Somerville House is delighted to announce that we have applied to enter the candidacy phase for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Pre-Prep to Year 6 students and Diploma Programme (DP) as an alternative pathway for Year 11 and 12 students.
IB is a global leader in international education – developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident and caring young people. Their programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership of their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The IB Continuum of Programmes are designed to develop well-rounded individuals who can respond to today's challenges with optimism and an open mind. For over 50 years, the programmes have provided a solid, consistent framework and the flexibility to tailor students' education according to their culture and context.
The PYP will be the framework through which Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum will be embedded. It is the IB philosophy to learning, using an inquiry approach through transdisciplinary units that will be new, and will enable an innovative and stimulating practice for our Junior School students.
The School is working towards authorisation for the IB DP with the intent to offer the program to Year 11 2026. Somerville House is renowned for its academic rigour, and the introduction of this programme will increase the opportunities available to our students beyond what is available in any other girls' school in Queensland. The inclusion of the DP programme places Somerville House in line with some of the most reputable academic girls' schools, nationally and internationally, preparing students for success at university and beyond.
The IB programmes offer significant professional development opportunities for teachers with access to extensive support and resources, additional qualifications and global connections. Somerville House will join a network of 5,700 schools in over 160 countries which strongly aligns with the PMSA's 20-year Strategic Vision to be globally minded through future focused education.
The School's vision complements the aim of the IB programmes - "to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world." As a culturally diverse Pre-Prep-12 school, these programmes reflect who we are and our future vision.
This is a very exciting time for Somerville House as we embark on empowering our students to think critically and creatively, seek multiple perspectives, be active learners and adapt to an ever-changing world with resilience and consideration of others.
About us:
Set in the heart of Brisbane's dynamic art, sporting and cultural centre, Somerville House is a Prep to Year 12 school for girls, with boarding from Year 6. The purpose-built Early Learning Centre offers a nationally accredited Pre-Prep program for boys and girls.
Established in 1899, for over 125 years we have graduated highly capable, confident and discerning young women of the future. Somerville House students are inspired, challenged and empowered within a community that knows and cares for them.
Discover Where Empowerment Starts | Somerville House.
