalancedWe understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live. |
Open-MindedWe critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience. |
ReflectiveWe thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development. |
As a progressive educational institution, Clearwater Central Catholic is continuously evaluating the opportunities we provide for our students and how those options will prepare them as holistic learners in a global society. We want to ensure that every student can benefit from the student-centered focus of IB.
Our IB offerings cover all the core courses in a regular educational program and then take the student one step further. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship so that the IB student may become a critical and compassionate thinker, lifelong learner, and an informed participant in local and world affairs. IB helps students develop the social and critical perspective necessary for success in the world today. An IB education provides a broad approach while still allowing a student to specialize in an area of particular interest, and is recognized by colleges and universities who award credit based on their admissions criteria.
As an IB school, all Juniors and Seniors will take at least two to three IB courses. Varied in level and challenge, these courses include English Language and Literature, Mathematics and Sciences. Upperclassmen students see an increased GPA as a result of these courses, as well as the ability to earn three to six college credits per course. Students who take an IB course in a given subject are also able to register for and take the AP test in that course, providing additional opportunity to earn college credit for that subject. In 2021, CCC had ten official AP Scholars earn a score of three or higher on at least three AP tests.
Juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to take IB courses in all subject areas under the following enrollment options:
- Juniors who apply, are accepted, and choose the Full IB DP are eligible to earn an IB Diploma, which includes the automatic award of the Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholarship.
- Juniors and seniors who are not Full IB DP receive directions during the first semester of the year to decide their enrollment option as IB Certificate or IB course.
These options allow every student to improve their educational experience, add an additional quality point to their GPA, and possibly earn college credit at a much lower cost than paying for it in college.
The IB Educational Framework
Contrary to what you may have heard, IB learning is not all about ‘more writing or making the curriculum more difficult.” Instead, the IB educational approach is focused on students developing lifelong-learning skills and confidence to be excited about growing. All courses at CCC aim to foster the following five learning skills:
- Thinking
- Research
- Communication
- Social
- Self-Management
All courses have the following six pedagogical elements: (1) teaching through inquiry, (2) teaching through concepts, (3) teaching developed in local and global contexts, (4) teaching focused on effective teamwork and collaboration, (5) teaching differentiated to meet the needs of all learners, and (6) teaching informed by assessment.
The Continuing Evolution of our Curriculum
Because we believe that all our students have the ability and support to succeed in an IB curriculum, we continue to develop an educational program that aims to meet each and every student where they are today, and it offers them the possibilities for growth. The Course Catalog presents course options (IB Computer Science, IB Design IB Technology/Entrepreneurship, IB Music, IB Physics) that are meant to increase student success. We want all students to know that IB is not an exclusive program, but an approach to education with opportunities for different proficiency levels and diverse expectations or results.
The Value of an IB Education
Research suggests that there are many benefits to choosing the Diploma Programme. The program aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge—students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.
Click the link to view CCC’s IB Page.
Click the link for more detailed DP information.
Recent IB Experiences at CCC
~ 2018 IB Graduate
~ 2018 IB Graduate
Our oldest son, who is now in college, says the IB program prepared him for college more than he expected and attributes his current success in college to the CCC IB program. Our son that is currently in the CCC IB program has shown great progress and knowledge in all of his classes and realizes that the rigorous classes are preparing him for his future in college.
~ CCC IB Parent
The tenets of the IB program have made my daughter a more mature student and enabled her to synthesize what she has learned both in class as well as on her own, doing experiments and research for papers and the Extended Essay. It has also made her a more confident thinker and writer. More than 700 days ago, she chose to enter into the IB program with us holding our breath. From what I can see on the other side of her experience, IB has better prepared her for the rigors of college.
~ CCC IB Parent
Recent CCC IB graduates are currently enrolled in these colleges and universities:
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