September 18, 2013

IB Calendar See handout for all dates Provides dates for all IB components CAS: ongoing throughout program and due after spring break of senior year EE: begins later in fall of junior year and is due in January of senior year TOK: begins January 15 th of junior year and ends December of senior year IAs: Internal Assessments for all courses Provides dates for college testing information

IB Exam Registration Registration forms have been given to students Payment must be received by October 31, 2013 Registration cost is a one time fee for DP students MVHS will contribute $100 their senior year In January 2014 can create a “savings account” at MVHS to start paying for IB exams for 2015 (more info to come).

What is CAS? Creativity, action, service (CAS) is at the heart of the Diploma Programme and should continue on a regular basis for at least 18 months. Involves these four criteria: Real, purposeful activities, with significant outcomes Personal challenge- tasks must extend the student and be achievable in scope Thoughtful considerations, such as planning, reviewing progress, reporting Reflection on outcomes and personal learning All activities must be supervised by an adult (relatives do not count).

What is NOT CAS? IT IS NOT ABOUT COUNTING HOURS An activity for personal reward, financial or benefit-in-kind Simple, tedious and repetitive work A passive pursuit, e.g. museum, theater, exhibition, concert visits Part of family or religious duty Work experience that only benefits the student Fundraising with no clearly defined end in sight Working in an elderly or children's home when you: Have no contact at all with the elderly or children Actually do no service for other people/animals/environment An activity where there is no responsible adult on site to evaluate your performance

CAS FAQs What forms need to be filled out? All elements are completed online at How often do I have to reflect? Reflection is ongoing and should mirror the length of the activity. Do my team practices count? No, only your competitions & performances count. See CAS handbook on MVHS IB webpage for info

Extended Essay FAQs Specified late start meetings will provide students with training. These meetings are mandatory. Guidance will be provided through the trainings, and each student will be assigned a supervisor. By December, students will have chosen their EE question for investigation. Students must research!!! See calendar for due dates.

Travel Opportunities WeDay: March 26 th in San Francisco (full day activity with trips to see local universities). Cost estimates around $350 depending on # of nights and students. IB World Student Conference: Summer 2014, offered through IBO as leadership opportunity and CAS building ideas. Cost estimates around $1200 depending on location.