High School Specialists
Design Technology
During the final year of the IB DT course our students take on both the Extended Essay and the Individual Design Project. This year Vincent investigated the development of Hybrid Vehicles, and through his research proposed how he felt the technology would continue to develop over the next 20 years. The purpose of this investigation is to provide the students with the opportunity to learn more about a topic, which has sparked an interest during the course, and to provide them with the opportunity to visit companies and gain first-hand experience in the core elements.
The Internal Investigation follows a similar route in terms of investigation; however, the students are required to develop a proposed solution to an existing problem and then present their findings based upon the research and content studied over the course. Vincent chose to develop a proposed solution to the problem of unbalanced trailer towing His report demonstrated a possible solution to resolve this issue and make towing a simpler and safer past time.
As part of the IB DT course, Vincent has been learning how CAD is used in engineering and has gained experience in its use through software developed by PTC and Solid Works. An important part of the CAD/CAM Option involves gaining a global understanding of how this technology (when paired with Rapid Prototyping) has changed the way in which we view the role of the engineer, and how this profession is rapidly changing to that of a global career.
French
Students in Year 10 have been learning to discuss vacations. They have discussed the practicalities such as methods of travel and types of lodging. The students are extremely proficient in describing past holidays; stating where they went, with whom, for how long, where they stayed, what the weather was like, and what they did and how it was.
Jacob and Vivian (Year 10 dual linguists) both very much enjoyed talking about future vacations and planning and ideal vacation. They each chose a destination and lodgings, and delivered a short presentation describing the location of their ideal vacation and what they would do there.
Here are some examples of a short speaking task both students completed. They had to find a picture of their ideal hotel and in a few sentences explain why this would be their preferred choice.
Il y'aurait des grandes chambres dans l’hôtel, parce que c'est un hôtel de luxe. Il y'aurait un grand foyer avec une salle à manger aussi. Il serait très bien situé, près de la cité est le train. Par Jacob Faibussowitsch
L’hôtel s'appelle Sebel Surrey Bills et c'est un grand hôtel avec une grande piscine et dans le foyer il y a un aquarium sous la terre avec les poissons. On resterait dans une grande chambre avec un lit confortable et on aurait une télévision. Dans l’hôtel il y aurait un bar avec une discothèque. Par Vivian Steurer.
U.S. Studies
In US Studies, Year 12 are focusing on the judicial branch of the United States Government. Students have been analyzing various Supreme Court cases, such as Tinker v. Des Moines independent Community School District, and forming their own opinions on the issues within said cases. Along with analyzing the court cases, students have recently begun to research a court case which they will be simulating in the classroom. Throughout the simulation, students will apply their knowledge of the court case to play different roles in the court such as judge, attorney, or citizen. These simulations allow students to deepen their understanding of the inner workings of the United States Court System while improving their presentation and public speaking skills.
Following their simulations, students will take a trip through the US Justice System on the “other” side of the law as they examine a murder case through dramatic retelling. As students read the tale of a murder, they will learn the details of criminal trials that are often overlooked on television drama shows. Students will not only gain a deeper understanding of the interworking of the US Justice System, but will also be introduced to legal terminology which is often misunderstood. At the end of the case, students will be challenged to take the law into their own hands and decide who the real murderer is using evidence collected throughout the tale. It’s a game of “Clue” come to life!