What Happens at the IB Core Retreat?

This past weekend 66 juniors participated in the 2nd Annual IB Core Retreat. The event kicks off the two year IB program for those juniors who are working to earn the IB Diploma. The Core consists of Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Creativity-Action and Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE).

While the weekend is about the IB core, one of the main objectives is to create a community of learners who will support each other over the next two years. This community includes the students, teachers and administrators. We know from past experience that the two-year journey is filled with highs and lows and this retreat is the first step toward building a partnership.

One of the activities over the weekend was for students to identify which IB Learner Profile trait best fit them. They then had to work in a group to create slides that reflect this trait. Below is the final project.


 The next event is the IB The next event is the Junior Parent meeting on September 26.

Extended Essay Panel: An authentic learning experience

On Thursday and Friday 69 Graded Juniors presented their extended essays to a panel of teachers and peers. This was our largest group ever and the variety of topics was excellent. The panels are one step in the learning process for IB diploma students. While this is an independent research project, each student has a faculty advisory who guides him/her along the way. The panelists review the essays prior to the panel discussion and they have the opportunity to ask the author questions and make suggestions. The students then use the feedback to create their final works which will be submitted to the IBO for marks.

Sample Extended Essay Topics

• What is the optimal angle to shoot a basketball?
• In what ways does H.P. Lovecraft explore the theme of Isolation in his works?
• An in-depth study of the the theme of alienation and isolation in a post-World War II context in Pink Floyd’s seminal 1979 album, The Wall.
• Estilo literário e crítica social na obra Vidas secas, de Graciliano Ramos 
• The effect of 1980 Colombian Drug Cartels on Colombian society to this day
• “How does the movie, Moneyball, a sports film portray the emotions and motives of a hero in a movie?”
• How did Mark Rothko’s inner conflicts and goals as an artist reflect on his unique rectangular motif? 
• To what extent is music piracy in Brazil a negative externality in the music industry?
• Influence of classical and baroque music on Randy Rhoad's style while in the Ozzy Osborne era
• To what extent did the childhood trauma and educational values influence Robespierre during the Reign of Terror?

Wordles showing the students' essays.

First Annual IB Core Retreat

On Friday and Saturday the Junior IB Diploma candidates attended the first ever IB Core Retreat. The retreat focused on ToK, Extended Essay and CAS and was organized by Ms. McClelland, Ms. Hunt, Amaral, Maggie and Mr. Berg. Students embarked on a 2-year journey during this 24 hour event where the boys slept in the black box theater and the girls in the library. 

Mr. Berg's ToK Students Kicked off the Retreat

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Thank you for choosing Berg Air, the airline with fewest in-flight bear attacks. This is flight IB 2014 with destination to the IB diploma. Flight attendants will be coming around shortly serving refreshments. Please note that electronic devices must be turned off, due to IB Federal Protocol 1. Estimated flight time is approximately 2 years, so make yourselves comfortable. Please place your physical and emotional baggage either under the seat in front of you, or stow it in the overhead compartments. Note that emotions and attitude towards the IB diploma may shift over the course of the flight. Also note that the “procrastinate” sign has been turned off. While it will be turned on later in the flight, we suggest that you remain in your seat with your workload securely fastened, even if the sign is turned on. On this journey to the completion of the IB diploma, there will be some minor turbulence as we pass through an Extended Essay storm, but the flight staff is here to assist you with any fears or problems you may have. On behalf of all those at Bergland Travel, allow me to say welcome, and enjoy your flight." 

by Adam Fertig

Thanks to Mr. Potter, Ms. Petersen, Ms. Fernandes, Mr. Shackelford, Mr. Jensen, Ms. Stoneman, Ms. Panunzio and Ms. Zeidenberg for also contributing to this wonderful event.