Student of the year awards

I hope you are all having a good break, the Academy is now officially closed. I will be posting some photos from the last year, the ball and other events in the next few weeks. Meanwhile remember remember - that Extended Essay won't go away, e mail for help if you have a problem.

The following recognition is deserved:

CAS student of the year: Boris

Award for International understanding: Jae

The student of the year award: Janet

Arts award: Semyen

Science award: to be announced

Leadership award: Daria

Progress award: Valeria

Well done to you all. There was a lot of competition for these awards of recognition. See you all September 1st!

Group 4 project, science

This was the end of day activity after a hard days work of experiments! The challenge: each of the 4 teams had to defend their bottle for as long as possible before the incoming tide took it.

Group 4 project, science

Photo's from the Group 4 project.
Here we see the famous Seafront huts being used for science testing. Here group 3 testing with a vibration machine.






We had two days of sunshine on the Beach at Goodrington, some excellent science presentations in the gazebo and excellent group cooperation. Well done everyone - good that you all recognized how the sciences are connected.

IB is a struggle

Semyen asked me to watch this today - you will all enjoy this. You are not alone!

EFIA Election result

Congratulations to our two IB students who took part in the first ever EFIA mock election. Sofia and Karl had both planned and prepared well for a very challenging role play. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to engage in a full scale debate in a second language, role playing leaders from political systems in a country you have lived in for only just over 2 terms. I especially enjoyed Karls late surge and brilliant arguments about limiting cctv surveillance. I am sure this led to him winning the debate for the Liberal Democrats.
The week beginning May 10 is assessment cycle week 3 so be prepared for exams from group 3 subject teachers. There are a number of deadlines coming up so please drop by the office if you need any more help with time management. Also please make sure you see you EE supervisor this week.

Volcanic dust and election fever

Last week we were still missing a lot of our group, the volcano is causing travel and IB Diploma problems. We are beginning to see deadlines on the horizon and major pieces of assessment due. Extended Essay has reached the point where you all have presented your title ideas. Now is the time to fully realize the size of the tasks ahead of you. You should aim to enjoy this though, as we talked about in TOK this week, you are on an exciting learning journey. Your Extended Essay is your opportunity to demonstrate your academic ability in an area you are really interested in, likewise across the hexagon you have opportunities to show personal ideas and creative skills. From now on its BIGTIME, use the Covey time management quadrant to help you to PRORITISE your tasks. Find time in your planned schedhule for rest and relaxation, leisure time BUT make sure you EARN this time. PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST.
We have Karl and Sofia who have volunteered to represent the IB cohort in a mock election, I hope one or two more of you might come forward and get involved. This is a great opportunity to learn about UK politics and formal debate. Well done you two for volunteering.
So whilst we wait for the late arrivees to rejoin us I would like you to be thining about this terms theme for yourselves. What theme links us across the disciplines right now and in the immediate future?

End of term 2

Firstly a big well done to you all for getting through to this point. Enjoy your holiday and break from class. Due to the loss of TOK this week we will look at the essay plan next term after Chris has delivered his TOK/ History session. Do not be late back as you will definitely want to experience Chris' perspective on History.

Thank you for getting the EE contracts in to Wyn and Claire, these should all be in now and those brave enough will be wise to give a quick presentation on April 12th of your idea/ title. Its not something you need to worry about, just be ready to tell us what you're thinking about researching and where you are at now.

I enjoyed seeing most of you in Ryans on Wednesday, probably the scene was more for me and Fleur but still, it was good to meet and relax for a while.

Well done to Jay for achieving the IB recognition award for this term. Jay demonstrates many fine qualities, he is academically exceptional in a couple of areas and motivated (and very able) across his academic subjects. Most importantly he is working well in the core areas; CAS, EE and TOK. He also was the only student who stayed to watch me play in Ryans. So there!!!

Finally a commendation for Boris, thanks so much for the help given at International day, we could not have done it without you. Additionally Sergey and Jay with the programme and Chingis with the Camera work. Thanks guys, make sure you CAS log your experiences, there was a lot being learnt (especially when things go wrong!).