Academics

The International Baccalaureate

Spanning across disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries, the academically rigorous IB curriculum stands apart from all others. 

International-mindedness, the IB learner profile, a broad, balanced, conceptual and connected curriculum, and approaches to teaching and learning are foundational and interrelated elements that are central to all IB programs. The IB is also recognized as the “gold standard” in pre-university preparation which is highly regarded by colleges and universities worldwide.

The three programs – PYP, MYP, DP –  are all underpinned by a shared focus on international-mindedness and developing the ten attributes of the IB learner profile. Through the development of these attributes, young people are empowered for a lifetime of learning and collaboration with others. 

IB LEARNER PROFILE

Inquirer
We 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.
Knowledgeable
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators
We 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.
Principled
We 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.
Open-Minded
We 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.
Caring
We 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.
Risk-Takers
We 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.
Balanced
We 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.
Reflective
We 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.
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ECD

Our Early Childhood program is designed for young learners between the ages of 3 and 6 years and is anchored by a hands-on curriculum, ultimately establishing the foundation for inquiry-led learning

PYP

The primary school program is suitable for learners between the ages of 7 and 12 years where students experience our innovative curriculum program that focuses on inquiry-led learning and 21st-century skill development

MYP

Ideal for learners ages 13 to 16 years, this program is designed to prepare students for university life through our rigorous academic curriculum that encourages open-ended discussions, critical thinking and in-depth research

DP

Tailored for learners aged 16 and 17, the International Baccalaureate Diploma prepares students for the university phase of their learning journey with branching fields of studies determined by the subjects selected

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THE IB CURRICULUM AT DWIGHT?

Dwight School Seoul features an inquiry-led, skills-based curriculum designed to transform students into leaders in a global economy. Our multicultural student body allows children to develop connections with people of all backgrounds and beliefs, which enhances our values-based learning environment.

1st

Fully authorized IB Continuum school in Seoul

150

Years of tradition

3%

Ivy League enrolment rate

40

Nationalities accepted at Dwight

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR RIGOROUS AND HOLISTIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Learn more about the core values at our IB school in Seoul, and discover how our student-centered teaching methodology can benefit your child.

ECD – PYP Early Years

The Early Childhood Division (ECD) caters to children aged 3 to 6 within our PYP program. We prioritize fostering nurturing relationships among students, teachers, peers, and the community in a safe and welcoming environment. 

Our learning spaces are carefully designed to ignite curiosity and encourage exploration, with students having a say in their learning journey. Classroom displays reflect student progress and adapt to their inquiries over time.

Best IB Preschool in South Korea - ECD

Why the ECD at Dwight Seoul

Safe and inviting environment
The program places utmost importance on crafting an environment that is both safe and inviting, providing students with a secure space where they can freely explore and learn, thus nurturing a positive and supportive atmosphere for growth.
Fostering strong relationships
Students cultivate meaningful connections with a diverse array of educators, peers, and community members, fostering not only social and emotional development but also instilling a deep sense of belonging within the community fabric.
Empowering student-led learning
Championing student agency, students steer their own educational journey, fostering independence and self-assurance as they actively shape their learning experiences and inquiries.
Harnessing the power of purposeful play
Purposeful play serves as a driver for our four units of inquiry, captivating students through hands-on experience that ignite exploration, creativity, and critical thinking, all the while nurturing the acquisition of essential skills.
Promoting holistic growth
By seamlessly blending purposeful play with targeted skill development, the program ensures a comprehensive approach to student growth, addressing their socio-emotional, physical, academic, and psychological needs. This prepares them to emerge as compassionate, open-minded communicators, unafraid to take risks and make positive contributions to their community.
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Primary Years Program

Dwight’s IB PYP is offered for students in grade 1 – grade 5. Students in grade 1 explore 5 units of inquiry. Grades 2-5 explore six units of inquiry, which fall under six transdisciplinary themes of global significance -Who We Are; Where We are in Place and Time; How We Express Ourselves; How the World Works; How We Organize Ourselves; Sharing the Planet – and incorporate six PYP subject areas: mathematics, science, social studies, language, arts and physical, social and personal education. 

