January 2012 - Penguin Press by Penguin Press

The Penguin Press Issue V

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31 January, 2012

The Big Question - What is Theory of Knowlege? - Xenia Rakovshik Activities

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ith seniors announcing with great enthusiasm the conclusion of their TOK classes, and juniors preparing for the beginning of their own, this particular IB course has been getting a lot of attention. But then, what exactly is Theory of Knowledge? Ironically these kinds of nebulous inquiries are characteristic of the class, however whether there will ever be a definite answer to such ponderings is rather doubtful. According to the IB Curriculum outline: “The theory of knowledge (TOK) requirement is central to the educational philosophy of the Diploma Programme. It offers students and their teachers the opportunity to: reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and on areas of knowledge, consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world. In addition, it prompts students to: Be aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge, and recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world.”

“As a thoughtful and purposeful inquiry into different ways of knowing, and into different kinds of knowledge, TOK is composed almost entirely of questions. The most central of these is ‘How do we know?’” Understanding the ways in which one comprehends the world around them is undeniably a fascinating topic of dicussion, a catalyst if you will, for refelction and newfound insight

into how it is that indi- ultimatley, these biases viduals percieve their are retained, revised or day-today experiences. rejected. `` “TOK also has an imBut then again, the portant role to play in means by which one providing coherence for person may intepret the student as it transay a colour, texture, or scends and links acasmell, could vary vastly demic areas thus demfrom the sensory experi- onstrating the way in ence of another. Theory which students can apof Knowledge higlights ply their kowlege with the dangers of bias, greater awareness and making students aware credibility” (IB Curof the interpretaive riculum Outline). nature of knowledge, including personal ideological tendencies, regardless of whether,

IB Column - Handy Tips - Sasha Parodi

orried that IB will kill you? Wondering if you’re going to make it through? Here are a few tips to make the process easier for you:

I use study halls more efficiently when I do small assignments (i.e. worksheets or exercises, as oppose to projects) or work on my CAS reflections. You get the little things done, while not having to really concentrate as much, killing two birds with one stone. You’re not working to the max consistently all day long and you’re getting work that needs to be done, at the same time. Use your study halls, they are such wonderful gifts.

Don’t procrastinate. I know this has been ridden into the ground. But what’s important to remember is that in IB, the assignments never stop. You always have something to do. So you end up working all the time anyway, more even, than you would if you were to get a head start on things. Do your CAS reflections as soon as you’ve Plan. With everything done the activity. Bethat will be going on: cause, believe me, the classes, the extended amount of reflections essay, CAS, IB assess- you’ll need to do will ments, college searches pile up and it will pile – you are inevitably up fast. And one day bound to forget to do you wake up and you something. So just write have 20 CAS refleceverything down, use tions to do for 5 differthe school planner for ent activities, so you once. Plan things out. end up having to work a lot more than you could Study halls. I find that

Advertising Evening with the Arts February 16 from 5:30 in the Bolshoi, Malyy and Hall of Flags. Come and support the Arts and your community!

have been. Don’t forget time don’t just leave and you’re choosing or thinking about your about CAS. your problems be. classes, just a little tip, Sleep is your friend. Learn from your mis- choose classes you’ll takes; put some extra enjoy. If you’re going to Don’t stress out at the work in the classes that be studying these subbeginning of the year require it. Your grades jects for the next two when your grades take are not going to fix years, you might as well a depressing plunge. themselves. be interested in what You’ve just been thrust you are learning. onto an entirely differ- Find the golden mident level of expecta- dle between relaxing tions; it’s understand- and working. able you’re not doing so well. At the same If you’re not in IB yet

Want to Advertise? This space could be yours! Eco Fair Friday, April 20th

Ping Pong Ping Pong Club is still active. Sign up, get involved and complete your CAS requirements.

The organizers of the fair are inviting all students to join and share their ideas on the planning committee. This is a great CAS opportunity for all IB students. For more details, please see Mr.Assimakopoulos

High School Stockholm Syndrome Bryn Will - Counseling Office - Xenia Rakovshik

here did you attend high school? Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT (as a day student). Check it out: www.loomis.org (it’s pretty).

What did you want to become upon leaving high school? I had absolutely no idea. I just knew I wanted to learn Russian. I also thought that I might study animal behavior How would your and become some sort teachers describe you of environmental scienas a student? tist (I really liked Jane I think they saw me as Goodall). a good student. A few times my parents got As a high-school counthe comment, “Bryn selor what is the most would be a great stu- common mistake student if only she weren’t dents make in regards friends with....”, but to college preparation? for the most part I re- Focusing on the “name” ally liked school and of the university, rather did well in class. At the than looking at the atend of 11th grade, my mosphere and really Pre-Cal teacher told me thinking about whether to “kick Chris’s butt” on or not they would be the final (he was always happy in that environgetting some of the top ment for 3/4 years. Also grades in the class) and PROCRASTINATION. as a result I was the only This process doesn’t person to ever get 100% happen TO you, it reon her exam. So I guess quires a lot of work and I rose to the occasion preparation over time. when I needed to. How would you deWhat would you have scribe your experidone differently hav- ence as you applied to ing the experience as a schools? teacher you have now, I had an older sister, so as a student then? I felt like I knew what Not much. Maybe I the whole process enwould have worked tailed. My parents also harder? But I was pret- pulled the car over into ty stubborn (and often any campus we passed lazy) in high school. if we were travelling I definitely would somewhere, so I saw have taken Russian A LOT of schools. I class when I wanted would say I could have to rather than listen- done a little more “soul ing to my advisor who searching” before doing said I shouldn’t take a my applications, benew language late in cause even when I had high school because I submitted everything I wouldn’t get into a good still wasn’t exactly sure university. I should what I wanted out of the have studied what I college experience. The wanted to, not what I school I ended up going was told to. to (Haverford) was one

