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IB News at Archbishop MacDonald High School
December 2017 Edition Greetings and welcome to an exciting year of learning and growth in the IB program. Your contacts for the IB program are:
We are very happy to welcome you to our IB community.
IB Coordinator’s Corner
• Middle Years Program (MYP): Helen Grijo [email protected]
• Diploma Program (DP): Jacqueline Sewell [email protected]
This parent newsletter will provide you with information on upcoming events, dates, deadlines and news of IB at Archbishop MacDonald High School.
Learner Profile “The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet help to create a better and more peaceful world.”
-IBO Website – ibo.org. Retrieved September 14, 2014. Each month we would like to highlight one of the characteristics of the learner profile which represents the IB mission statement in action.
If you would like to read the full learner profile please visit the following link: http://www.ibo.org/myib/digitaltoolkit/files/pdfs/learner-profile-en.pd
Our Learner Profile Theme for this month…
Knowledgeable
The students at Archbishop MacDonald explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, we acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
What is the IB Programme? The IB program is an internationally recognized program designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect* * Mission and strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2014. At Archbishop MacDonald, the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP- Grades 8, 9 and 10) finishes its final year this program prepares students for the two year IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) that qualified students will enter in grades 11 and 12. Archbishop MacDonald is an accredited IB MYP and DP school. Teachers are trained by the IB organization and use IB assessment criteria to evaluate student learning. IB students engage in a program that enhances the breadth and intensity of academic study and also prepares students with valuable personal skills that advance success with post-secondary pursuits in college, university, internships and employment.
General IB News & Events InternatIonal MIndedness Club
Wheel of fortune
The IM club will be selling tickets during the first week of December for a spin at the Life Wheel of Fortune. Students will be able to visualize how fortunate they actually are. Students who land on the top world percent in terms of access to food will receive an invitation to the IM Christmas party. All other spinners will receive a day’s ration for a typical poor country. Tickets will be sold for $2.00 and ALL proceeds will go to CMMB. Last week in December :
approaChes to learnIng “The IB Programme aims to prepare students for success in higher education and beyond; it encourages students to become “active, compassionate and lifelong learners” (IB mission statement). IB teachers therefore play a crucial role as teachers of learners, not simply teachers of content.”
- International Baccalaureate Organization As part of this mission; our teachers have been incorporating the core Approaches to Learning Skills and best practices into our instruction of the IB programme. The Approaches to Learning Skills are:
Thinking Skills Communication Skills
Social Skills Self-Management Skills
Research Skills
This month we would like to highlight the first Approach to Learning: Self- Management Skills
Self-Management Skills include:
Self-Management Skills Organizational Skills Affective Skills
• Time Management • Task Management • Effective Goal Setting
• Resilience (Managing one’s state of mind)
• Self-Motivation
• Mindfulness (Awareness of one’s perceptions)
All of these skills are crucial in evading stress and improving academic performance and self-awareness.
For more information please visit: https://xmltwo.ibo.org/publications/DP/Group0/d_0_dpatl_gui_1502_1/static/dpatl/guide-self-management-skills-active.html
IB Wellness HOW NOT TO BUBBLE WRAP KIDS
LEARNING HOW TO USE DAILY STRESS TO DEVELOP RESILIENCE PART 1: Think about your immune system. Exposure to germs on a regular basis helps to make your immune system stronger. It teaches your body how to react so that when your body is faced with a larger challenge, such as an infection, it has the tools it needs to fight it off. Exposure to daily stressors works in much the same way. It teaches your brain how to react (or cope) so that when you are faced with a more intense stressor, you’ve already developed and practiced the skills you need to handle the situation successfully. You have learned to adapt. You are becoming resilient. If we deprive children and teens of the opportunity to learn how to cope with stressors by eliminating stressors or by intervening to solve their problems, we’re actually making it harder for them to grow into healthy and competent adults.
Young people need to be taught that the stress response is normal and a call to action, not anxiety. They also need to learn problem solving and healthy coping skills and be given the opportunity to practice those skills
without adults hovering over them. If we remove kids from a stressful situation before they’ve had a chance to use their coping skills, the situation is going to feel even more stressful the next time they encounter it. And they will
encounter those stressors again because no one lives a stress-free life. Persistent avoidance of stressful situations can lead to learned helplessness!
IB MYP NEWS
Individuals and Societies
The IB MYP (10) engages students in academically rigorous courses focused on eight subject groups: English, World Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, the Arts, Technology, and Physical Education. IB MYP (10) students learn to think creatively and independently as they immerse themselves in this interdisciplinary education.
