Dear Grade 12 Students and Parents, 

We have had a lot going on the last two months, please take a look at some of the things we have been doing as well as what is coming up. 

- Brian Hull

During the first week of December, the Grade 12s had their annual Learner Profile Celebration. During our assembly, every student received a certificate related to one of the IB Learner Profile attributes and a personalized note from one of their teachers describing how the student embodies that Learner Profile attribute. In addition, Michelle and Nychole (see photos below) shared about their CAS Project and the award-winning short film they created on the housing challenges some Hong Kongers face. 

The Diploma Programme is always challenging, and this year is no different. In order to both celebrate our Grade 12s as they get closer to the finish line and to just help put a smile on their face, our wonderful Senior Prom Committee surprised the Grade 12s with bubble tea. Thanks to all who organized this event, I know the students appreciated it. 

Uploading IB Assessments

• After the Lunar New Year DP teachers will begin the months-long process of uploading to the IB the external and internal assessments that students have completed. During an assembly in January, students will be walked students through the paperwork they need to complete and the steps they need to take to ensure this process goes smoothly. 

Practice Exams: March 12-22

• We are closing in on the end of the Diploma Programme, and that means the beginning of the examination season. From March 12 - 22, we will run our Practice Exams, where students will have an opportunity to complete one of the Papers in each of their examination subjects. You can access the schedule HERE.

• Teachers have been asked to add the dates of their Practice Exams to their Google Classrooms so students will see their exams on their "todo" lists and their Google Calendars.

• The purpose of Practice Exams is to give students an opportunity to experience the process of how the exams run and the expectations surrounding them. As much as possible, I run them like the World Exams so students feel comfortable knowing what the World Exams will look like and feel like in May; this includes one 'double exam day.'

• The Practice Exams also give students an opportunity to begin the revision process and get a sense of some of the work they will need to do in preparation for the World Exams. Please review the preamble on the first page of the exam schedule for the full details on the process and logistics.

World Exams: April 28-May 17

• World Exams start on April 28 and run through to May 17.

• You can access our World Exam Schedules HERE.

• Teachers have been asked to add the dates of their World Exams to their Google Classrooms so students will see their exams on their "todo" lists and their Google Calendars.

• Any students with conflicts should see Mr. Hull this week to sign the confirmation form from the IB.

Grade 12s have almost completed the CAS programme. Students will have their portfolios evaluated starting January 9th, and a full update indicating each student's status will be emailed by January 19th. Each portfolio should demonstrate the following:

1. A balance of CAS over the past 18 months. 

2. 18 months of evidence for each CAS experience 

3. 18 months of reflections that exemplify working towards the 7 learning outcomes

4. Completed CAS project with the appropriate evidence, plans and reflection

Students will achieve one of the following conditions:

1. Meets requirements - this indicates that the student has fulfilled the requirements of the CAS programme and will only have to do their exit presentation in March. They are no longer required to update their ManageBac portfolio or continue a balance of CAS experiences. 

2. Conditional pass - this indicates that a student has met most of the requirements of the CAS programme. The feedback on their portfolio will indicate what steps need to be taken before the CNY break to pass.

3. Not meeting requirements - this indicates that the student has not met one or more of the above requirements. This will require the student to enter the mandatory revision program, whereby they will have to stay every day after school until his/her portfolio attains and meets expectations or a conditional pass. The revision program will start on January 22nd. This will take precedence over any extracurricular activities. 

Parents are encouraged to review their son/daughter's CAS portfolio to see the wonderful things he/she has achieved. 

Finally, our CAS portfolio presentations will be completed during the HL Seminar/TOK blocks from March 4-7, 2024.

The CAS presentation is the final step in the CAS programme and, once completed generally, means that students have completed their CAS requirements. If you have any questions related to CAS, please reach out to Gregg Lee at gregglee@cdnis.edu.hk.

For more information on our CAS programme, you can visit our CAS programme website.

The last day Grade 12s will be required to attend classes is Wednesday, April 10. 

During the study leave period, teachers will be in their classes during regularly scheduled class time with revision activities and guidance should students wish to attend. However, students must be in uniform anytime they are at school until the end of World Exams (May 17). 

• December 7 & 8 - Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

• March 4-7 - CAS Portfolio Presentations

• March 7 - Second Reports published

• March 12-22 - Practice Exams

• March 14 & 15 - Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

• April 28-May 17 - World Exams

• May 20: Prom

• May 22: Grad rehearsal; DP lunch and celebratory activities

• May 24: Graduation

• June 12 - Third Reports published

• Diploma Programme Coordinator - Brian Hull: brianhull@cdnis.edu.hk

• CAS Coordinator - Gregg Lee: gregglee@cdnis.edu.hk

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Coordinator - Chris Tyrrell: christophertyrrell@cdnis.edu.hk

• Extended Essay (EE) Coordinator - Dave Perry: daveperry@cdnis.edu.hk