International School Parent Magazine - Autumn 2019

it’s actually worth two years’ time into university when you’ve got a
thesis to write, and you’ve got no idea how to do it. This, combined
with TOK which explores ways of knowing and ways of thinking,
which are completely different to anything in any other curriculum,
the strength of the DP Core.”
Both John and Joseph at ISZ agree that it’s a first attempt at a
university level research paper and even if students have a hard
time, or even if it’s an utter disaster, they’ve learned what they need
to do to make it better next time, without it impacting their overall
score too much.
But as for the immediate benefits, it’s a joy for many teachers to
see how many students just come alive throughout the Extended
Essay, simply because of the freedom it gives them to explore
a passion or interest that is theirs and even theirs alone. It is
sometimes the aspect that brings about a joy of learning and
confirms the direction that a student wishes to take in the future.
Keith Sykes (Champittet) has fresh in his mind just one such
student: “The opportunity the EE gave him to explore cultural
identity in post-Soviet Central Asia – where he’s from - has
been the thing that has changed his approach to his studies. He
originally had a very fixed view, and I’d play Devil’s advocate and
ask, ‘How do you know that?’ ‘But what would this group say
about that?’ And from that he’s got a passion for it as well as a wellargued
essay now. The best piece of work he’s ever done. It sparked
such an interest, that on the back of this, he’s now organising a
debate club in school as part of CAS and will be our guy to go to
the Model United Nations.”
CAS keeps you happy, healthy and motivated throughout your
studies
The example above, is typical of how Creativity, Action, Service is
intended to be interwoven into a student’s learning experience. It
shouldn’t be thought about as something extra that you HAVE to
do, but rather an opportunity to integrate activities and passions
you already have into the Diploma, or apply what you’re learning
in a creative way or an activity that benefits the community.
Kate Bradley (LCIS) says that’s where the magic of the Diploma
Programme is. “If you break it down, it isn’t about the fact you
could do Chemistry at High Level and Physics at High Level,
because you could do that in any curriculum. It’s about the fact
that you have to think about who you are in the world, and do you
add value or do you take it away? And if we all thought that, the
world would be a much better place”. She emphasises the Service
aspect of CAS in particular helps many students to experience
life outside their bubble which prepares them for living in a place
that could be very different to all they’ve ever known, and see how
societies function in ways they had never thought of.
Not only does CAS serve to keep students balanced and
physically and mentally healthy, but in a very practical sense,
it helps them enhance their university applications. Andrew
McLachlan, Deputy Head of Curriculum at LCIS, sees this
advantage of the IB DP as compared to A-Levels, for example: “In
the A level, pupils really have to think about what they’re doing as
extracurricular activities to enhance their personal statements, and
letters of recommendation, references, what have you. However,
the CAS is very much embedded in that holistic approach to
ensure that they’ve got the Creativity, Action and Service covered.”
So, don’t let your child be fooled into thinking the Diploma Core
isn’t worth a lot.
It is the heart and soul of the IB Diploma programme and its
value goes far beyond the mere three points that it appears to
weigh at first glance. If you have more questions about Theory
of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, or the Creativity, Action,
Service programme, get in touch with your school’s IB Diploma
Coordinator and we’re certain they’ll be thrilled to tell you more
about it and give you advice how to keep it at the centre of your
child’s IB experience.
By Sandra Steiger - Academic Support Manager at TutorsPlus
Sandra Steiger has over 10 years’ experience teaching English
at various schools in Switzerland. She now works as Academic
Support Manager at TutorsPlus. During her 6 years at the
International School of Geneva, she was also the Service
Learning programme Coordinator, International Award Supervisor,
a Homeroom Mentor and Head of Year 8.
TutorsPlus can provide specialist IB Diploma tutors, experienced
with the curriculum and exam preparation. If you feel your child
has any gaps ahead of moving into the IB DP, we’d be happy
to match them with an experienced tutor who will ensure
they move forward with confidence and solid foundations.
Additionally, if you have questions regarding school choice or
the best curriculum to suit your child, TutorsPlus’ Education
Consultants would be happy to guide you. You can reach
TutorsPlus at 022 731 8148 or info@tutorsplus.com
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2019 | 41