Even though school’s out for summer, 71 students from Cypress Creek, Evans, Jones, University and Winter Park high schools attended a two-day International Baccalaureate Camp to help prepare themselves for the upcoming coursework in the IB Diploma Programme.
The Advanced Studies department created the camp to help students have a better understanding of how IB aims to develop “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed.” Through the progression of their coursework, students will expand their academic, social and emotional characteristics.
The camp helped students prepare for the DP core areas of assessment: theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay (EE). In the DP core, students learn how to reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and manage a community service project.
“I learned CAS can be creativity, action or service; it doesn’t have to be all three, but the best ones are. This camp gave me a better understanding of how the program works,” said Zoe Harris, a Jones High School incoming senior. “I’d definitely recommend this camp to others because the teachers explained the pieces necessary in a way that makes sense. This will be helpful so I can hit the ground running when school starts.”
Evans High School hosted the camp for incoming juniors, primarily. Over the course of the two-day experience students learned about the IB core (TOK, CAS, EE), they also received information on the scope of the diploma programme with regard to their school and schedule, in addition to learning how to obtain the IB Diploma, and they learned about study skills and IB testing.
To complement the academic portion, the students also participated in team building activities each day that explored the IB learner profile and the communication skills beneficial to IB students.
“I enjoyed meeting and learning alongside new people. We are learning to be successful as a team. I also feel like it’s going to help me manage my time more and be more effective with all the tasks assigned to me,” said Kyle Lewis, a University High School incoming junior.
While some students took middle years programme (MYP) classes, they are not required for the DP, which includes one’s junior and senior year coursework and examinations.
“This camp prepares you to be more efficient and prepared for the program. From Pre-IB to IB there is a gap in expectations of work, the amount of work and the work ethic needed. This better bridges that gap so I can be more successful,” said Lewis.
For the IBDP, students must successfully earn a minimum of 24 points in their assessments and examinations. This includes completing the core elements (three points) and six subject areas: Studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, the arts (1-7 points each, with minimums required).
“Gaining a full picture of the program to come benefitted the participating students. Having fewer questions going in about the requirements, beyond course specific requirements, is helpful for students entering the program. Additionally, participating students at my school will act as ambassadors of the program specific content - and will be able to obtain CAS experiences by helping me to push out info and support their peers,” said Helen Philpot, Cypress Creek IB coordinator. “Balance is the IB Learner Profile trait my students struggle with the most - in other words - learning to balance their academics and extracurriculars while maintaining a focus on self-care. By giving students this camp experience they are able to enter into the DP with more clarity and focus.”