IB Coordinator s Corner

IB Coordinator s Corner IB News at Archbishop MacDonald High School January 2018 Edition Greetings and welcome to an exciting year of learning and growth in the IB program. Your contacts for the IB program are: Middle Years Program (MYP): Helen Grijo Helen.Grijo@ecsd.net Diploma Program (DP): Jacqueline Sewell Jacqueline.Sewell@ecsd.net This parent newsletter will provide you with information on upcoming events, dates, deadlines and news of IB at Archbishop MacDonald High School. Image courtesy of Edmontonjournal.com We are very happy to welcome you to our IB community. 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 In light of what is happening around the world, and our efforts here at our school to help those less fortunate, and the fact that we are starting a new year with great intentions, our learner profile this month is Caring. At MAC, we have students that show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. We have a personal commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. 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 Archbishop MacDonald is a vibrant Catholic High School that gives back to its and other communities. At MAC our students are passionate when it comes ta raising money for those of us who are less fortunate. One opportunity to do that is through the International Mindedness Club. We meet every Wednesday in order to devise ways to raise money for Catholic Medical Mission Board. We have had a huge bake sale and participated in a wheel of Fortune activity. We have raised over $600.00 so far and are still going strong. Thank you so much for supporting our students in their endeavours to raise money.

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 Research Skills Research Skills include: Using 21 Century media properly to access academic sources Research and Information Literacy Management of sources Formulating focused research questions Academic Honesty All of these skills are crucial in preparing effective academic reports and essays (eg: The Extended Essay, The Historical Investigation). These are also required post- secondary skills. For more information please visit: https://xmltwo.ibo.org/publications/dp/group0/d_0_dpatl_gui_1502_1/s tatic/dpatl/guide-research-skills.html

IB MYP NEWS 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. Personal Project Our MYP students continue to work on their personal projects. Please be aware that ALL full MYP students are invited to attend a Personal Project work session during our exam week. We will be meeting on Thursday, January 25 and Monday January 29 in room 208 from 1:00-3:30. During this time, we will be completing the Personal Project report.

Interdisciplinary Unit Planners The MYP teachers have been working on Interdisciplinary unit planners. We have successfully run one that features Physical and Health education and Design. Congratulations to Mr. Carby and Ms. Greer. They did a great job. We are looking to run a different interdisciplinary unit each year.

IB DP NEWS 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/ Full IB Candidates Take the full IB Diploma Programme IB Course Candidates Only take some courses within the programme The IB Diploma Programme IB Diploma Subject Courses IB Diploma Core Courses Group 1: Language A (English) Group 2: Language Acquisition (French B, Spanish ab initio, Italian ab initio) Group 3: Individuals and Societies (Social Studies aka: History) Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) Group 5: Mathematics Theory of Knowledge Extended Essay 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

CAS Creativity Activity Service CAS Coordinator = Mrs. Vandendooren (Jennifer.Vandendooren@ecsd.net) May 2018 Candidates (Gr 12 s) 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) 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. Thursday, Cohort Meeting 12:30-3:00 February 8, 2018 Updating CAS portfolios with CAS reflections http://tutorials.knitpicks.co m/wpcontent/uploads/2013/03/0 126.jpg https://edmontontourism.cdn.pri smic.io/edmontontourism/83c73 a1d685795258e8ffe4a8e0f1b20 06504dbb_edmonton_swing-nskate_things-to-do.jpg http://diecutstickers.com/w p- content/uploads/2013/12/d onation_pickup.jpg

EE- Extended Essay EE Coordinator = Mrs. Vandendooren ( Jennifer.Vandendooren@ecsd.net) Upcoming EE Due Dates: May 2018 Candidates (Gr 12 s) Papers should be finalized. Those of you still working on papers need to finish! If you need any assistance please contact Mrs. Vandendooren ASAP! Those not finished will not have a grade, and this will jeopardize your opportunity to receive your IB Diploma!! 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, Cohort Meeting! 12:30-3:00 Annotated Bibliographies Due! Refining and Finalizing February 8, Research Questions & Creating an Outline Supervisor Assignment begins only once 2018 students have completed the required assignments.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) IB Diploma Programme TOK Instructor: Mrs. Nychka ( Marika.Nychka@ecsd.net) http://mrsmithsibwebsite.weebly.com/theory-of-knowledge.html Upcoming TOK Due Dates: May 2018 Candidates ( Gr 12 s) TOK 35 IB February 5 Students have their final writing day in the Conference Room to complete their prescribed title 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 FEBRUARY Please be on the look out for information regarding NEW YORK in November 2018! if you re too excited to wait, email marika.nychka@ecsd.net directly

IB Diploma Programme Assessments The IBO (International Baccalaureate Programme) requires the IB Diploma grade to be documented in a candidate s final year of a subject. The IB Diploma grade is determined using the following categories of assessment: Note: The IBDP assessments vary by subject group. Teachers have informed students in class and on the subject course outline of the specific IB assessments and associated due dates. Internal Assessments Teachers mark the work to the accepted IB standard. This standard is then confirmed or moderated by an IBDP moderator. External Assessments IBDP Examinations ( in May) or work completed during the course and then sent to an external IBDP examiner. Group 1: English A Literature ( HL) Internal Assessment External Assessment Individual Oral Commentary Student Due Date: March 13 & 14 Part 1: Written Assignment (completed in course then sent to IBO) Student Due Date: February 2 English A: Literature IB Exams Paper 1 Paper 2 Teacher s Notes Individual Oral Presentations have been completed in grade 11! Commentary rigorous study has begun. Group 2: Language Acquisition- French B (HL or SL) Spanish ab initio (SL) or Italian ab initio (SL) Internal Assessment Individual Oral Recordings Student Due Dates: French B (HL/SL): March 5 Spanish ab initio (SL): March 13 Italian ab initio (SL): March 5 External Assessment Written Assignment + associated source material for ab initio (completed in course then sent to IBO) Student Due Dates: French B: February 28 Spanish ab initio: February 28 Italian ab initio: February 28 Language Acquisition IB Exams: Paper 1 Paper 2

