Beijing BISS International School - Broadcast - Issue 5 September 13th 2013

Beijing BISS International SchoolB R O A D C A S T

BISS is an IB World School serving the international community, committed to the ideals of the International Baccalaureate.Our Mission is to educate and empower our students to attain personal excellence and positively impact the world.

Health and Social Education in Chinese A

Issue 5, September 13th 2013

IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE:

• MAP Testing - What’s MAP all about?• PYP Coordinator’s Message• Does class size matter?• Grade 1 Writers• ES BISS on the Road• Grade 9 and 10 Chinese A• CAS Capers• SS BISS on the Road• Soccer Camp• Staff First Aid Training

UPCOMING DATES:18th Sep Half day. Classes finishat12:15buses leaveat12:3019th-20th Sep Mid-Autumn Day (government holiday)23rd-27th Sep SS BISS on the Road30th Sep-4th Oct October Break7th-11th Oct ES BISS on the Road19th Oct Family Bowling Night

BISSBroadcast:Issue5September13th2013 page 2

Students in Grades 3-8 completed three computerized tests last week in reading, language and mathematics. This is the 2nd phase of our pilot program to implement MAP (Measures of Academic Progress TM). The tests are administered in Fall and Spring.

What happens during the test?The test is adaptive, so it is individualized for your child. As he/she answers a question, the next question is generated from the previous response. (If they answered correctly, the tasks get harder; if they answered incorrectly, the questions get easier.) The test is tailored in real-time to the needs of the learner so your child is always answering questions just at their level. This ensures that students feelconfident,capableandchallengedthroughout.Also,thetest isnottimed,sochildrencanwork at their own pace, without pressure.

What do we do with the results?The data is analyzed to show growth and progress, not performance. Weusethedatafor2purposes: • to followeachchild’s individualprogress,analyzing improvementsmadethroughout theschool year (we do not use the data to compare students.)

• toinformteachersoftheskills,strategies&contentthateachchildisreadytolearnnext(soour lessons can be tailored to student needs)

The results are not used for report grades. The data we receive from MAP is a small puzzle piece, which helps us understand and teach each student effectively. We collect this information in con-junction with our own observations, work samples, class assessments, self-assessments and other information, to build a picture of each student and their learning needs. If MAP results do not cor-relate with the data we collect at school, we may disregard it as anomalous.

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What is MAP all about?MAP Testing

BISSBroadcast:Issue5September13th2013

Why do we do it?We collect MAP data to help us to tailor our teaching to student needs. With this information, we can ensure that each student is receiving the academic support and challenge they need to thrive at BISS.

What should parents do?Parents can help us by downplaying the importance of the MAP test. Remind your child that the purpose is to help teachers know what to teach each student. Encourage your child to try hard and enjoy the novelty of answering questions on a computer. Remind them that real learning is happening at school and home every day.

Forfurtherinformation,pleasereviewlastweek’sletterfromMrsGailis&MsFredericks.Ifyouhaveany questions or concerns, please contact Ms O’Dwyer or Ms Rapoport.

Thank you for your support.

Ms Shannon O’Dwyer Ms Robin Rapoport ES OLC Teacher SS OLC [email protected] [email protected]

上周，3-8年级的学生完成了三个计算机化测试，内容有阅读、语言和数学。这是我们MAP试点方案实施的第二阶段（MAP=Measures of Academic Progress TM，学业进度测评）。此测试每年在秋季和春季进行。

测试期间做什么？此测试系统灵活，每个考题的难易程度是适时自动调整的，所以它能为孩子提供个性化的测评。孩子每回答一个问题，接下来的考题及其难易程度是根据上一考题回答情况自动调整。（每当孩子答对一道题时，下一个考题会变得更难。如果孩子答错了一道题，接下来的考题将变得简单。）本测试是适时地根据学生的实际学习水平量身定做的，让您的孩子总是能够在他们的学习水平回答问题。这将确保学生测试时感到有信心、有能力，而且整个过程又充满挑战性。此外，MAP是不定时测试，所以孩子们可以根据自己的速度答题，没有压力。

测试结果用来做什么？通过分析测试结果数据，了解学生的学习进度情况，而不是学习表现。我们使用此数据有两个目的：

• 遵循每个孩子的个人学习进度情况，分析整个学年的教学进度和改进教学计划。（我们不使用这些数据来比较学生。）

• 给教师提供每个孩子下一阶段所应学习的技能、方法和内容，为学生的下一步学习做好准备。（所以我们的教学可以针对不同学生的需求，因材施教。）

测试结果不用于学习成绩报告。我们得到的MAP测试数据，只是教学的一小部分，它有助于我们有效地了解和教导每一位学生。我们收集这些信息将结合我们自己的教学观察、作业样本、课堂作业、自我评估和其他信息，为每个学生建立一个学习需求蓝图。如果MAP测试结果与我们平时在学校收集的数据不相符时，我们可能会把此作为一个案看待，不予理睬。

为什么我们要举行此类测试?我们收集学业进度测评的数据，是为了帮助我们根据学生需求调整教学计划。有了这些信息，我们可以保证为每个学生提供他们所需要的学习支持，及在学习上需要面对的挑战，让他们在BISS学习进步，茁壮成长。

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什么是 MAP?


