IB League of Parents Meeting Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

1. IB League of Parents MeetingTuesday, October 1st, 2013 Welcome Grade 8 Parents!!!

2. Agenda: • Welcome • IB Updates • Group 1 – Language and Literature – Mr. Sheeler • IB Core: TOK (Theory of Knowledge) – Mr. Sheeler • Next meeting - Tuesday, November 12, 2013 (630pm)

3. IB – The Diploma Model Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, the IB Diploma Program features concurrent study in 6 (or 5) subject areas in a rich curriculum that combines breadth and depth. Designed to instill a global perspective and to promote cross-cultural understanding and respect, the Diploma Program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and discovery. Along with a sense of social responsibility, students develop independent and critical-thinking skills vital to university studies. The Diploma Program rounds out students' experiences through creative expression, community involvement and physical activity.

4. Curriculum Choices • Curriculum choices • Half way through grade 10 students are asked to make their decision for IB in grade 11 and which courses to take within the IBDP. • Students choose one course from each of six groups during both years of the Diploma Program. • Taking three courses at the Standard Level (150 teaching hours) and three at the Higher Level (240 hours) provides the flexibility to delve deeply into each student's strongest subjects, while providing a broad base of knowledge. • Course groups • Group 1: English HL (*SL considered for students with English not their first language) • Group 2: A second language (French B SL, Spanish ab initio SL) • Group 3: Individuals and Societies (History HL/SL, ITGS SL) • Group 4: Experimental Sciences (Biology HL/SL, Chemistry HL/SL, Physics SL • Group 5: Mathematics (Math Studies SL, Mathematics SL, Mathematics HL) • Group 6: The Arts (Visual Arts) • ** Group 6 can be substituted with another Group 3 or 4 subject (only group 6) • ** More subject areas will be added in group 2,3,6 when the demand is there and subject expert is willing to take on the challenge

5. Core Components of the IBDP • The Diploma Program has three other unique features: • 1   Theory of Knowledge • Is an interdisciplinary course designed to stimulate critical thinking and reflection • It challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, be aware of bias, and learn to analyze the evidence used in presenting an argument. • Students come to understand different points of view and how one's background can affect one's perception of truth. • 2   Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) • Encourages students to involve themselves beyond the curriculum in the arts, athletics and service to others. • Working with the 8 Learning Outcomes of CAS students set goals and then reflect on those goals in a variety of ways. • 3   The Extended Essay • is a 4,000-word essay that all IB Diploma Program students write on a topic of special interest drawn from their studies. • With the guidance of an advisor, each student conducts independent research, prepares her ideas and organizes material for her essay. • The skills and techniques honed in creating the Extended Essay provide valuable practice for university work.

6. Assessment in the Diploma Program • A key feature of the International Baccalaureate is its emphasis on criterion-based assessment of performance. • Their learning is measured in relation to established, published standards that apply equally to each student at every IB World School. • The IB Organization's assessment strategy • Emphasizes validity, reliability and fairness. • Teachers and IB examiners work as partners to ensure that students have various opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned. • A student's progress is assessed by her teachers through classroom and group work, assignments, labs, and reviewed by highly qualified IB teachers. • Examinations are held in Grade 11 and 12and are graded externally by IB examiners. • Up to 2 exams can be written in their anticipatory year (grade 11), depending on course choices made by each student • Grades are awarded on a scale of one to seven, with seven being the highest. • In addition to their exam grades • Students may receive up to three Diploma (bonus) points for combined performance in the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay. • An International Baccalaureate Diploma is awarded to students who graduate with at least 24 points, up to a maximum of 45 points. Assessment in IB

7. International Studies Preparation Program How do we prepare our students? • IB League of Parents Meetings so parents can be informed to help IB students make good choices, develop organizational and time management skills, and to be their NUMBER 1 support system. • Students travel as a separate cohort (group) in 4 of 8 in grade 9 and 6 of 8 in grade 10 classes. Developing that ‘team’ atmosphere is a goal for all our IB teachers. • Grade 10 IB Parent and Student Evening – November of each year • One to one meetings with IB Coordinator – December before winter break • IB counsellors trained to help with academic and social/emotional questions. • IB mentors (year 2 IB students attached to year 1 students) • IB retreat days in Spring and Fall for team building and Core Component teaching

8. International Studies Preparation Program How do we prepare our students? • An ISP class that will do the following: • IB like assessments to prepare you for the IBDP. Ex. French and History • International Mindedness and Learner Profile weaved into lessons directly. • TOK lessons connected to curriculum in grade 9 and 10 4. Students will also be involved with ISP field trips, guest speakers and some release periods to prepare for transitioning to IB in their grade 11 year. • In grade 10, in second semester their MCR 3U1 credit is unofficially their first IB course. • An 80% in an ISP class will equal an 80% in an OSSD class. • Note: ISP is truly for those students who want to move forward into IB and NOT just for students looking for enhanced grade 9/10 programming.

9. Being finalized soon, students may be called down by Mr. Baker with any conflicts. Parents will be informed. Timetable for Next Year – 2013/2014

10. Timeline for 2013/2014 • Important Dates: • Friday, October 4th - IB retreat for year 1 and 2 IB students • Thursday, November 28th – grade 10 IB parent and student night • December – individual meetings for grade 10s with coordinator (parents are welcome to attend individual meetings. • Semester 2 – IB Days for both grade 9 and 10s – dates TBA • Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – IB Option sheet for grade 10s going into 11 due. • IB League of Parents – Staff Presentation Schedule • November – Group 2: Spanish ab initio Group 3: History SL/HL • January – Group 4: Biology, Chemistry, Physics • February – Group 5: Math SL/HL, Math Studies SL, Guidance Counseling • April – Group 2: French B SL, CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) • There may be more additional presentations.

11. How well do you know IB now? IB Test Principal Judy Langsner – judy.langsner@hwdsb.on.ca 905-648-4468 ext. 305 IB Coordinator Jason Smith – jason.smith@hwdsb.on.ca 905-648-4468 ext. 318 Page 11