IBDP Updates
Our Y12 students are settling into the first year of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme well.
They have finalised their subjects and are adapting to the IB Approaches to Teaching and Learning. For most, this is a natural evolution in their learning and skills development as, at FIS, we concentrate on the same skills throughout our students’ entire learning journey. Indeed, I took great pleasure in hearing my son (who is in Y3) sing a song he had been learning about “knowledge, skills and understanding.” Y12 could be singing the same song very soon!
During PSHE, Y12 has started delving into the IB Learner Profile attributes and we will be diving deeper this term as we use them to explore issues such as academic integrity and financial education.
They are also up and running with their Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). This week, they have been raising money and awareness about human trafficking whilst selling snacks and supervising the Y10/11 disco. The are also taking on key roles within the school such as Battle of the Books leaders and peer mentors.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting a Y13 parent information evening. We gave the parents an overview of the year ahead focusing on the timings of IB assignments, exams and the university application process. We also highlighted the support available. For example, Form Tutor tracking (regular check-ins to help students with time management), supervised study sessions, exam practice sessions, individual university guidance and our mentoring programme. The latter is a programme where IB Form Tutors, Assistant Vice Principals, Vice Principals, Principals and our Head of School, Dr. Bonin meet with Y13 students on a regular basis to provide support, motivation and strategies to help the students succeed. This is a programme we ran pre-Covid, and like so many things, I am delighted to see its return.