IB Diploma Programme News
October 2020
Dude! The IB is tough
The International Baccalaureate is the most rigorous high school program in the world. It's tough! It takes plenty of determination, smarts, and social and emotional support to get through.
In normal years, students would see each other grappling with these challenges daily. They feel and understand that the whole class is struggling with the rigor. Eventually, they see the whole class rise to the occasion and figure out "how to IB." This year presents an added challenge; students cannot easily see either other overcoming obstacles. It is vital that students connect with their teachers and peers to develop this social-emotional support network.
Ways to feel connected and supported:
- Attend your teachers' Teams/Zoom meetings!
- Participate in monthly activities the DP Faculty have planned (details below).
- Students can video conference each other on Microsoft Teams. They can do this without a facilitating teacher to set up a study group, review an assignment, or just commiserate.
To access this feature: >log into Teams >Click Teams >Click IB DP Students >Meet >Meet Now.
Understanding your IB Marks (Grades)
The IB grading scale goes from 1-7. This is the score the IB uses to award the IB Diploma and that colleges use when determining credits. The IB score is a composite of their Internal Assessments (coursework done in class and for homework) and External Assessments (usually essay exams in May).
It's extremely difficult to get full marks on any of the IB markschemes (AKA rubrics). That doesn't mean it's impossible to get a 7.
Let's say your IB Defense Against the Dark Arts class has an essay rubric with 25 maximum points. To earn a 7, you don't need to score 25. It will break down roughly like this (varies by class and even by essay type):
25-22 = 7
21-18 = 6
17-13 = 5
12 - 9 = 4
8 - 6 = 3
5 - 3 = 2
2 - 1 = 1
Keep in mind: an essay is only one part of the IB grade; there are usually several essays and the internal assessment. All those grades get bundled up to produce that final 1-7 grade.
Try not to get discouraged if you're not earning full credit for essays- it's supposed to be hard! The rubrics are giving you guidance on how to improve. Ask your teacher to help you figure out how. Above all, the IB honors growth and improvement.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE)
The IB encourages student engagement in their learning and their communities, both locally and globally. To that end, students are required to participate in two sets of activities: CAS and the Extended Essay.
All students should already be working on their CAS requirement.
Direct questions to Mrs. Lynch. >plynch@cityschools.com
Seniors should be finishing up their Extended Essay over the next week or so.
Juniors should know that they will soon begin working on the EE. The first step is to select a topic; this will culminate in a research paper they will write over the next two years. Students will be paired with a faculty member with expertise in that subject. Students will begin working on their EE in January. In the meantime, they should think about topics they may want to investigate.
Exam Registration & Fees- Deadline November 6
If you are taking an IB exam in May 2021, please submit payment by November 6. Most Juniors are enrolled in few, if any IB exams. Letters should arrive soon with details if your student is enrolled in a class that will test in May 2021.
IB exams cost $119 each. Contact Mr. Pope about options to set up a payment plan.
Community Center- Roleplaying Game Night!
October 14 and November 11, 7- 9 PM
Have you ever wanted to explore an ancient tomb, float in outer-space, or roam a world of monsters from your own table-top? Come on out October 14th and November 11th, and, if you’re open-minded enough, you’ll get to take the risk to create a balanced character and investigate a world around you where the object is to survive the game. Your game master will show you the basics of the game and get you thinking about the world you’ll be playing in on the first night, and then we’ll come back in November and see who has what it takes to conquer the game!
Topic: IB Role Playing Game Night
Time: Oct 14, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://cityschools-com.zoom.us/j/86366032410?pwd=V2pWUFdNM0l4a0xWU1paVnRBUEx4QT09
Meeting ID: 863 6603 2410
Passcode: 040826
Note: these activities are intended for students enrolled in the full Diploma Programme
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020, 07:00 PM
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RSVPs are enabled for this event.