家长应该做些什么？

家长可以帮助我们淡化MAP考试的重要性。提醒你的孩子，测试目的是为了帮助老师了解如何对每个学生因材施教。鼓励你的孩子努力去做，并享受计算机化测试的新颖性。提醒他们，真正学习是日积月累的，它发生在学校和家里的每一天。

如需进一步信息，请查看上周的小学校长和中学校长的信。如果您有任何问题或疑虑，请联系Ms. O’Dwyer 和 Ms Rapoport。

谢谢您的支持，

Ms Shannon O’Dwyer Ms Robin Rapoport ES OLC Teacher SS OLC [email protected] [email protected]

PYP Coordinator’s MessageRecentlyaBeijingpublicationinterviewedmeabouttheIBLearnerProfile.To help to give our community a better understanding of the IB Learner Profile,andthePYPprogrammeingeneral,Iwouldliketosharesomeofthequestions they asked me, as well as the answers I provided.

1. WhatistheIBLearnerProfile?

The IB states, “The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.” To serve this purpose, the IB promotes ten traits that “IB learners strive tobe.”Collectively,thesetentraitscomprisetheIBLearnerProfile.Examplesof these traits include Inquirers, Caring, Open-minded and Balanced.

2. HowistheIBLearnerProfileusedinclassrooms?HowdoestheIBLearner Profilebenefitchildren?

Asteachersdeveloptheircurriculum,theylinklearningexperienceswiththeIBLearnerProfile.ThechildrenaretaughttheIBLearnerProfile,bothexplicitlyandimplicitly.ThisaspectofthecurriculumcertainlygivesIBstudentsanadvantage.Forexample,thetraitReflectivehelpsustoensurethatour students can assess and understand their strengths and limitations to support their own learning and personal development. This is a powerful ability, which will serve them throughout their life. Similarly the trait Risk-takers helps us to empower our students to approach unfamiliar situations with courage and forethought, and to have the independence of spirit to explore roles, ideas and strategies. If you stop and think about this, you can see what a tremendous asset it would be to posses such personal attributes, whether you are a Grade 3 student or a corporate lawyer.

3. HowdoestheIBLearnerProfilebenefitteachers?

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We can sleep easy at night knowing that we are working to foster attributes in our students that will servethemwellfortherestoftheirlives.TheIBLearnerProfilewillhelpustodevelopcompetent,caring and dynamic global citizens.

4. WhatdoyoulikebestaboutanIBPYPeducation?

Thereare several things.Certainly theattributesof the IB Learner Profileand thePYPattitudeshelp us to shape very empowered, principled, happy and effective young people. Moreover, an elementofthePYPcurriculumthatIfindquiteexceptionalis‘Action.’Weencourageourstudentstoreflectontheirlearningandtochoosesomethingfromtheirlearningtoactupon.Thisprocessbuildsconfidence,anddevelops studentswhogrowup feelingempowered that theycandosomething to make a difference. Many curriculum models are passive, but the PYP framework is student centered and we do see that our students grow up with a strong sense of identity and poise.

5. WhatonethingwouldyoulikeBeijingparentstobemoreawareof,with regardtochoosingaschoolfortheirkids?

It is important to understand that education has evolved a lot since we were students. We now know much more about how to educate our students academically, socially and emotionally. Sometimes parents look at traditional curriculum models nostalgically and they think their children willbenefitfromthesamekindofeducationthattheygot.Iwouldencouragethemtotrustthata lot of research has been done in the last twenty to thirty years and that a curriculum framework likethePYPisbasedonthe‘bestpractice’findingsthathavecomefromextensiveresearch.Ifyouwant your children to be empowered with a lifelong love for learning and a belief in themselves, choose a more modern and innovative approach to education. Certainly, the PYP provides a framework for education that I would recommend with great enthusiasm.

Justin JarmanPYPCoordinator&[email protected]


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Does Class Size Matter?

