Sixth Form Curriculum Booklet
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learning to excel since 1969 Quality British education in Milan Sixth Form Curriculum Booklet The British School of Milan Via Pisani Dossi, 16 - 20134 Milan, Italy - Tel. +39 02 210941 [email protected] - www.britishschoolmilan.com The British School of Milan’s mission is: To inspire learning within a caring, creative and international community, to pursue excellence, and to challenge students to think critically as they prepare for the world beyond. The Sixth Form at the British School of Milan The two years of the Sixth Form, Years 12 and 13, are the most challenging and exciting time of a student’s academic career. The experiences gained in these years create the launch pad from which young men and women direct themselves into the world of higher education and employment. We hope that the personal qualities and academic approaches that will be nurtured in the Sixth Form at the British School of Milan will prepare our students effectively and thoroughly for this momentous change. The central belief of the Sixth Form at BSM is that all our students should develop their characters and capabilities to their fullest potential. To be successful in the Sixth Form is not just a matter of getting top grades: it is also extremely important that all our students get involved in the wider life of our school and community. On a range of levels, Sixth Formers will be highly visible role-models for the whole student body. Sixth Form students at BSM benefit from a high degree of individual attention and a careful system of academic mentoring led by their Form Tutors, subject teachers and the Sixth Form Team. The use of standardised testing helps inform and shape target-setting, so that each individual can work with clear focus and purpose to attain the grades they require to enter the university course of their choice, and to carve out the career they wish to pursue. Qualities which are promoted, and which embrace the IB Learner Profile, include: ACADEMIC MOTIVATION INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY INDEPENDENT THINKING PERSONAL INITIATIVE, SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE TOLERANCE FOR OTHERS THE ABILITY TO SOLVE CONFLICT CONSTRUCTIVELY CULTURAL SENSITIVITY Should you require any further information, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Contact details: DIRECTOR OF SIXTH FORM [email protected] Jill Pickering DIRECTOR OF IB [email protected] Head of Sixth Form WHY THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF MILAN? SUPPORT STANDARDS SUCCESS SUPPORT NETWORK Sixth Form students at BSM benefit tremendously from group sizes that enable experienced subject specialists to develop personalised lessons that allow each individual to succeed. Through Academic Mentoring, CAS supervision, Tutor Time and PSHE, Form Tutors are able to offer each student advice and guidance on both an individual and group basis. The Sixth Form Team, including the CAS, TOK and Extended Essay Coordinators, work collaboratively to provide assistance and direct progress. Parents are provided with regular updates on personal and academic developments, and are invited in to school to join discussions that direct progress. This open, honest and cooperative partnership between BSM and home is a key ingredient of each student’s success. As a British school within Italy, BSM is able to offer its students a dynamic learning environment where they can experience international perspectives, leading to greater understanding of themselves and the world in which they live. Many former students keep in touch and tell us how they are getting on at university. Most refer to how much of an advantage it was to have done the IB at BSM. Almost all former students also comment on how they miss the ‘family’ dynamic of the school, and the genuine interest, engagement and support of their teachers. HIGH STANDARDS At BSM, each individual’s personal development is just as important as their academic progress. Students new to the school in the Sixth Form often refer to the warm, open-minded welcome they receive from students and staff alike. High standards of personal conduct generate a positive working environment, and – as referenced in the Sixth Form Student Contract – pave the way for learning and success to be prioritised. SUCCESS Forbes business magazine, a reliable source for business news, recently reported that the top three skills that employers want when they are recruiting new college graduates are: 1. the ability to work in a team 2. the ability to make decisions and solve problems 3. the ability to plan, organise and prioritise work - and that’s what life in the Sixth Form at BSM is all about. WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL SIXTH FORMER AT BSM? PARTICIPATION LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY BSM SIXTH FORMERS ARE LEADERS IN LEARNING Make sure that you: participate proactively ask questions that broaden the scope of discussion are prepared to take on new ideas reflect on your academic progress and process direct your studies in a dynamic way contribute ideas that help craft the curriculum seek out leadership roles BSM SIXTH FORMERS ARE ACTIVE Enhance your IB experience by taking part in activities that extend your range and repertoire: join MUN [Model United Nations] rise to the challenges of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award become a member of the Choir, Orchestra or Jazz Band participate by playing in sports teams – why not try out for the Varsity squads? commit yourself to CAS beyond the IB requirements BSM SIXTH FORMERS ARE MEMBERS OF A COMMUNITY Be part of the supportive environment of the school: volunteer your time to help other students be aware of the needs of the people around you value other perspectives be a positive role model apply to become a School Ambassador aim to take a role in the Sixth Form Council BSM SIXTH FORMERS ARE STRATEGIC Manage the demands of the IB: develop effective time management skills ensure you are organised prepare appropriately for lessons exercise common sense have interests and activities outside school remember that there is life beyond the IB BSM SIXTH FORMERS ARE RESILIENT Demonstrate strength of character: be honest about your work ethic take responsibility for your decision-making react positively to constructive advice be ambitious and persistent in your endeavours never give up! BUILDING YOUR CURRICULUM REFLECT QUALIFY PLAN WHICH SUBJECTS SHOULD YOU CHOOSE? As a general guide, you are advised to choose IB Diploma subjects that: you enjoy - you will be studying them for up to six hours a week you are good at - consider previous grades and subject teacher advice that fulfil the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme may be required for a certain higher education course or career WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED? As a student of BSM, to join the Sixth Form and begin the IB Diploma Programme [IBDP] you must have: 6 passes at (I)GCSE grade C/Level 4 or above, including English and Mathematics HIGHER LEVEL courses require a grade B or above at (I)GCSE STANDARD LEVEL courses require a grade C or above at (I)GCSE Please note: students wishing to study HL Maths Analysis must achieve A* at (I)GCSE, while those wishing to study HL Maths Applications must achieve at least A at (I)GCSE. Students joining BSM at the Sixth Form stage are also expected to pass Admissions entry tests. To discuss alternative pathways through the Sixth Form at BSM, please make an appointment to speak to the Director of IB. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR SELECTING YOUR IB DIPLOMA SUBJECTS? PRELIMINARY CHOICES December of Year 11 for existing BSM students, or following an Admissions meeting and offer of a place at the school CONFIRMING CHOICES The end of August, once (I)GCSE results have been confirmed NEGOTIATING PATHWAYS Whilst we hope that you make the ‘right choices’ so that you can prepare for your IBDP, any proposed alterations to your subject choices beyond September of Year 12 must be reviewed and negotiated by the Sixth Form Team and subject teachers. THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WHAT IS THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME? The IB Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year course of international education for students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognised, and often preferred, by the world’s leading universities. The Diploma Programme prepares students for university and encourages them to: ask challenging questions learn how to learn develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures IB MISSION STATEMENT “The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.” THE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME Students study 6 subjects selected from the prescribed groups: 3 subjects at HIGHER LEVEL 3 subjects at STANDARD LEVEL All students also study CORE. All students select one subject from Groups 1-5. It is possible to take an extra subject from Groups 2-4 instead of a subject from Group 6 (subject to timetabling). STUDIES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE GROUP 1 ENGLISH ITALIAN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION GROUP 2 FRENCH ITALIAN