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15 Queen Margaret Calling :: ISSUE 62 :: October 2018 Q & A with Holly Payne, International At QMC we offer a dual qualification pathway to our Senior School students once they reach Year 12. Students can elect to take one of two amazing qualifications; NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. All Year 11 students sit NCEA Level 1. In this issue of QM Calling we talk to our IB Coordinator Holly Payne about the IB Diploma. Keep an eye out for our May issue where we will feature NCEA. 1. What is the IB Diploma and why should students consider taking it? The IB Diploma is an international qualification taught in over 150 countries. Universities around the world recognise the IB programme for its international mindedness, the rigour of its individual classes and the integration of the entire programme. 2. What key skills do students taking the IB Diploma develop? IB students develop confidence, critical thinking, open-mindedness and resilience. The breadth of subjects and the core components are supported by research suggesting students will pursue many careers in their lifetime. Therefore, keeping options open and developing a range of skills is beneficial at secondary school. By pursuing compulsory subjects (English, Maths and a language) students learn perseverance and develop the mind-set to successfully overcome challenges. The international minded focus of the Diploma is another strength as it requires multiple perspectives to be acknowledged. Given the multicultural world we live in, developing inclusive and respectful students with a global outlook is vital. 2018 PRIZE GIVING DATES Senior School Prize Giving Date: Thursday 29 November Time: 7pm–9.30pm Where: College Hall Middle School Prize Giving Date: Wednesday 5 December Time: 10am–11.30am Where: College Hall Junior School Prize Giving Date: Thursday 6 December Time: 10am–11.30am Where: College Hall Visit www.qmc.school.nz for more details. 3. Why are the three core components of IB (EE, CAS and TOK) so important? The core parts of the Diploma include an Extended Essay (EE), Creativity Activity and Service (CAS) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). The EE is an independent research task allowing students to pursue a topic of interest in a particular subject area. With guidance, students produce an academic piece of writing typical of a first year university essay. CAS encourages students to maintain their extra-curricular activities and give service to their community. TOK, a critical thinking course, develops lateral thinking and robust discussion incorporating varied perspectives and opinions. 4. Where have QMC IB graduates gone on to study? Our Diploma students have studied at international universities including NYU Abu Dhabi, Seoul University, Sydney University, and Edinburgh University. 5. Will this qualification help a student get into any university or course they want to get into? Both IB and NCEA allow students to get into universities all over the world. The IB allows students to see the points they need to be accepted while researching future universities. Baccalaureate Coordinator LEARNING SENIOR SCHOOL