A few parents have raised this question over the past weeks, so I thought it would be of interest to write this article to detail an answer.

Traditionally, the Western belief has been that smaller class sizes allow for more individualised attention and therefore better learning. As many schools in both the Western and Asian systems have 30 or more students in a classroom, questions about class sizes often arise at schools. It was interesting to me then to hear parents voice concerns about their children being in smaller classes at BISS. Reasons for these concerns were that children might get lonely, or that teachers may not be able to keep up the same level of quality teaching in smaller classes. (Admissions standards and teacher recruitment were also raised, but as these do not directly relate to the actual class size question, I will not go into them now.)

So which is better - smaller or larger classes?

Actually, recent research indicates that class size does not have as much of an impact on learning as was once assumed! A growing number of studies show that the correlation between class size and learning is in fact quite small. Student learning depends on many different variables, each of whichisinturnfurtherinfluencedbyotherfactors.Thequalityoftheteacher,forexample,providesa much larger correlation to enhancing learning than the actual size of the class.

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Here is a list of some of the variables and factors requiring consideration when trying to determine whatthebestnumberofstudentsmightbeforaclass:

• Balanceofstudents(e.g.,age,grade,personality,language,abilityand“socialintelligence”)

• Teacherskillsandexperience(e.g.,classroommanagementanddifferentiationskills,ESOL and Special Educational Needs training and/or experience, etc.)

• Theparticularsubjectandin-classactivity(e.g.,largergroupswithmorecontributorscan enhance class discussions, but classes that are too large can also limit the chance for individuals to contribute)

• Sizeandlayoutofthephysicalclassroom(whichmayphysicallylimitmovementand prevent some types of activities from occurring).

So while the quick answer might be “yes, class size does matter”, the full answer is far more complex. I think “it depends” would be a more accurate answer to the question.

Like most quality international school, BISS makes efforts to keep class sizes relatively small, and maintain a high teacher-student ratio, so as to offer individualised learning and reach all students attheirspecificlevels.Ifaclasssizegetstoolargetodothis,wetheneitherstopacceptingstudentinto the class, or make two classes to enable it to occur. In the Diploma Programme, we are pleased to be able to offer our students a large selection of courses, and this also contributes to smaller classes. Of course it would be great to have a few more students in our smaller classes in order togainthelargerclassbenefits,butIthinkmostteachersandfamilieswouldprefertohavetheclassesalittlesmallerthantoolarge,consideringthecomparativebenefitsandourdesiretohavea supportive family atmosphere to learn in.

To conclude, we have seen that the “ideal” class size depends on many different factors. More importantly, quality teachers are what make the most impact on learning. Due to this, emphasis is placedatBISSonrecruitingthebestteacherswecanfind,treatingthemwellaswevaluetheirwork,and providing them a high level of on-going professional development to ensure they continue to improve on their skills. We are therefore able to gain the high correlation to learning that we all desire.

Dr Gwyn UnderwoodHead of [email protected]


BISSisofficiallynowonFacebook!

www.facebook.com/BeijingBISSInternationalSchool

The Grade 1 children are all writing! They are writing stories, writing recounts, writing about their observations, publishing class books, writing lists and making cards. They are “writers” and though they are still learning about the conventions of spelling and sentence structure, it is pleasing to seethemwritewithsuchfreedomandconfidence.Theyarelearningthatthewrittenwordisnodifferent to the spoken word, just on paper…

Duetothisgreatattitude,theyaretakingrisksbytryingtowritedifficultwordsandexperimentingwith punctuation as well as sentence structure. These early sentences allow us, as teachers, to help them re-edit their work and teach them more about spelling and sentence structure through the child’s own expression.

But most importantly the children are developing their own writer’s voice! They are valuing the opportunity to express themselves in the written form.

Lara RonaldsGrade 1 [email protected]


Grade 1 Writers

As you have probably heard, BISS on the Road in the Elementary School will take place the week of October 7-11. If you are new to our school you may not be aware of why we organize such a week. As we are an inquiry-based school, the idea of children extending their learning beyond the classroom walls is linked to the philosophy of the PYP. Students are engaged in authentic activities in and out of the school building where they can display their understanding of the IB LearnerProfileandattitudes.

Each activity is planned carefully with your children in mind. We have made links to the curriculum and with your child leaving campus they will gain a better hands-on idea of the concepts discussed in class. Teachers have been grouped together as a team to plan the trip and to escort your children as well.

