MUMBAI STAR

As usual, during each morning lessons, proceed with hand-holding teachers in the classroom. First lesson today, assisted Year 11 teacher in teaching of matrices. Later co-teach on simple interest and compound interest for Year 9. Assisted SIS teachers in formatting their CA exam papers after morning break. Vetted some papers. Had to hand-hold a couple of teachers as for many, this is their first time setting papers based on the Singapore examination format for most papers.

In the afternoon, the principal called for a short meeting. He would like to see teachers be in their places on duty during the breaks and during meal times. Also schedules were given to teachers to relieve classes under Sumi, who had to return to Singapore on an urgent family matter.

Yesterday, I shared on what I had learnt about the subject, Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Today, I shall touch on the other two core areas in the IBDP, namely the Extended Essay (EE) and the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) programme.

Extended Essay ( equivalent to our JC students' Project Work )

The EE is a vital part of every student's Diploma programme. The aim is to teach students the research skills that they will need, firstly at university, and secondly, in the workplace. In many respects, it is similar to an undergraduate thesis in that it allows each student to pursue a course of research in an area of interest to them. This course of research is decided upon between the student and the subject teacher.

The EE must be no more than 4000 words in length. The essay should include detailed footnotes, a comprehensive bibliography and an abstract ( a brief summary of the main findings of the essay).

Students are encouraged to underake work in an area where they already have a firm understanding of the material. They should also consider areas of study which might be of most benefit to them in the long term, be that in anticipation of a particular university programme or career path.

Students will start research for the essay in Term 2 of grade 11 and are expected to carry out, independently, research into their chosen topic.

All students will have an EE Supervisor to provide support, guidance and expert information.
The EE will be tightly supervised to ensure that students manage their time effectively and do not fall behind.

The IBO recommends that a student devote a total of 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay. The essay permits students to deepen their programmes of study, for example, by selecting a topic in one of their higher level courses.

Creativity, Action and Service (equivalent to CIP and CCA hours in our junior college)

Students in the IBDP have to fulfil a total of at least 150 hours of non-academic endeavour over two years. Weekly activities are conducted for students.

The three areas of activity covered are: Creativity (e.g. working in the school play or yearbook);
Action (e.g. sport); Service (e.g. community service both withinn and outside the school).
A log book (CAS Diary) must be kept documenting the components over the two years.

At the end of the 2 years, each student will complete a self-evaluation form, which includes a description of the activity and the student's view on how he or she has personally developed from engaging in the activity. Some elements to include in the evaluation are:
- evidence of initiative, planning and organisation;
- the amount of commitment and effort displayed;
- personal achievement and development as an individual, taking into account attitudes and
skills at the start of the activity.