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:

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

IB Coordinator’s

Corner

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.

We are very happy to welcome you to our IB community.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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/

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,

February 8, 2018

Cohort Meeting 12:30-3:00

Updating CAS portfolios with CAS reflections

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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,

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 ( 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 External Assessments Teachers mark the work to the accepted IB standard. This standard

is then confirmed or moderated by an IBDP moderator.

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 External 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

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-

10:45

Mathematics SL Paper 2

HL 9:00-

11:45

SL 9:00-

11:15

Music HL/ SL Paper 1

F. May 5

M. May 7 12:01-

2:16

English A: Literature HL Paper 1

T. May 8 9:00-

11:15

English A: Literature HL

Paper 2

12:01-

3:06

History HL Papers 1 & 2

W. May 9 9:00-

11:45

History HL Paper 3 12:30-

2:15

Italian ab initio SL Paper 1

R. May 10 9:00-

10:15

Italian ab initio SL Paper 2 12:30-

4:20

Physics HL Papers 1 & 2

F. May 11 9:00-

10:30

Physics HL Paper 3

M. May 14 12:01-

3:51

Biology HL Paper 1 & 2

T. May 15 9:00 -

10:30

Biology HL Paper 3 12:30-

2:15

Spanish ab initio SL Paper 1

W. May 16 9:00-

10:15

Spanish ab initio SL Paper 2 Chemistry SL Paper 1 & 2

R. May 17 9:00-

11:35

Chemistry SL Paper 3 12:30-

2:15

French B HL/ SL Paper 1

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