Good day to you all in the Diploma Community here at Raha. As always, there is a huge amount going on for our Grade 11 & 12 students. As the Grade 12s are in the process of submitting their applications for University, we thought it would be fun to have some contributions from our Alumni (apologies for my terrible Alumnivember pun!), who have given us some insight into how the IB prepared them for university.
Just for fun, we also asked some teachers to say how they chose their university (or how it chose them, in some cases!). I went to Glasgow University, as it was close to home and my mum didn’t want me to go far away! It also helps that it was free – it will amaze some of you that many people not only went to University for free, but they were also paid to go! I think that shows my age!
Ms Claire and Mr Walter were on campus late on Friday night enjoying some scary movies with the DP students. Is there anything more scary than coming to school at the weekend?
Grade 11 are starting their EE journey this month, and Ms Muge has some important information here. CAS is beginning to look like it did pre covid and Ms Tania has taken some students out to the mangroves already. The Grade 12 ToK Exhibition was a great success and we’ve managed to get some photos of the students displays to share.
We also have some exciting sports events coming up Rugby, Basketball, Netball, Cricket, Football…the list goes on and on. Of course there is some studying taking place too!
A reminder that Mock Exams will take place from 2nd – 14th January inclusive.
Have a great November!
Mr Andy
Our Allumni (and Mr Adrian, an IB Graduate) have given us some feedback on how well the IB Prepared them for University.
I often tell students that the Diploma Program was more difficult than my post secondary studies. This takes many by surprise and I am often asked why was that the case? Well, it was not because the level of rigor in the DP was greater, but more so because I was developing the skills that would allow me to be successful during university and thereafter.
We live an age where information is readily available at our fingertips. With the tap of a screen, students are able to access the world's collective knowledge at ease. This reality necessitates being able to use and apply this information effectively to our individual and collective experiences in the broader world. In other words, to think critically.
IB taught me how to apply my knowledge of the world with intention. By engaging in discourse about core values and belief systems in the Humanities, the IB prepares you to be an active member of the international community. Through exploration of issues central to our identities while completing IAs and the EE, students are able to develop a critical eye about the manner in which they can contribute positively to our increasingly globalized society. These exercises demand that students form well developed opinions on issues relevant to their own lives and share these during in class discussion. More than that, the IB encourages an open minded approach to considering ideas that may not have previously fit within our world view, ultimately increasing the potential for positive change.
I brought this invaluable lesson with me to university. My ability to speak on a number of issues with an acute awareness about how others' beliefs could enrich my own allowed me to excel in discussion based courses. More than that, the writing skills that I developed while completing the IB provided me with a base through which I was able to express myself in a coherent and substantial manner. Nearly a decade after completing the IB, it is safe to say that its preparation has allowed me to reach my potential in ways that I never imagined possible. This is so much so the case that I felt impassioned to return as a teacher, hoping to give back to the program that shaped the aspirational global citizen I am proud to call myself today.
The IB prepared me for the rigors of university life. I was able to lead a balanced social and academic life from the get go. It even provided me the option to graduate early, since I was granted accelerated credit in fields like Economics and Mathematics. The IB equipped me with the necessary writing skills to excel in my studies: writing thousand word essays got easier and easier after the Extended Essay. Thanks to ToK, I was able to critically analyze information from diverse perspectives and not take things at face value.
I still draw on these skills every day at my Master of Science program at King’s College London. This motivated me to become more inquisitive and nurtured my intellectual curiosity to this day.
The IB helped me shape a more well-rounded personality, as it inspired me to be civically engaged and volunteer in my free time (even when it was not required). I became proactive about global issues I cared about, such as the refugee and homelessness crises. At Duke University, I was able to juggle my schoolwork alongside running a refugee resettlement program. Lastly, the IB raised my global awareness and aided me in becoming a representative for international students on campus.
IB taught me to be creative.
By solving math problems with obtuse solutions or analyzing texts in depth at a glance, the IB prepares you to stay on your toes and be flexible with your problem solving. Exam prep is great to mental agility, but assignments like the IAs and the EE are great at teaching you how to think in depth and develop larger scale work where the execution requires more time than an exam can give you. The IB trains your mind to know what it feels like to push past your comfort zone and really change how you approach your work.
