IB Middle Years Programme at THS
January Updates
January IB Learner Profile Trait is Risk-Taker
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
As you think of how to focus attention on this IB LP Trait in your classroom spend a few minutes discussing ideas with a co-worker.
If you or your students see someone who is a Risk-Taker please place their name and reason for nomination to the box in the main office. We draw names to highlight in the daily announcements as well as give prizes at the end of the month. See email or pick up forms next to the nomination box.
IB MYP Personal Project
What is the IB MYP Personal Project
In the IB MYP Personal Project 10th grade students complete a project on a topic of personal interest to them. This can be viewed as the Capstone to IB MYP. With the guidance and assistance of supervisor students:
- Define a clear goal and global context for their project, based upon personal interests
- Develop criteria for the product/outcome of their project
- Create a product/outcome in response to the goal, global context and criteria
- Evaluate the quality of the product/outcome against their criteria
- Reflect on how completing the project has extended their knowledge and understanding of the topic and the global context
- Reflect on their development as an IB learner through the project
IB MYP Personal Project Evaluators Needed!!
Each student will be evaluated by 3 adults (one of which is their supervisor)
We will be needing as many of you as possible to volunteer your precious time to evaluate a project or two. There will be training ahead of time on how to evaluate and use the IB MYP Personal Project Rubrics. More information and a survey to come shortly.
Evaluating IB MYP PP is a great way to see the culmination of the learning of an IB MYP student.
Evaluating IB MYP PP is also a great way to see the Global Content, Approaches to Learning and other MYP items you use in your classroom from a student perspective.
For IB MYP PP Supervisors:
If you are a Personal Project Supervisor and do not hear from any of your students this week, please make contact with them to check in.
In the next few days there will be additional communication going out to 10th graders and PP Supervisors regarding the final product, what will be turned in, paperwork, etc.
Questions about the IB MYP Personal Project?
Please Contact:
Lenna Mabbutt
IB MYP Personal Project Coordinator
or
Kelsey Barnes
IB MYP Coordinator
(720)972-4847
IB MYP Meeting
Please bring a PRINTED COPY of each of the following:
- An MYP Assessment you will give or have recently given
- The Criterion Rubric that you are using for the assessment
- The MYP Unit Planner this assessment is part of
- What Global Context (GC) and GC Exploration you are focused on for the unit?
- What Approach to Teaching and Learning (ATL) are you working with for this unit?
Wednesday, Jan 27, 2016, 01:00 PM
THS Library
IB MYP in the Classroom
IB MYP Global Context Round Table
Participants will...
- discuss how to create teaching and learning communities in which students can increase their understanding of language and culture, and become more globally engaged
- participate in mini-lessons where we will get to know the MYP Global Contexts better
- sharing of ideas and best practices on how to help use the MYP Global Contexts with fidelity
Date: Tuesday January 26, 2016
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Host: Douglas County High School, 2842 Front Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104
PLEASE LET Kelsey Barnes KNOW ASAP IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING. Sub will be paid for by THS IB.
IB MYP Classroom Walkthroughs
- What wonderful IB MYP things are happening?
- What IB MYP items are on the walls? on the board?
- What evidence of IB MYP is occurring in conversations?
- Daily Objective(s) and Activities and their connections to IB MYP Unit Plan and IB MYP Assessment
- What role does inquiry play in our classrooms?
We want to draw out the wonderful things that are happening and work together to improve IB MYP at THS. These walkthroughs are not to be scary and are not evaluative.
If you have ideas, are in need of resources or would like to have conversations about IB MYP in your classroom please let Kelsey Barnes, IB MYP Coordinator, know and she would be happy to schedule a time to meet and chat with you!
Making IB MYP Visible In Your Classroom
A few ideas are:
- Post and reference the 10 IB Learner Profile Traits posted on the walls of your classroom
- Post and reference the 6 MYP Global Contexts and the specific GC Exploration you are using for your unit
- Post the 3 Inquiry Questions for your unit: Factual, Conceptual and Debatable Questions.
- Attend the 4th Wednesday IB MYP Meetings
- Have conversations with your PLC and other teachers and/or PLCs in your department and around the building
IB Middle Years Program at THS
There are 8 subject groups in IB MYP.
- Language and Literature (English)
- Language Acquisition (World Language)
- Individuals and Societies (Social Studies)
- Math
- Science
- Arts (Visual and Performing)
- Design (Technology, FCS, Business)
- Physical and Health Education
All 9th/10th grade students take classes from first 5 listed above (L&L, LA, I&S, M and S) and choose a 6th subject area of focus (A or D or PE). The "6 of 8" subject option is used for scheduling at THS (and many high schools across the US) because of the limitations in scheduling due to the State/District requirements for graduation etc. It allows for the broadest range of exposure while completing other requirements as well.
Students also take 0.5 PE credit and 0.5 credit of Health during these 2 years to MYP and graduation requirements.
If students are wanting an increase in the pace and depth of content across their day and/or may be interested in the IB Diploma for 11th/12th grade we also offer the IB MYP-Diploma Pathway core. If there are students who are interested in this option please talk with Lia Emanuel, IB MYP-DP counselor.
Email: Kelsey.N.Barnes@adams12.org
Website: ib.thorntonhigh.org
Phone: (720)972-4847