that my mother forced me to apply to (because it was on common app and I onlyl needed to make a photocopy of what I had already written) and it took me until spring of senior year to realized that she probably knew what I needed and wanted better than I did. I cried twice when I opened acceptance letters--my first one (because I was so relieved I would be going to college) and Haverford. That’s when I knew I should probalby go there. How does being in the counseling office help you understand students? My favorite part of the movie “Bowling for Columbine” is when Michael Moore asks Marilyn Manson what advice he would have given Eric Harris and Dylan Kelbold if he had had a chance to talk to them before they started their killing spree at Columbine High School. He said, “I wouldn’t say a single word to them I would listen to what they have to say.” (that’s word for word from IMDb). I think that is one of my favorite things about being in the counseling office is having a chance to listen. Sometimes there are things the counselors have to tell students too, but I like the luxury of hearing people’s stories and learning about their hopes and aspirations for the future.

What are some of your favorite things to do to blow off some steam? I like being outside and being active. In the summer I sail, swim, play lacrosse. In the winter I like X-country skiing, going for walks in the snow. I also really like beer and have started to make my own (it’s usually better than Sibirskaya Korona or Baltika).

so how great would it be to get to work at a pool all day?? If you could change one thing about the AAS high school what would it be? I wish we could have a sailing team... Can’t we do something about the short fall and spring?

Do you have any advice for current high school students? If you could do any oth- You get out of this exer job for a day at AAS perience what you put what would you choose into it. to do? I would be a lifeguard. I was watching them do a unit with ES kids in rubber rafts and it looked like a lot of fun. Basically most things related to water are fun for me,

Music Review: Lana Del Rey - Olia Kuranova

ne of my biggest, and most shameful, winter discoveries in music is the Vevo-promoted and mesmerizing Lana Del Rey. Shameful because her first single from her new album, Born to Die, came out way back when in June 2011 under the name ‘Video Games’ and upon hearing it again in December 2011 I suddenly realized I have heard this beauty somewhere before. In fact, for all those that follow TV shows with excessive zeal, you might’ve already encountered Lana in early September. It’s a wonder that I let the piano ballad that “Video Games” is slip past tmy grasp when it was featured in the early Season 5 episodes of the coveted Gossip Girl itself. Although her first album is not due for release until the 30th January, most of its contents have

surfaced on the Internet, creating much fanaticism and even more obsession. The combination that we are provided with is that of simple beats, repetitive piano chords, and an almost operatic interpretation of the alto voice track. I cannot emphasize enough how little that sounds like

anyone’s cup of tea, but in reality it becomes everyone’s favourite Earl Grey after two listens. The serenity with which Lana approaches her banal lyrics and limited instrumentals is what makes all of her songs so unique – if not quite similar. My personal favorites include ‘National Anthem’ and ‘Lolyta’. A

TV Show Review: Smash - Alexander Rakovshik

ringing the story of a musical’s journey to the light, “Smash” illustrates the ups and downs of the theatre life. Set in the present day, a duo of songwriters Julia (Debra Messing) and Tom (Christian Borle) come up with the idea of “Marilyn: The Musical” based on the life and style of Marilyn Monroe. A fellow producer (Anjelica Houston) sees this idea and she be-

comes enticed with it, providing a director as well as profits. Included in the story is the hardship of two actresses: Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) an experienced actress with shining talent, and Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) a

waitress with a passions for theatre and looking for her a big break. With original music, plenty of laughs, this TV show doesn’t go over the top with the drama and keeps it real.

bit of indie rock and the innocence of the vocals makes it all the more bizarre and incongruously beautiful. With artists such as Del Rey, one must really make sacrifices – a beautiful voice for a simplistic back track… And no live performances. If you don’t believe me,

check out her recent SNL live version of her second single ‘Born to Die’. Atrocious. Better keep this one in studio version only! Don’t miss the album release in late January…

What’s Your 2012 Horoscope - Sophi Loge

Libra: Assume responsibility. Stand up for what’s right. It all works out.

quarius: Workload can be intense. Find the solution beyond the usual limits. There’s always time for relaxation.

Scorpio: You can accomplish whatever you want today, especially in love, work or communication.

Pisces: You’re more powerful when you work with others. Be open to pleasant surprises. Try your best.

Sagittarius: It’s an intense, powerhouse week. Work faster. Be productive. Expand boundaries.

Aries: Find the beauty in everyday rituals. It’s right there. Let yourself be inspired today. put your weight behind has a good chance toTaurus: Stand up for day. Find a sweet deal. what you believe in. Finish up old business Others are right behind to make room for new. you. They love your passion. Cancer: Your peers are Gemini: Whatever you

especially

Offer encouragement, quickly. Provide motiand stay synchronized vation and direction. and balanced, and abundance is yours. Virgo: You’ve taken action on a brilliant idea, Leo: Follow a strong and get farther than exleader. Be respect- pected. You’re gaining motivated. ful and ready to move respect. Let it in.

Crossword Puzzle: Exam Stress Answers Anxiety Aptitude Breathing Counselor Examination Exercise Focus Grade Nervous Nutrition Pencil Prepared Questions Relax Review Standardized Studying Teacher Tutor

Capricorn: Improve efficiency by letting someone take the lead. Reaffirm a commitment.

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