IB Diploma

A message from the DP Coordinator 

As we near the half-term break, I am really impressed by the curiosity and accomplishments of our students. Communication plays a vital role in any organisation, and our students have truly embraced this key aspect of the IB Learner Profile. Every day, our DP students engage in meaningful dialogue, share ideas, and are learning that academic success is just one part of a well-rounded life.

Over the past seven weeks, our DP1 students have fully transitioned into the Diploma Programme, managing their time effectively across their six academic subjects, the core components of the DP, and participating in extracurricular activities that enrich their wellbeing and interests. They have also fully engaged with the CAS programme,  beginning to understand the significance of IPARD (Investigation, Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Demonstration) in every CAS experience.

Meanwhile, our DP2 students have quickly recognised the increased challenges of their second year in the Diploma Programme, as they face multiple deadlines essential for their success. During our recent KISU University Fair, I delivered a presentation on the '7th subject' – a concept that highlights the time and research needed for successful university or college applications, helping students find their ideal institution. I’ve included the parent presentation below.

The half-term break offers our students a valuable opportunity to catch up on any unfinished work, continue exploring further education options, and most importantly, recharge in preparation for the second half of Term 1.

Wishing everyone a Happy 62nd Independence Day to Uganda!

Mr Daniel Grimshawe
IBDP Coordinator & College Counsellor
ib.coord@kisu.com 

KISU University Fair 

On Wednesday, 25th September, we hosted the KISU University Fair, with 22 universities attending from the UK, USA, and Canada. Our students demonstrated exceptional maturity, asking insightful questions and gaining valuable first-hand knowledge about applications, scholarships, and visa processes. Below is a message from Eynaas Gubara (DP1), sharing her reflections on the fair: 

The University Fair at KISU was a highly impactful event that brought together students from various grades to explore diverse higher education opportunities. Featuring a selection of universities from the USA, Canada, and the UK, the fair allowed students to engage directly with representatives from these institutions. We were provided with information on the various courses the universities offered, brief insights on the tuition and accommodation fees, subject requirements and their necessary, and information regarding the visa application processes. Overall, the event was structured to facilitate open dialogue, enabling students to ask questions and gather information that will help guide their future academic decisions.

The inclusion of Year 10, Year 11, IB1, and IB2 students created a collaborative environment that enhanced the experience for everyone involved. It created a sense of togetherness as students from different grades shared their aspirations and exchanged ideas about their educational paths. This intergrade interaction not only encouraged mentorship and support among peers but also contributed to a positive image of our school as a nurturing place committed to academic excellence. The collective engagement of all classes demonstrated the school’s dedication to preparing students for future challenges, making the event one for learning and growth.

For my IB1 class specifically, the University Fair was particularly beneficial as it provided us with critical insights into what universities seek in prospective students. And even though we have quite a while until we make these divisions, we gained a deeper understanding of the importance of academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and community service in shaping our university applications. 

Eynaas Gubara
(DP1 student)

Ongoing Professional Development 

Since the beginning of September, seven of our IB teachers have participated in training for their respective subject areas. These month-long courses deepen their subject knowledge, enhance their understanding of the marking criteria, and encourage global collaboration. A huge thank you to our staff for their continued dedication to professional development, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education.