Somerset lifetimes 2019 Semester 1

Leading

THE MYP

SOMERSET STAFF TAKE ON ROLES WITHIN THE IB ORGANISATION As International Baccalaureate teachers and Middle Years Leaders, we are constantly reflecting on our practise and carefully considering how we embody and model the IB Learner Profile characteristics within our College community. We have taught the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Middle Years Programmes (MYP) for many years at the College and completed regular professional development courses along the way. Our passion for, and deep working knowledge of both programmes has developed immensely. This year the chance arose to build on our current roles in the Middle Years Leaders’ team by applying for the positions of MYP Workshop Leader and IB Site Visitor within the IB organisation. Ever the ‘risk takers’ we decided to make the most of this opportunity. The application process was long and intense, involving several written tasks and a video presentation; however, we had so much fun working together!

Michele directs the ‘takes’.

Recently we received notification that our applications were successful and in late July we will travel to Tokyo, Japan, for face-to-face training with the IB. After training, we will be involved in running MYP workshops, in-house and around Asia-Pacific, and visiting other campuses as part of an evaluation team. The returns for Somerset will be significant as we collaborate with others in the IB community and share our understanding of the holistic nature of the MYP for the benefit of our students. Throughout the application process we have been motivated and inspired by the Dean of Middle Years, Ms Michele Sauer, and we wholeheartedly thank her and Headmaster, Mr Craig Bassingthwaighte, for their tremendous encouragement and support. We also acknowledge and thank Mr Grant Peel for his cinematography skills in producing our videos and Mr Andrew Hawtin for technical support. Luisa Navanteri Acting Assistant Head of Foreign Languages Elly Lynch Assistant Head of Science

Leading the MYP

19

Luisa and Elly rehearse their lines.