SSIS Has Been Chosen as an IBDP Research High School

The first semester is nearing its end and everyone is no doubt thinking and preparing for the upcoming Semester Exams. With so much to cover and prepare for, combined with what feels like so little time, many are feeling a great deal of stress. Stress is part of the IB Programme, but IB is concerned that it is a realistic and manageable level of stress for students.

To determine whether or not IB should modify a certain level of inherent stress in the Programme, IB has chartered a research project to track students over the two years of the DP. SSIS has been chosen as an IB Research High School and our IB Year 1 students will take part in this global research project. This is a special opportunity for SSIS to be part of the IB global network of world schools. Results of the research will be forthcoming sometime in 2018.

A different form of IB stress will soon come to our G10 students deciding on whether or not to take the full IB, Courses, or only AP. To better prepare students on which option is best for their needs, a new SSIS IB Application and process is currently under development. The process and timeline for G10 students to apply is expected to be completed before the end of this calendar year. The process will actually begin early in 2017.

Since our overall numbers are growing and as it is reasonable to expect that our full IB numbers will also grow, teacher involvement will remain a critical component of this new process. A parent recommendation will also be important as home support and understanding is also critical. IB is rigorous, but so is AP in its own way. What makes IB different is that it is a holistic program that requires dedication beyond mere academics. IB is not solely the purview of only “the smart kids” while everyone else takes Courses or AP. The full IB is for those dedicated to the philosophy of the Programme, not just limited to those who have ‘A’ grades.

Ensuring that there is full understanding by all stakeholders is a reason why there is an update to the application process.

Not to ignore our teachers and staff regarding stress,
Embracing Stress

Stanford Professor Robert Sapolsky discovered, if stress is not managed it is a silent killer.

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