IB Decision for Poland
As many may be aware, the International Baccalaureate announced their decision yesterday to cancel final exams for our Grade 12 Diploma students, as they did last year. It was disappointing given our unique situation at ASW where we felt fully prepared to sit exams and provide that key opportunity for our students to demonstrate their acquired capabilities. After our meeting today with IB leadership, it has become clear that an exception to the country-wide declaration would not be approved.
I know that this decision has sown much discord in our senior class already. While we thank you for your input, the matter is now settled and it should be clear that our interest in pursuing all options was entirely focused on our role as advocates for ALL of our students and their best interests. We remain as such, your advocates, but now focused on the non-exam route and our energies will legitimately shift to making sure that all relevant evidence is ready to assure good outcomes for the class of 2021. We feel confident that we can achieve that for each of our students and the High School administration and faculty will work tirelessly in the coming days to make sure students understand all elements of the process going forward. Our advantage lies in the good work that has been accomplished this year in classrooms and the degree to which our teachers have a solid grasp on student performance and capabilities. Faculty work in the coming days will be challenging and I want to thank them all for their diligence in advance! More information will come directly from the High School in the coming days. Stay strong and united in your final days now that the decision is made.
Other Notes
We are back in school and heading into the final stretch of our school year, which now ends on June 11. Many things ahead that we are hoping to master in the time remaining, not the least of which is closure on major learning activities culminating in the coming weeks.
A shout out to our Grade 10 students who are in the final stages of their Personal Project. This is a critical waypoint of their learning journey before moving into the Diploma Programme. I’m hopeful that they have found this experience rewarding and they wrapped their learning around a cross-disciplinary approach. We should also remember the cadre of mentors who stepped up to provide guidance along the way. It has been a journey, to say the least. For most, the deeper insight into their thinking will yield an important foundation for more advanced pursuits starting next year. PYPx is also on the horizon for our Grade 5 students, an equally important milestone in the IB journey before progressing into the MYP.
We should also mention Faculty and Staff Appreciation coming next week. PTO is planning some important activities to show our appreciation in a unique way. As always, their creative talents and energy are in full gear and please see their message below asking for your help.