In university, this meant that the shock of having to write 2 EE length papers and present 2 final exams all around the same time didn't hit as hard as it could have. 6 years after graduating from Raha, I can confidently say that it is this ability to be nimble with thought, and consistently generative that has allowed me to quickly adapt to new work environments and maintain constant involvement in multiple projects at a time. At the end of the day, the vast majority of the facts you learn in IB are irrelevant, but it is the ability to quickly acquire new knowledge and implement it in ways that are innovative, and resourceful allow you to thrive in the fast changing world we live in.
Having recently graduated from McGill University, I have had significant time to reflect on how my time at Raha International School, and specifically engaging in the IB, equipped me for both academic and professional success at University. The most important skill I acquired from the IB that has translated to my time at University has been exceptional time management. With the novelty of moving countries, meeting new people, and adjusting to an entirely new system of academia, time management is paramount.
Throughout the IB, I was encouraged to foster the mindset of being an independent learner that had to simultaneously juggle numerous expectations (6 subjects, IA’s, TOK, CAS…you name it). Whilst this was overwhelming at times, I have gradually come to appreciate the value of the IB experience as I truly feel like it adequately prepared me to tackle any and every hurdle life at University directed my way. Constantly being motivated to expand my critical thinking and to develop a well rounded personality through community service activities in the IB has also moulded me to be a more proactive member of my community beyond just academic involvement.
All in all, I firmly believe the IB curriculum was a critical contributor to my accomplishments at University.
The main reason I chose the Diploma Programme for my high school studies is because I knew it would allow me to explore many of my interests as well as prepare for medical school. Additionally, knowing that the IB is widely recognized by many universities in the world allowed me to keep my options open regarding where I wanted to study. HL Biology, HL Physics, and SL Chemistry laid down many foundations for further medical studies with their comprehensive syllabi and meticulous lab reports we were taught to write. SL Math was extremely valuable to be in my first semester when I had a Biostatistics class. HL English Literature kept me in touch with my love for reading, and helped me develop my writing skills.
Working on the extended essay was the first stepping stone in writing research papers, which is a very necessary skill while pursuing medicine. ToK gave me the ability to look at things from multiple perspectives, which is an essential skill in problem solving. Having 7 subjects and working on CAS, ToK and the EE, all while actively pursuing my own interests definitely helped me improve my time management skills.
During my high schooling years there is a lot that I was incredibly grateful for. A great school community of friends and teachers, some of which I still love and stay in contact with. The IB curriculum itself on the other hand, I had trouble loving and enjoying at the time because it is a very demanding and difficult program (especially if you’re not very proactive). However, it must be said that the values, skills and thinking patterns I learned during my time in IB, have prepared me and to an extent has set me up for the adult world.
There are obviously still many many lessons that need to be learned, but I have done a gap year program/ internship with a church where I worked with many different people of all spheres, ages and walks of life. I felt very strongly that what I had learned in IB, I was able to apply outside of an academic life, but in real life. I wasn’t just “book smart” but the way the IB curriculum trained me to be a critical thinker, principled and a risk taker (not just words I’m using, but words I have integrated in my daily living) helped me to be a more rounded and trustworthy individual.
I am currently finishing off a year of low budget travel across the world. There have been countless occasions where I have needed to be open minded and caring since we’re communicating and interacting with people of different cultures, religions and ideologies. There have also been numerous instances where we have been in sticky situations, wether that’s hitchhiking through a country with no money or where critical and balanced thinking was needed in the heat of a moment.
All in all, IB has been nothing but life changing and course altering for me. I am eternally grateful for everything that I have learned during my time in Raha International School and it’s a place that I hold very dear to my heart. IB is more than just an academically rigorous course, but it’s sample of the real world and it only gave me the confidence to step into my adult with boldness and a manner of thinking that is unparalleled by any other education system. Next year I’ll finally start my studies as BCom (Mathematics Science) in Stellenbosch University. I was accepted with a lack of required subjects because of the highly esteemed IB curriculum. I again, am incredibly grateful for everything IB has taught me and prepared me for the realness of life.
The IB has prepared me for university in multiple ways. I skipped the first two weeks of chemistry lectures with ease of mind and had a smoother transition with the first couple math classes than my peers. I immediately made fast friends with anyone who had suffered through the same curriculum; some of them could even spell my name.
But I think the interdisciplinary aspect of the IB is what has helped me most. The inquiry skills I developed through TOK allowed me to ask my Iranian roommate questions concerning the social unrest taking place in his country: How does Persian history shape the identity of its people? Why do individuals risk their lives to confront a conflict larger than themselves?