Teacher s Notes Spanish ab initio: The Spanish ab initio internal assessment consist of three parts. Part one is a presentation of a visual stimulus (from a choice of two) by the student. Part two is comprised of follow-up questions on the visual stimulus. Part three consists of a general conversation including at least two questions on the written assignment. Therefore, for the internal assessment, students orally describe a visual stimulus, respond to questions on the stimulus and engage in a general conversation using appropriate language, register and format. As well, students respond to questions on their written assignment. Group 3: History (HL) Internal Assessment External Assessment Historical Investigation Student Due Date: December 18 History IB Exams: Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Teacher s Notes Social Studies 20-1 IB (Semester 1): On Dec 21st, students in this class submitted a draft of their entire Historical Investigation (HI). This has been used in helping to determine the up to 5% Bonus in their Social 20-1 Final Grade. Teacher feedback has been provided and students continuing onto next years' Social 30 IB class have the opportunity to either incorporate this feedback into their existing HI or begin a new HI for next years' Social 30 IB class. Social Studies 30-1 IB: On Dec 21st, students in this class submitted another draft of their completed Historical Investigation (HI). This has been used in helping to determine the up to 5% Bonus in their Social 30-1 Final Grade. Teacher feedback has been provided. Students moving onto the Western World History IB course, 2nd semester will submit a final version of this HI for submission to IB. Group 4: Sciences-Biology (HL), Chemistry (SL), Physics (HL) Internal Assessment External Assessment Personal Investigation Student Due Dates: Biology (HL): February 16 Chemistry (SL): March 16 Physics (HL): March 21 Sciences - IB Exams: Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Teacher s Notes Biology IB: Students have been performed their personal investigations and have been completing sections of the Biology IA throughout semester 1. They have received feedback from a Biology Instructor Advisor for all submitted sections. Using all feedback students will now compile a final draft that will be due on February 16. Chemistry IB: The Chemistry IA has been progressing well over the last few months. Students have submitted proposals, been approved based on Personal Interest, Background Information and Research question. They are currently working on and completing their Materials and Procedure so they are prepared to carry out the practical portion of the lab on January 29. The Chemistry lab is open from 9:30am until 2:30am for the students to work on this phase of their IA.

Physics IB: Students in Physics 30 IB have been researching possible ideas for their internal assessments with support and guidance from the teacher. They will be performing their investigations in the lab in the early part of semester two! Group 5 : Mathematics ( SL) Internal Assessment External Assessment Math Exploration Student Due Date: March 9 Math IB Exams: Paper 1 Paper 2 Group 6 : The Arts Visual Arts (HL or SL) Internal Assessment External Assessment Visual Arts Exhibition Student Due Date: January 19 Visual Arts Comparative Study Student Due Date: January 19 Visual Arts Process Portfolio Student Due Date: January 19 Core Subject: Theory of Knowledge Assessments Theory of Knowledge Essay Student Due Date: February 7 Theory of Knowledge Plan and Presentation: Student Due Date: October 10 Teacher s Notes Presentations and feedback are completed and ready to submit to IBO. Core Subject: Creativity, Activity, Service Assessments CAS Interim Interview Student Due Date: October 19 CAS Portfolio (ManageBac) Student Due Date: May 23 CAS Concluding Interview Student Due Date: May 23 Core Subject: Extended Essay Assessments Extended Essay Final Copy Submission Student Due Date: December 12 Extended Essay Concluding Interview & Reflection Form Student Due Date: December 19

IB External Assessment Exams May 2018 Morning Exams Afternoon Exams Date Time IB Exam Time IB Exam W. May 2 12:30-2:15 Mathematics SL Paper 1 R. May 4 9:00- Mathematics SL Paper 2 10:45 HL 9:00- Music HL/ SL Paper 1 11:45 SL 9:00-11:15 F. May 5 M. May 7 12:01- English A: Literature HL Paper 1 2:16 T. May 8 9:00- English A: Literature HL 12:01- History HL Papers 1 & 2 11:15 Paper 2 3:06 W. May 9 9:00- History HL Paper 3 12:30- Italian ab initio SL Paper 1 11:45 2:15 R. May 10 9:00- Italian ab initio SL Paper 2 12:30- Physics HL Papers 1 & 2 10:15 4:20 F. May 11 9:00- Physics HL Paper 3 10:30 M. May 14 12:01- Biology HL Paper 1 & 2 3:51 T. May 15 9:00 - Biology HL Paper 3 12:30- Spanish ab initio SL Paper 1 10:30 2:15 W. May 16 9:00- Spanish ab initio SL Paper 2 Chemistry SL Paper 1 & 2 10:15 R. May 17 9:00- Chemistry SL Paper 3 12:30- French B HL/ SL Paper 1 11:35 2:15 F. May 18 9:00-10:45 French B HL/ SL Paper 2 *Exam Room TBD *Exams cannot be rescheduled under any circumstances. *Please note: exams listed (highlighted, bold & italicized) are written outside of regular school hours