Advisory , Kota, Flex

Advisory

Advisory is a program that provides experiences that emphasise catalysed learning beyond academic classes. For DP students, we emphasise building a learning community and developing greater self-reliance.

Here is an overview of the program, and here is a guide to the threads that run through the two year program.

Attendance in Advisory is a good indicator of how engaged a student is in their own learning. If students have input about what would be useful in Advisory, that can be shared through the Student Voice Commission or as feedback to your Kota or Core advisor.

Kota

Kota is a Diplomas Division program in which advisory groups meet with an advisor and a group of 11s and 12s. It is aligned with the Koti program from the MYP years at ISH. While the MYP Koti is Finnish for “home,” we felt that a Kota, which is a shelter in the wilderness in which travellers gather around a fire, was a better metaphor for how we want to support DP students in groups and one-on-one.

The goal of the Kota program is to create a space for community building and building self-reliance through individualised support. Both of these elements will make school a more comfortable and effective place to learn.

The almost-daily Kota time might be used in different ways:

Kota meet-ups

On most Tuesdays, you will gather with your group to share snacks and conversations. These are required regardless of your schedule.

Kota check-ins

Several times a semester, your Kota advisor will meet with you one-on-one to discuss your learning and your goals. You need to attend these appointments.

Kota hang-outs

Quite often, if you aren’t meeting with the Kota group or advisor, there will be a chance to just hang out or head for the break. Kota advisors who are not meeting with students will often be around the workroom and the sauna steps.

Kota advisor

Your Kota advisor will get to know you quite well. While they might not have the answers to all of your questions or issues, their goal is to help you find those and support you in your personal development.

Flex Hour

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