No other high school alumnus is more prepared to resolve issues of global significance than an IB graduate, and I am thankful to my teachers who have prepared me for success beyond school. But despite their best efforts to guide my first steps at this turning point in my life, the words spoken by my university president are what have inspired me most: O'zapft is!
It’s True. IB Does Prepare you!
Hey Raha! My name is Miranda Vieira, and I am a recent Raha Graduate from the class of 2022. This past September, I have just started my first block/semester in the International Law program at Groningen University in the Netherlands. I must admit that what everyone was saying is true. IB does prepare you for your first year of university. Let’s just say that some of the university students coming from around the world, did not even know how to cite or paraphrase. I was shocked, since this is something I learned all through MYP to prepare us for DP. When my English Law professor announced our first 1000 word argumentative essay, the other students were traumatized. I was just happy it was only 1000 words! Thanks to the IB 4000 word Extended Essay, this did not scare me. Please take the time to remember that although IB is extremely hard while you are just 16 18 years old, you will be relieved by the time you start University. You will not be scared to write your first essay, present in front of your peers or even contribute to group work. IB has for sure taken care of this for me, and that I am thankful for.
Best of luck to the upcoming class of 2023!
We asked the teachers at Raha how they chose their university.
Ms Muge. I wanted to be a math teacher, but the university entrance system placed me in teaching physics. The universe knew me better than me.
Ms Zarka. Manchester is my home, so it was a very easy decision for me to apply to The University of Manchester. The University exudes excellence and history and I wanted to be a part of that. It also helped that it was only a 25 minute bus ride from my house!
Mr Elliot. I didn't achieve the grades I wanted in my A-levels. I had not, of course, considered this as a possibility, all of my choices were universities with high grades. I only had one insurance, and really this was no insurance at all as I didn't get the grade requirements for that either. However, I was lucky that one of my universities (Loughborough University) had a position open up in a clearing just before I called their admin department on results day. Loughborough was my 4th choice university but I ended up having an amazing time studying Chemistry there.
Ms Aurelie. I did my Bachelor, Master degree and 1st year of Phd at Vincennes Saint-Denis Paris 8 University, France and I chose this university because it was the most appealing one for Languages in France.
Ms Maria. I did not choose my first University. I went to the University of Valladolid (in my home city) cause my parents did not want me to go away from them at the time. Afterwards I went to University of Nottingham for my PGCE in MFL (that was my own choice).
Mr Luke. I'd just finished a welding certificate and worked as a welder for a few months before realising I didn't want to do that. I quit and moved to another city with a friend to work in a restaurant. My friend invited me to tag along and sit in on his philosophy class, so I did. Life-changing experience. I knew within 2 minutes after the start of the lecture that THAT is exactly where I was meant to be.
Ms Emma. I chose the University of St Andrews for its international student body, strong English and International Relations programs, and the historic town setting.
Grade 11
Hi everyone!
It has been great to see you all back after half term looking well rested and ready for the second half of this term.
I am proud to be seeing and hearing your achievements in subjects and outside subjects. It is so wonderful to see lots of you are taking on your role as a DP CAS student with diligence and innovation.
Please continue to adhere to the uniform policy and use of phones only in the designated DP areas. Thank you to most of you for cooperating completely.
I am looking forward to meeting many of your parents at the upcoming 3-way conferences in November.
I would like to also take this opportunity to remind you we are here to support and guide you, please reach out if you are ever feeling overwhelmed.
Ms Claire MS. CLAIRE ARMSTRONG clairearmstrong@ris.ae
We have finished week 2 of our return from midterm break. Senior jackets are here. The weather is not as warm. Predictions have been made! Rather, we would call them projections versus predictions. Have no fear students. None of your teachers are out to get you. We have used your artifacts of learning and projected a finished mark for this year. Your artifacts are assessments, summer work, retakes (of assessments), class participation and preparedness upon entering said classes. Yes, we see you all. We really do!
Something to keep in mind, while you all look nice in your Class of 2023 jackets, there is still a DRESS CODE to which you all must adhere. Yes, your sweatpants are expensive and comfortable. Yes, your jeans feel make you look cool. But NO.
• Only black trousers can be worn.
o No jeans, no sweatpants, no yoga pants.
• Mostly everyone has conformed to wearing the appropriate school shirts, and no more hoodies.
