IB Program This Week

The IB Diploma Program (IBDP) may constitute a challenging academic course of study, but there’s always time for pizza, chocolate chip cookies, and prizes! At the Junior IBDP Dinner Meeting on Wednesday, September 2, students gathered as a full cohort for the first time to share successes and shoutouts, learn about some basic IB expectations, and review their IB plans and registrations for the May 2027 session.

This term, Junior IBDP Candidates are working hard in the IB Core: Inquiry course to gain foundational knowledge about the requirements of the IB Program and to build student skills necessary for the program. They are beginning work on the Extended Essay (EE) process and are engaging in some Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) work as a group. Stay tuned for the latest pictures!

Check out the Photo Highlights to see the Junior IBDP Class of 2028 in action!

The EE is not a formal part of any subject course beyond these first five weeks in IB Core: Inquiry and is written independently. However, Carly Wassel (EE Coordinator) works closely with students to ensure that they have ample support throughout this process, including a clear infrastructure of steps and deadlines to ensure successful completion of this major research essay. In addition to Carly, students will work closely with an EE Supervisor of their choice.

• In the IB Core: Inquiry course, students are off to a great start in Stage 1 of the Extended Essay (EE) process, as they begin to carefully consider the group, subject, and topic they wish to write on for this major IB core component. The first task for work on their EE is to select an EE Supervisor and to confirm this with Carly Wassel (EE Coordinator) by Tuesday, September 22. After this, students will submit a Submission of Intent form, indicating the intended group, subject, and topic for their EE.

Students are being introduced to CAS requirements, which are fulfilled as a natural part of being a GS student. Throughout the IB Core: Inquiry course, students will engage in some CAS experiences and complete some initial CAS reflections, which confirm and celebrate this “work” outside of the classroom.

• This week, each IB Core: Inquiry arrangement will engage in some group CAS work together—stay tuned for pictures! Students will also learn how to develop CAS reflections and will submit their first CAS check at the end of the week.

Students have been introduced to the TOK requirement and engaged in some initial TOK thinking exercises. However, they will begin their formal exploration of TOK concepts later in the year.

The next required meeting, "EE Subject Guides," is on Wednesday, September 30. All IBDP meetings are posted to students’ Canvas IB tiles and to the George School calendar.

All Senior IBDP Candidates gathered for a kickoff dinner on Monday, August 31. At this dinner, they reunited to affirm their shared commitment to IB. Students confirmed their IB registrations for the May 2027 session and were celebrated for their efforts in the previous year. See the photo highlights!

All Senior IBDP candidates should sign up to meet individually with Kim McGlynn at the beginning of the year for a formal check-in. These meetings offer an opportunity to engage in some goal setting and will ensure appropriate progress with IB core requirements. Specifically, students will discuss the current status of their Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) portfolio and confirm their CAS Project plans.

All students have completed their essays and this work is undergoing authentication and confirmation. Students contacted by Kim McGlynn (IB Coordinator) must respond immediately to ensure that they are on track with this core component, a requirement to earn the IB diploma.

Students must continue to complete and document their CAS work throughout the year. Adherence to deadlines, proper submission of reflections, and maintenance of their CAS portfolios is crucial. The first CAS check of the year is due Wednesday, September 23 and students have been reminded to contact Kim McGlynn (IB Coordinator) to confirm their CAS Project plans.

Students have completed their TOK Exhibitions and will be working on their TOK Essays this fall.

The next required meeting, “IB Registration and the Year Ahead,” is on Monday, September 14. All IBDP meetings are posted to students’ Canvas IB tiles and to the George School calendar.