International School Parent Magazine - Autumn 2019

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recommends regularly asking your child whenthey get home what they’ve done in classthat day, something key they’ve learntor something they didn’t understand.If they can explain something well,they’ve understood it well. So,this exercise helps them be moreaware of what they need to focuson in their revision.He understands that not allchildren want to confide in theirparents. “Adolescents, especiallywho are going through a difficultperiod in their life, don’t alwaysenjoy sharing or want to share withtheir parents. But parents don’t needto be a friend, it’s probably better to beless of a friend and more of somebody whois taking the role of a mentor. They need tokeep an eye on them, on how they use their computerand when they use their computer, and establish and maintain aconsistent dialogue with them.”Encourage peer-learningSpeaking of friends, they are key revision partners. At a time whereadolescents might be resistant to their parents’ or their teachers’advice, they will listen to and want to learn from their friends.And sometimes peers have ways of explaining concepts that theirfriends will understand better than a teacher’s explanation. KeithSykes (Champittet) finds that revising together with peers is a greatmethod, face to face or online. “We find a lot of students get goodmaterial from ‘Student Room’ online and work well remotely withother students across the globe. We had a student a couple of yearsago that found a like-minded studier in Boston, through ‘StudentRoom’. They shared notes, skyped, interacted with each otherand formed a real collaborative learning partnership that saw himthrough his exams.”Be aware of your school’s policy on study break andmaximise itAs the final exams approach, many schools will release the studentsfrom class for independent study. But the timetabling of this oftenchanges quite a bit depending on the timing of spring break, thetime it takes to complete the particular course of study your childis doing, and what the best practise is considered to be at yourchild’s school. John Switzer, Upper School Principal of ZurichInternational School (ZIS) finds that while students tend to saythey study best at home, they often actually get more value fromcoming into school and studying in an allocated space where theyhave access to their teachers to ask any questions they might have.Joseph Amato, IB DP Coordinator at ZIS agrees that “a lot ofteachers feel that students are best served being in class going overold papers and gaining from what they hear from their classmates”.He explains that the amount of release time is very dependent onwhen Easter falls, and schools that have a longer release periodmay have a longer school year to begin with and may have morehours.” So, don’t be surprised if one school has one-week studybreak vs. 3-4 weeks at another. Simply investigate the reasoningbehind it and plan accordingly, especially the useof holidays.Use holidays wiselyWhen it comes to holidays,Andrew McLachlan, DeputyHead of Curriculum at La CôteInternational School, emphasisesthat it’s very, very importantthat students take time off asthey need downtime, but thisneeds to be balanced against thedemands of the programme, andwell-planned for. “Students needto balance their study time and theirdowntime. We try to help students toplan from 18 months backward, and ifthey do their planning and keep up the goodwork, regularly, they can do it. I don’t mean tosay they can’t have a vacation, but they should also takeadvantage of vacation times as well to revise. Some of the summervacation will need to be dedicated to finishing up their ExtendedEssay, and often Christmas & Easter vacation in year 2 is more orless cancelled. But it’s a question of using one’s time wisely as thereis simply not going to be a lot of spare time.”Dr. Zoe Badcock (ISZL) shares a tangible anecdote of how usingholidays strategically can lead to success. “Last year we had agroup of very high achieving boys, and very sporty boys. Becausethey knew they wouldn’t have so much time during the schoolyear due to their sporting commitments, they would review duringholidays. That discipline to just allocate a bit of time regularlymade all the difference.” She emphasises how valuable it is whenparents support the holidays as moments to review, especially inthe second year of the IB which is not the time for a big familyholiday, especially Easter break. So, her big tip is when it comesto planning vacations, keep the IB student at the centre of yourdecision-making. Stay home at Easter or go somewhere that stillallows studying to be the priority.So now you can start the school year armed with a wealth ofIB Diploma Coordinators’ top tips for students to get the mostfrom their learning. What’s more, your child will come away withorganisational habits that they’ll also take with them into furtherstudies and beyond.Sandra Steiger has over 10 years’ experience teachingEnglish at various schools in Switzerland. She now worksas Academic Support Manager at TutorsPlus. During her 6years at the International School of Geneva, she was also theService Learning programme Coordinator, International AwardSupervisor, a Homeroom Mentor and Head of Year 8.If your child needs a helping hand with revision, TutorsPlusprovide specialist private revision tutors, as well as regularrevision courses throughout the year. If you feel your child hasany gaps in their knowledge or exam technique, we’d be happyto match them with an experienced tutor who will ensure theymove forward with confidence and solid foundations. You canreach TutorsPlus at 022 731 8148 or info@tutorsplus.comINTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2019 | 34
Stunning spasWellnessin the citySwitzerland is a paradise for all spalovers. What better way to round offyour next city getaway than to soakin a stylish spa?MySwitzerland.com/spaLocarno: Termali Salini & Spa.Architecture by MORO e MORO architectsThe Termali Salini & Spa is adjacent to the lido public bath of Locarno,and they are an oasis of peace. The water used in the spa stems from thedeep valleys of Ticino. The water’s journey was a source of inspiration forthe local architects of MORO e MORO. The interior reflects the Ticino rivervalleys in an abstract and modern design.Zurich: The Dolder Grand Spa.Architecture by Sir Norman FosterThe award-winning Dolder Grand Spa by Sylvia Sepielliis an oasis for those who love to relax and want to feelpampered. The spa with a panoramic view of Zurichoffers a unique wellness programme over 4,000 squaremetres. In addition to the spacious swimming pool,guests can enjoy the separate Ladies’ and Gentlemen’sspa areas.MySwitzerland.com/dolderMySwitzerland.com/termalisaliniCity breaksCity breaks are a brief escapefrom everyday life – and ourSwiss Boutique Towns are perfectfor the occasion. Swisstowns and cities offer a wealthof unparalleled variety in a verycompact space. It becomesan unforgettable experience forvisitors if they can see the townthrough a local’s eyes.MySwitzerland.com/citiesArt Museums of SwitzerlandAmazing art, design and photography:a visit to one of the ArtMuseums of Switzerland promisesa unique experience. Located incharming boutique towns, elevenworld-class museums presentgrand sights on little space.MySwitzerland.com/amosDesign & Lifestyle HotelsHigh standards of design, a cleardefinition of form, carefully chosenmaterials – Design & Lifestyle Hotelsare characterised by inspiring architecturalaccomplishments. A holidayin these select hotels will make thehearts of the style-conscious guestsbeat faster.MySwitzerland.com/designlifestyleFind more inspirational experiences and tips: MySwitzerland.com/expats or contactexpats@switzerland.com or phone 0800 100 200.
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