Thank you for not being difficult. There is a subset of you who insist on being nonconformists; however, if you are going to fight for something, please wait until you graduate. Go to a place in need of your services, and fight for freedom. Not the dress code! There will be repercussions. Also, keep in mind that your refusal to acquiesce leaves a lasting impression of your citizenship and agreeability.
MR. WALTER CLARKE wclarke@ris.ae
Dear Grade 11s, Welcome to the EE, a requirement of the IB Diploma, and a core component of the programme.
The Extended Essay process started with the launch presentation on November 1st. It is now time for all Grade 11 diploma students to spend time reading and researching their topics of interest. The goal is to come up with a good research question, with the support of their supervisor, a question that will lead to sufficie nt critical thinking within the subject of choice. When students have ideas, they must speak to the teacher of the subject to ask to be their supervisor. When approved, the information should be entered on ManageBac including teacher and subject choice, by November 28th. Looking forward, we will have EE sessions during well being lessons in the second term, where you will have the opportunity to review all resources on the research question and the EE reflections, and review assessed work on your chosen subject.
Supervisors will help students to formulate the research questions to provide the best “map” for the extended essay. This process does and should take time, so the research question is due on March 17, 2023. I encourage all students to consider options and be prepared to go through many variations of their research questions before they have their final one. If any student struggles to choose a subject, they should come and see me, I will do my best to go through their subjects and guide them in a direction to find the best topic for them. There are resources in files on the Class of 2024 team/EE channel and as links through the Extended Essay worksheet on MB. Especially the “EE question checker” is a very useful tool at this stage. One of the best s trategies at this stage is to review the subject specific criteria requirements from the online guide, and review samples. Most of the information and guidance on initial steps can also be found in the Extended Essay Student Booklet, posted on your class team.
I am excited to start a new cohort of extended essays, please contact me for any questions!
Dear Grade 12s.
We are approaching the final stage of the Extended Essay with the class of 2023! At this point in time, all draft EEs should have been submitted to supervisors for feedback. The deadline for final essays is November28th, 2022. The feedback on first drafts is most valuable at this stage. The final submission will be done through ManageBac calendar. After that date, the essays will then be checked, and reflection 3 meetings will be held before we are ready to send the essays to the IB.
An important note: It is crucial that your registration information matches the subject for which you wrote your extended essay. Make sure Mr. Andy has the correct information, and your MB worksheet shows the same. A final reminder to all students to make sure they follow the format requirements correctly in their final product. There is a document called “Criterion D-presentation” on files in your class team to help with this. We are almost there! Let me know if you need any EE support.
Thanks!
:
TANIA TUFT ttufft@ris.ae CAS Coordinator
Firstly I would like to say congratulations to Grade 12 for the successful Exhibition of their work. It was wonderful to see the conversations that their work was starting all week; students, teachers, and parents all had the opportunity to appreciate the hard work that went into the exhibition.
The Grade 12 have now begun work on their final assessment of the course, The TOK Essay. Students will have already chosen one of six prompts. They will then spend the coming weeks in class formulating their responses to the prompt, finally submitting their full draft in the last week before winter break. The TOK Essay will count towards 67% of the TOK final grade. The prompts offer plenty of discussions; so please, ask the Grade 12 students how they are getting on. Having conversations about their essay will further help them improve their responses.
Grade 11 have now completed the Core Theme: Knowledge and the Knower. We have now begun the study of the Area of Knowledge: The Arts. Students will be completing their second TOK Journal post and this should help them prepare for the upcoming Louvre trip which has been confirmed for the 24 November. This trip w Exhibition that the Grade 11 students will undertake. Hopefully, the trip to The Louvre will offer many pieces of intrigue that will not only energize students' TOK assessments but also, allow them to engag classroom and in the real world in a more effective manner.
6:00pm on Thursdays
Oct. 13th United States America
Location Auditorium
Oct. 27th Canada
Location - Auditorium
Nov.17th Northwest Europe (Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France)
Location Auditorium
Dec. 7th East Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, S. Korea)
Location DP Study Hall
Jan. 5th Northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland)
Location DP Study Hall
Jan. 19th Central Europe (Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary)
Location DP Study Hall
Feb. 16th Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece)
Location DP Study Hall
Mar. 2nd Southern Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)
Location DP Study Hall
Mar. 16th Western Asia (Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt)
Location DP Study Hall
TBC UK (Black Box)
TBC USA (Black Box)
TBC Canada (Black Box)