Popular Culture Enquirers and Communicators
What’s in; What’s out Students use the MYP rubrics to complete a project linked to two Learner Profiles. Students create a product that illustrates what pop culture is to them. Categories include: TV shows music, sports, buzzwords, movies,books, clothing etc. Written analysis: One of the questions: To what extent is pop culture affected by forms of media and/or other communication technologies?
Related Issue 4 To What Extent should I, as a citizen, respond to Globalization
PBL Project Based Learning Students, guided by the MYP objectives, answer the question: “How are we connected to the world?” Globalization will be communicated through all 4 MYP objectives.
Are we Doomed to Consume? All Science and Social 10 students in the second Semester will be participating in an Interdisciplinary unit. The science and social curricula will both be used to gain a strong understanding of consumption from both perspectives. Students will be asked to used transfer and critical thinking skills.
IB DP NEWS
Full IB Candidates IB Course Candidates
Take the full IB Diploma Programme Only take some courses within the programme The IB Diploma Programme
IB Diploma Subject Courses IB Diploma Core Courses Group 1: Language A ( English)
Theory of Knowledge Group 2: Language Acquisition (French B, Spanish ab initio, Italian ab initio) Group 3: Individuals and Societies ( Social Studies – aka: History)
Extended Essay
Group 4: Sciences ( Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Group 5: Mathematics
Creativity, Activity, Service Group 6: The Arts (Art –aka: Visual Arts, Drama – aka Theatre, Music)
IB Skills Infused in all programming The Learner Profile International Mindedness Theory of Knowledge
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
In the IB DP (11-12), students continue to develop an international outlook through a challenging course of study. The standard and higher level courses in which students engage are focused around six subject groups: Literature, World Language, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Science, Mathematics, and the Arts and Electives. Upon successful completion of the program and its requirements, students may be eligible for the IB Diploma, a globally recognized college qualification.
For more information on this program please view the following link:http://www.ibo.org/diploma/
IB Diploma Programme – 5 Year Study Please participate in the Parent & Student survey for the IB Diploma Programme 5 Year Study (5 Year Review). It should only take 10-15 minutes to complete. The purpose of the Self-Study Questionnaire is to:
• Provide an overall picture of how Archbishop MacDonald High School is developing and sustaining the IBO policies and practices.
• To determine if we have adequate IBO standards and practices to maintain our authorization as an IB Diploma Programme School. (We first received authorization in 1983).
• The survey is a mixture of questions that analyzes the school’s Philosophy, Organization and Curriculum.
The multiple choice responses are a rating system as follows: Excelling Explicit and consistent evidence of the development and implementation of the
practice; the practice is fully understood by the school community and integrated into school processes.
Demonstrating Consistent evidence of the development and implementation of the practice; the practice is understood by the school community and is integrated into most school processes.
Developing Inconsistent evidence of the development and implementation of the practice; the practice is partially understood and integrated into some school processes.
Emerging Insufficient evidence of the development and implementation of the practice in school processes.
Parent Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSescmo1MaGeivwFv-_jR-n1OZhvrycg8EzYul1obm_QDN4uxQ/viewform?usp=sf_link Student Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWXiD0G0mOVT3uFxkrEtD17mzkpdO_KGXx5jlMrOlh4M2J9g/viewform?usp=sf_link
IB Diploma Programme & Other U of A Scholarships
Here are the U of A academic & leadership Entrance Scholarship deadlines. Please note that the prestigious Entrance Scholastic Distinction Scholarship Competition and the Entrance Leadership Scholarship Competition are due on December 18/2017. Academic Excellence Scholarship
Up to $6000 Based on admission averages at time of the admission offer.
Scholastic Distinction Scholarship
Up to $50, 000 Application Due: December 18, 2017
Recognizing the top academic students entering the U of A across Canada / World
Entrance Leadership Scholarship (100 scholarships available)
Up to $7,500 Application Due: December 18, 2017
Recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership through school and community involvement while maintaining superior academic standing. There are up to 100 of these scholarships available.
Schulich Leader Scholarship
$ 100,000 over 4 years for students entering Engineering. $80,000 over 4 years for students entering a S,T or M program. Application Due: February 22, 2018
For Canadian high school students enrolling in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) at U of A.
IB Scholarships (25 scholarships available)
$ 1000 Application Due: August 1, 2018
Outstanding academic achievement by IB students. Student must achieve one of the top 25 scores on a minimum of 5 or more full year IB courses.