Best IB Primary Years Program School in South Korea

Why the PYP at Dwight Seoul

In connection with Dwight’s pillars of community and global vision, the IB PYP helps students gain a wide variety of perspectives across the curriculum and prepares them to interact confidently with diverse peoples of the world.

The IB PYP focuses on educating the whole child. This balanced approach ensures that our students grow not only academically but also socio-emotionally.
Drawing on the approaches to learning, PYP students learn how to learn and take ownership of their progress.
The PYP uses the transdisciplinary approach which encourages students to make connections across subject areas. Learning is driven by key concepts which help students transfer their understanding from one topic to another.
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Middle Years Program

IB Middle Years Program at Dwight is offered to students in grades 6 – 10. The MYP provides a framework of academic rigor that encourages students to embrace and understand the connection between traditional subjects and the real world, becoming critical and reflective thinkers.

Best IB Middle Years Program School in South Korea

Why the MYP at Dwight Seoul

The MYP emphasizes cultivating independent problem-solving skills and robust study habits in all students.
The curriculum requires mastery of eight subjects – Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Physical and Health Education, Design, and the Arts.
MYP educators utilize internationally recognized IB assessment criteria for grading, offering diverse assessment tasks like open-ended activities, investigations, debates, experiments, and reflections.
In grade 10, students complete a Personal Project over eight months, demonstrating skills acquired during their 5 years in the MYP. This project, graded against stringent IB criteria, is a requirement for students advancing to the IB Diploma Program.
Students participate in service activities tailored to their and others’ needs, evaluated on Commitment, Leadership, Impact on the community, and Spark of Genius. They reflect on each activity and assess its quality with their mentors. An annual Service & Action exhibition showcases student accomplishments to the Dwight community.
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Diploma Program

Dwight’s IB Diploma Program is an assessed program for students aged 16 – 19, spanning Grades 11 and 12. It employs a rigorous evaluation system encompassing both internal and external assessments. Culminating in a series of externally evaluated examinations, typically comprising two or three timed written tests, the program ensures a thorough understanding and application of knowledge.

The DP is the “gold standard” in pre-university preparation. Attaining success in DP examinations frequently leads to advantageous outcomes such as elevated academic standing, course credits, scholarships, and various admissions-related privileges at esteemed universities worldwide.

Best IB Diploma Program School in Seuol

Why the DP at Dwight Seoul

Students learn more than a body of knowledge. The DP prepares students for university and encourages them to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.
The curriculum contains six subject groups together with the DP core; creativity, activity, service (CAS); the extended essay (EE); and a rigorous theory of knowledge (TOK) course.
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SUBJECTS OFFERED

In addition to the three core subjects offered through the IBDP at Dwight Seoul, students will also need to choose to study six additional subjects.

  • Theory of Knowledge
  • Extended Essay
  • Creativity, Activity and Service
  • Group 1: Language A — Studies in Language and Literature — Courses in this subject group cover elements of both language and literature, focusing on language skill development and cultural literacy.

 

  • Group 2: Language B — Language Acquisition — Courses in this subject group are focussed on language skill development, primarily on allowing students to become proficient in an additional language.

 

  • Group 3: Individuals & Societies — Courses in this subject group encourage students to analyze human experience, social environments and cultural institutions.

 

  • Group 4: Sciences — Courses in this subject group focus on the practical aspect of science, encouraging students to actively participate in experimental work.

 

  • Group 5: Mathematics — Courses in this subject group include Applications and Interpretation as well as Analysis and Approaches, both of which encourage students to consider mathematics from varying perspectives.

 

  • Group 6: The Arts — Courses in this subject group explore artistic works across many cultures, allowing students to embrace a variety of traditions and perspectives while studying the techniques used.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

IBDP Year 1

  • Students must be at least 16 years old.
  • Must have completed secondary school as well as 10 years of formal education.
  • Must be proficient in English or be willing to take an English bridge course.

IBDP Year 2

  • Students must be at least 17 years old.
  • Must have successfully completed IBDP Year 1.
  • Must be proficient in English.