December Newsletter

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

The IB Learner Profile Celebration

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, Solar Flare performed (see photos below) and shared about their CAS Project. They explained their planning as well as some of the challenges they have overcome.

We also had a little fun with the Learner Profile Celebration where we had a Dr. Seuss theme. Check out the Dr. Seuss-related Learner Profile attributes that Ms. Bailey and Mr. Hull read to the students.

Communicator

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Knowledgeable

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines.

We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

Reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

Inquirer

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Caring

We show empathy, compassion and respect.

We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives— intellectual, physical, and emotional— to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Thinker

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems.. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

Openminded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others.

We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Courageous/Risktaker

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems.. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

Learner Profile Award

Diploma Programme teachers nominated and then voted on the student they felt most embodied all ten of the IB learner profile attributes.

Congratulations to Matthew for winning this award!

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 17-27

We are closing in on the end of the Diploma Programme, which means the beginning of the examination season. From March 17 to 27, we will run our Practice Exams, during which students will have an opportunity to complete one paper 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 allow students to experience how the exams run and the expectations surrounding them. As much as possible, we run the Practice Exams like the World Exams so students feel comfortable knowing what the World Exams will look 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 Practice Exam schedule for full details on the process and logistics.

World Exams: April 28-May 21

World Exams start on April 28 and run through to May 21.
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.

CAS Programme Timeline

The CAS programme will officially end on January 17th. Students will have until this date to submit their portfolios, including their final reflections and evidence collection. After this, Mr. Lee will evaluate the portfolios, and the results will be shared with students after the Lunar New Year break.

Each CAS portfolio should demonstrate the following:

A balance of CAS experiences over 18 months.
Evidence documenting CAS experiences and reflections over 18 months.
Reflections that demonstrate working towards the 7 learning outcomes.
A completed CAS project with evidence, plans, and reflections.

Evaluation Outcomes

Once portfolios are evaluated, students will fall into one of the following categories:

Meets Requirements:
- The student has fulfilled all the CAS programme requirements and will only need to complete their CAS portfolio presentation in March.
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Students in this category will fall into one of two subcategories:
- Missing Updates: The student has completed the required CAS work but needs to finish updating their portfolio. Specific feedback will be provided, and they will need to make updates before the CAS portfolio presentations.
- Incomplete Requirements: The student has not completed the required CAS work and will need to continue working to meet the expectations.

CAS Portfolio Presentations

The final step of the CAS programme is the CAS portfolio presentation, which will take place during the HL Seminar/TOK blocks from March 4–7. This presentation allows students to reflect on their CAS journey, share their achievements, and demonstrate how they met the CAS learning outcomes.

Parent Involvement

Parents are encouraged to review their son/daughter's CAS portfolio to celebrate their wonderful achievements and progress over the past 18 months.

If you have any questions about the CAS programme, please feel free to contact our CAS Coordinator, Gregg Lee, at gregglee@cdnis.edu.hk.

Thank you for your continued support as we guide our students through this important milestone.

The last day Grade 12s will be required to attend classes is April 3.

During the study leave period, teachers will be in their classes during regularly scheduled class time, offering revision activities and guidance to students who wish to attend. However, students must be in uniform anytime they are at school until the end of World Exams (May 21).

March 4 - Second Reports published
March 4-7 - CAS Portfolio Presentations
March 17-27 - Practice Exams
March 20 & 21 - Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences
April 3 - Study Leave
April 28-May 21 - World Exams
May 23 - Senior Breakfast and Walk
May 26: Prom
May 28: Grad Rehearsal; Grade 12 Awards
May 30: 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

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