IB MATTERS April 2012
Al Zahra College aims to develop faithful, knowledgeable and wise citizens who take responsibility for creating a better and more peaceful world. We will challenge our students to become active learners and critical thinkers who promote
intercultural understanding and respect.
IB MATTERS mary Years A monthly publication about the Pri Middle Years Programme (PYP), trialling of the the IB Diploma Programme (MYP) and planning for llege. Programme (IB DP) at Al Zahra Co
The International Baccalaureate
IB at Al Zahra College
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an exciting set of educational programs offered in more than two thousand school schools in over 120 countries around the world. The programs focus on student-centred inquiry-based learning and global concerns. They challenge students to think in sophisticated ways about the connections between ideas in different areas of study. They put learning into an international context.
In 2011, Al Zahra College was authorised as an IB World School to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The goal is for Al Zahra College to eventually offer all three programs to our students. NOTE: AZC is undertaking a trial implementation of the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Authorisation can take several years and cannot be guaranteed.
PYP & MYP @ AZC
The initial planning for PYP and other possible IB programmes at AZC began back in 2003.
In 2010, AZC was accepted as a Candidate MYP School. In 2012, AZC will request an authorisation visit for the Diploma Programme (DP) in 2013 so that the DP can be offered as the AZC exit credential.
Following first-hand experience with all three programmes (PYP, MYP and DP) in Qatar, Dr Darvall recommended trialling its implementation at AZC. In 2008, AZC registered with IB as an Interested PYP School. Following a preliminary visit in 2009, AZC was invited to become a Candidate PYP School.
During 2010, AZC completed a Pre-Authorisation visit that considered our preparedness for authorisation as a PYP School. Following an authorisation visit, AZC was authorised as an IB World School for PYP. In 2009, AZC registered as an Interested MYP School in preparation for the commencement of Year 7 in 2010.
Information sessions are conducted to facilitate parent understanding of what PYP, MYP and DP are all about - bringing learning alive.
IB Diploma Programme
Al Zahra College submitted its application for Candidacy for the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) on 31 March, 2012. This application is a request to prepare for authorisation to offer the IB DP during 2013, so that AZC can commence in January 2014. The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at
may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5.
university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities. IB Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject
In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding. These requirements are: Theory of Knowledge; Extended Essay; and Creativity, Action, Service.
Cranbrook Visits AZC On the 3rd of April 2012, a group of Cranbrook students came to Al Zahra College. The aim of their visit was to share beliefs and to gain a deeper understanding on how people from other religions express themselves. When the Cranbrook students arrived, we started our day with a game of Bingo (sequel). We had to find someone from a different school and write their names if they match the topic in the boxes. I came 2nd while Mir Reda in my class came 1st. This was a great activity to get to know the other students.After that, we shared what we believe with the students from Cranbrook. I learnt that some of the students are Atheists which means that they believe in no god or religion. I made a friend and his name was Orlando. We were in the same group when we were doing art. We then had recess and I played handball with the students from Cranbrook. When we were asked to go back to our classroom, we had a little bit more time to share what we believe. When we finished, we had an art session outside, on the Gazebos in the playground. I was with Mohammad Youssef from Al Zahra and Orlando from Cranbrook. We coloured in a portrait designed with hands. Each hand was painted a different colour. This was to represent our different cultures and beliefs. They looked really good when completed.
When we finished art, we shared stories about Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It was fascinating to make connections with the other religions. I learnt that Islam has similar stories and characters like Prophet Adam and his wife Eve and Holy Water and ZamZam, to the other religions. We then went back to class and we got ready to pray while the Cranbrook students sat and watched us. I was leading the Salat (prayers) and then the Cranbrook students started asking questions about Salat. They were fascinated by the way we pray. When we had lunch, I played with my classmates. When we went back to class, we had a lesson with Sheik Jaafar about Islam which the students from Cranbrook were able to ask questions. The Cranbrook students asked many interesting questions about Islam. Sheik answered every question and it helped the students understand certain aspects of our beliefs. Then it was time for the students from Cranbrook to leave. It was a pity they couldn’t stay longer, it was really enjoyable speaking and learning with them. The day was successful because we learnt about other religions and what they believe. It was fun and exciting to share our beliefs with students the same age as us and to learn about what they believe and how they express themselves.
Khalil Youssef Year 4
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AL ZAHRA COLLEGE An IB World School Catering for students from Preschool to Year 9 3 - 5 Wollongong Road, ARNCLIFFE. NSW 2205 P: (+61) 2 9599 0161 F: (+61) 2 9599 0162 E: info@azc.nsw.edu.au
W: www.azc.nsw.edu.au