More information can be found on the following website: https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions/undergraduate/tuition-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-awards
Creativity, Activity, Service-(CAS) IB Diploma Programme
CAS Coordinator = Mrs. Vandendooren ([email protected])
May 2018 Candidates (Gr 12’s) Dec 2017 Candidates must set up a meeting time with Mrs. Vandendooren to review CAS portfolios
Ongoing Students should be entering CAS reflections and activities on Managebac. These activities need to reflect a balance in each of the CAS areas as well as in the seven outcomes.
May 2019 Candidates ( Gr 11’s) Thursday, Dec 14, 2017
Cohort Meeting 12:30-3:00 Students will be making a CAS Plan and entering this in Managebac.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Cohort Meeting 12:30-3:00
Updating CAS portfolios with CAS reflections
http://www.happy-family-guide.com/how-to-bake-and-decorate-christmas-cupcakes/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/6636938/James-Cracknell-The-20-best-winter-sports.html
http://samaritanspurse.ca/operation-christmas-child.aspx
EE- Extended Essay
EE Coordinator = Mrs. Vandendooren ( [email protected])
Upcoming EE Due Dates: May 2018 Candidates (Gr 12’s) December 2017
Papers should be finalized. Those of you still working on papers need to finish! If you need any assistance please contact Mrs. Vandendooren ASAP!
May 2019 Candidates (Gr 11’s) Ongoing Students should be researching their topics and subject areas! Learn! Learn! Learn! Your
research question for the Extended Essay must challenge an idea. There must be some element of debate or proof for your project to be valid. Consult your subject area guides to ensure you are meeting the evaluation criteria! Students should also be approaching their teachers regarding their research to clarify what they are learning if they are unsure of the content.
Be sure you are updating your Research Reflection Space (RRS) Thursday, December 14, 2017
Cohort Meeting! 12:30-3:00 Organizing research and refining research questions: Using NoodleTools, the Research Reflection Space, Annotated Bibliographies
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Cohort Meeting! 12:30-3:00 Annotated Bibliographies Due! Refining and Finalizing Research Questions & Creating an Outline Supervisor Assignment begins only once students have completed the required assignments.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) IB Diploma Programme
TOK Instructor: Mrs. Nychka ( [email protected])
Upcoming TOK Due Dates: May 2018 Candidates (Gr 12’s) – TOK 35 IB January 8 Students will receive first draft comments by this point, so need to prepare as necessary for
February 5 Final Writing Day in the Conference Room. February 5 Students have their final writing day in the Conference Room to complete their essay in
response to one of six prescribed titles and Planning Form with final questions and comments.
May 2019 Candidates (Gr 11’s) – TOK 25 IB December The month of Presentations! Individually or in groups, present your knowledge exploration of a Real-Life Situation around
Knowledge Questions and describing through Ways of Knowing and at least two Areas of Knowledge.
http://mrsmithsibwebsite.weebly.com/theory-of-knowledge.html
Second Languages IB – Diploma Programme On Friday November 24th, the world was at our fingertips during taste of MAC. Students and staff got a taste of authentic foods, music, dance, outfits, traditions, and customs from many different countries. It was a wonderful opportunity for our school to embrace and celebrate the many diverse cultures that make up our school community. Mac Council would like to take this opportunity to thank students/parents/grandparents, etc. who may have helped to bring the foods and performances to life. Thank you all so much for your help and your support!
IB Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Diploma Programme
Internal Assessment “The Personal Investigation”
The Internal Assessment- Personal Investigation is one of the required elements that will make up 20% the IB transcript mark in any IB Science Course. Please note that an IB Science Mark calculation is arrived at differently than the Alberta Learning Science Mark. For further details on the differences of assessment please review the Course Outlines which are posted on the school website.
IB Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Mark Internal Assessment =
20% of Final Mark External Assessments=
80% of Final Mark -Completion of Group IV Project. -Evidence of 60h of Practical Work. * Submission of one Personal Investigation ( which is the full 20% IA weighting)
IB Science Exams (Paper 1,2,3)
Focused on different aspects of the curriculum and different styles of testing – Multiple Choice, Written
Response, Data Based.
The personal investigation allows students to select and carry out an approved biological investigation of personal relevance.
Biology IB – Diploma Programme Students will be submitting their last rough draft component for their Biology Internal Assessment (The Personal Investigation). Students take the feedback given to them on these rough draft assignments and use these comments to direct the construction of their good draft. The good draft is due: F. February 9, 2018
Chemistry IB – Diploma Programme Chemistry 30 IB Candidates:
Chem 30IB students have submitted their IA (Internal Assessment) topics for approval and discussion. The next phase that has begun is the planning, which entails determining
background information, variables, materials and procedure.
