IBDP - Core Components
Extended Essay (EE)
The extended essay is one of the core components of IB Diploma Programme; a 4,000 word in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. The extended essay provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research about topics of their own choice, under the guidance of a subject supervisor who teaches here in SKISS. The goal is to complete a major piece of formal, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated logically and coherently about the research question chosen. The extended essay assists students in terms of being critical and independent thinkers. Our former students have acknowledged that the extended essay benefitted them with their research skills in their university studies. In the context of a student’s education, universities view the extended essay as a very important tool in preparation for higher education.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge has two assessed components, a presentation and an essay. Students complete the presentation at the end of their Junior year and the essay in December of their Senior year. Both of these require students to use the concepts they have learnt and apply them to real life situations. The essay titles are provided by IB in October and examples from previous years include: “We know with confidence only when we know little; with knowledge doubt increases” (adapted from JW von Goethe). Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge and ‘“Robust knowledge requires both consensus and disagreement.” Discuss this with reference to two areas of knowledge’.
CAS TRIP
ORGANISING IB SENIOR GRADUATION
TEDX
Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS)
The CAS Programme is an 18-month course that requires students to take part in experiences that will provide them the opportunity to fulfil the requirements of 7 Learning Outcomes. CAS involves students in a range of enjoyable and significant experiences, as well as a CAS project. It is organised around three strands of Creativity, Activity and Service, where students have to try and ensure a balance in their portfolio. CAS complements a challenging academic programme in a holistic way, providing opportunities for independent goal setting, collaboration, accomplishment and enjoyment. Successful completion of CAS is a requirement for the award of the IB Diploma. Students also have to engage in three formal documented interviews throughout the two years, which allow them to verbally reflect on their own learning and progress. Reflection is central to building a deep and rich experience in CAS. A CAS portfolio serves as evidence of the student’s engagement with CAS.
There is such a wide range of experiences that students have previously been involved in as part of CAS, but some major events in school include TEDxYouth@SKIS, organising IB Seniors Graduation, Breast Cancer Awareness Week, SKISS Spirit Week and leading CCL Sessions.
Students are expected to find experiences outside of school, some of which include Ice Skating, Piano performance/examinations, Ballet examinations, teaching in a Refugee School. Ultimately, the meeting or development of the Learning Outcomes is the goal which students achieve through reflection after completing an experience.
We visited numerous international schools in Klang-Valley and Sri KDU Subang Jaya was not even on our list. Reason being it is way out of our travelling radius. However, we are glad we made the visit to the school before our final call, and it was the best decision ever! It was a huge transition period for us during the first 2 weeks into school, but the school’s team (Teachers, Administrative and Parent’s Teacher Association) made us feel right at home. We were given clear guidance and was kept well informed on the happenings in the school. My daughter blended into the community quite well with the care provided by the Homeroom teacher. All the teachers here are the kindest, as she told me. She looks forward to going to school and has become more disciplined in terms on knowing what tasks she needs to complete daily. She has gained so much confidence during this short period of time and was given the encouragement to explore and develop her abilities here. She was just selected as the new Primary House Captain for Year 6 AY2022/2023.
Every parent want to find the ‘perfect’ school for their child and are afraid of making the wrong decision. For us, as long she is safe and happy, we believe, she will eventually find the way to her own success.