12 Issue 55 – February 2016 – QUEEN MARGARET CALLING
Even from a young age, Holly knew she wanted to become a
teacher.
“I had a passion for many different subject areas - Physical
ducation, Health, English and Drama - as well as for young people,
and so teaching seemed the most suitable vocation for me,” Holly
explains.
Her teaching career started off at Queen Margaret College where
she taught for two years. Life then took a complete turn when she
left for Tanzania, Africa to take part in Volunteer Service Abroad,
New Zealand’s main volunteer aid organisation.
“My objective was to help pass on teaching skills to teachers
in Tanzania and my assignment was based at Gyetighi School in
Karatu, a small town just outside of Arusha,” Holly comments.
On her return fromTanzania she took up a position atWellington
Activity Centre (WAC).
“This involved teaching and supporting students who had left
mainstream education due to various behavioural and social issues,”
Holly explains.
With a diverse wealth of teaching experience behind her, Holly
returned to Queen Margaret College in 2012 to take on the role of
Year 10 Dean.
Her teaching career has taken more of a curriculum focus in the
last few years, with Holly coordinating the Senior Mixed Programme
(SMP), leading IB English and teaching Theory of Knowledge. Now
taking on the role of IB Diploma Coordinator, Holly is excited
to be given an opportunity to support the teaching of a leading
qualification.
“The IBDiploma is academically challenging and internationally-
minded. It provides students with wide knowledge, excellent work
habits and cultural sensitivity, skills that are essential for university
and life beyond,” Holly says.
“Students really do become critical thinkers and independent
learners, and I have had numerous past students emailing me to say
so.”
The IB Diploma is not just about studying six subjects. There are
three additional elements, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity,
Our International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) Coordinator for 2016, Holly Payne, is looking
forward to her new role.
A Diverse Education
Action and Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). These core
elements endeavour to educate the whole person and make the IB
Diploma truly unique.
Holly explains, “The strengths of TOK is that it challenges
students to think about their own knowledge. In class they become
active participants in debates and critical thought. It also allows
for different cultures and perspectives to be acknowledged and
considered; often something students have never been forced to do
before.”
“CAS allows students to pursue and be rewarded for their
own extracurricular interests and it forces them to become active
citizens in their community through providing service. Last year
some students volunteered in Fiji or took part in the Global Young
Leaders Conference in Prague, Vienna and Berlin as a part of the
Service strand. On average QMC Year 13 IB Diploma students
completed 243 hours across all three elements, much beyond the
required 150 hours.”
“The major strength of the Extended Essay is that it allows
students to gain invaluable independent research and writing skills
in preparation for university. The academic style of writing mirrors
what they need for first year university, giving them a head start in
their chosen tertiary studies.”
In 2015 extended essay topics ranged from How does an
understanding of group dynamics influence the bystander effect?
(Psychology) to To what extent did the Executive Privilege Doctrine
influence the outcome of the U.S. verses Nixon trial of 1974? (History).
Holly says her own teaching philosophy aligns well with the IB
Diploma qualification because she is a firm believer in a broad and
diverse education.
“I think students need to be exposed to languages, the Arts,
Mathematics, Sciences, English, and Human Sciences, as well as
being engaged in service and extra-curricular interests,” she explains.
“The rigorous nature of the IB Diploma, as well as the wide
subject choice forces each student to gain a well-rounded education.”
With the qualification opening doors to international universities
and scholarships, the opportunities are endless, Holly says.
Left: Holly in Tanzania