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!).

End of term social

My highlight of the week was popping in to Liz's evening event to catch a little bit of "Lord of the Flies", the 1963 film version. It was great to see you all and hear the familiar cry "its not like that in the book!!".

Crucially before you leave you must finish any outstanding assessment tasks, submit your extended essay form (signed by your supervisor) and hand in a TOK set essay plan (just a plan - template for this will be on edline Monday)

Well, you have nearly completed 40% of your IB Diploma! To celebrate the end of term 2 we will be meeting at Ryans next to Merlin Cinema on Tuesday evening. 8Pm. There is an open mic acoustic night and so far there will be myself, Boris and Chris hoping we have the confidence to have a go. I hope you can all make it on Tuesday.

Holes in English B

I have been trying to get hold of this for a while now. Well done Max, I believe this is more watchable though if you have read the book Holes by Louis Sacher.

I love popping in to the English B (and SSST) groups in 115. There are always great activities and presentations etc going on. Wendy's group were doing more presentations and I caught a little of Vivianne ands Janet, who are becomming very familiar with presentations! This week in SSST Liz and the students were in a circle analyzing the anarchy in Lord of the Flies. Everyone contributed and I would like to ask if you can answer the question on this blog? What would have happened if the population of children left on the island had been females instead of males. It was international womens day this week. Good to celebrate and remember that male and female are different and especially equally unique. I heard an argument that men need to be reminded to be more sensitive on womens day (this was osho - the mystic we watched in TOK) Do you agree? If true then what would have happened on the island if all the people stranded were girls? By the way, in the circle you described anarchy as chaos, is it.... we had some debate about this in TOK???

Leadership, Mafias and Movies

Apart from the hugely significant birthday of Bryan this week (congratulations and thanks for the cakes!)The IB students "stepped up to the plate" this week. This expression is an Americanism taken from baseball, it means you take charge, lead, take a risk. We had two leadership moments that I witnessed and i'm sure these are happening more frequently now. Paula took charge of the international Universities group and I look forward to seeing that groups presentation on Monday. Celine stood up and led the groups into planning the logistics for the Philippino schools project. (Kuba must get a mention here for already doing much work on this on his own - he has already established everyone's credentials). Well done you 3 - as I said 3 house points each. Next week I will want to see each groups list please.

This mafia game is great, I played it tonight and was dealt an ace. I was then voted out second after Nick - it was very unfair. Good to see so many staying after school and mixing together and pscho-analyzing within this game in ENGLISH. Also good fun.

Movies is the relief that we have our budding Film maestro with his batteries and new tape. I cant wait to see the first screener. Thanks for letting me borrow your hat Semyen! If you do that school film idea I may just have a song from music group!!