BISS on the Road activities will vary according to your child’s age. For example, preschoolers will only leave school for a few hours on one day while the grade four class will leave campus for a few days and will even begoneforonenight.Thebiggradefivestudentswillbe away from school for two nights. Teachers have travelled to these overnight destinations ahead of time to analyze the venue to make sure it is safe for your children. Permission slips and itineraries will be sent to you after we return from the Moon Festival Holiday.

We realize that over night trips may be a new idea for you and your family, but we want to encourage you that it will be an incredible time of learning for your Grade 4 and 5 students. Not only will they bond with their classmates, but also they will be given opportunities to become better team members and thinkers.

Please begin to speak with your children about BISS on the Road and the wonderful week it will be. It is truly an amazing opportunity that BISS affords its students.

I look forward to hearing all the amazing stories from your children about what they experienced during BISS on the Road!

Ms Kyra GailisES [email protected]

Elementary SchoolBISS on the Road!



Journalist Visit in G9&10 Chinese A

G9&10ChineseAclassiscurrentlystudyingjournalism.TheAreaofInteractionisHealthandSocialeducation.Studentsarelookingathowtoeffectivelyinfluenceanaudience’sunderstandingofevents.

Mr.Lin,ajournalistatCaixin,isaspecialistinChina’smacroeconomy.HepaidavisittoourG9&10Chinese A class this Tuesday. During the lecture, he talked with students about how to dig for stories and research for news reports. He also shared his experience researching information and getting storiesasafinancialjournalist.StudentsexchangedwithMr.Linonsomecurrentnews.

Journalism is a force pushing our community forward. Our students, new generation of the world, arepreparingthemselvestopositivelyinfluenceourcommunities.

Ms Lynn Long Chinese [email protected]


CAS Capers:Raymond!

Welcome to the new weekly column. Here we will highlight the laudable CAS endeavors of BISS students CAS. ‘Creativity, Action, Service’ is an important component of the IB Diploma course, which encouragesstudentsto:1. Increase their awareness of their own strengths and areas for growth2. Undertake NEW challenges3. Plan and initiate activities4. Work collaboratively with others5. Show perseverance and commitment in their activities6. Engage with issues of global importance7. Consider the ethical implications of their actions8. Develop new skillsBISS has 61 CAS students who are a credit to the IB philosophy intent on creating a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. I invite teachers and students alike to contribute to CAS CAPERS and to applaud the worthy adventures of our BISS students.

Raymond-Grade12Longtermproject(ActionandService)Raymond decided to share his passion for basketball with his peers and MYP students. Each lunch break he is out there on the court, encouraging, challenging and promoting the sport of basketball at BISS. Raymond writes his journal, documenting his experience and combines this with pictures thatillustratehisactivityandwillalsoassistinhisultimatereflection.Raymondwillconstantlyreferto our 8 CAS Learning Outcomes (above) to ensure his long-term project is demonstrating some of the outcomes. Raymond’sprojectisareal,purposefulactivity,withsignificantoutcomes.Itwasalsoapersonalchallenge as he was a new student to our school. Raymond has given thoughtful consideration to planning,reviewingprogress,andreportingwithhispictorialdisplay,andwilleventuallyreflectonthe outcomes as well as his personal learning.

Ms Mariann ThorneCAS [email protected]


Secondary SchoolBISS on the Road!

We are on the road again… andtheexcitementisbrewingaswereadyourselvesforourC&Sjourney!

Different adventures for different grades, but all, facilitating the learning experience which is the focus of BISS on the ROAD. Hold onto your hats as we embark on our exploration of our wider community. We will have fun, learn more about ourselves, our friends, make new friends, learn new skills and experience the unfamiliar.

CheckouthowwerecordourBISSontheRoadexperience:

BISS on the RoadDescribeyouradventure

a. HomeroomTeacher’sName:b. TitleofProject:ProjectType–Creativity/Action/Servicec. ProjectDescription:d. PersonalGoals:

Journalentries

a. Write a journal on your trip as a reminder of all the cool and not so cool adventures you have.b. Take pictures of yourself and friends

WriteaReflectionofYourExperience&PerformanceattheEndofYourProject.

a. CommunityDetails:

b. ProjectEvaluation:

c. PersonalGoalsEvaluation:

d. RatingMyPerformance:

a picture paints a 1000 words!

Ms Mariann ThorneCAS [email protected]


Soccer Camp

RegistrationDeadline:Sept19Ages:10–18yearsoldLevel:Youmusthaveprevioussoccerknowledge and skillsLocation:ISB

DailySchedule:Monday - Friday

9:30am Drop off10-00 - 11:15 Training session11:30 - 12:30 Theory session12:30-1:00pm Lunch/rest

1:30 - 2:45 Training session3:00 - 3:30 Summary of the day3:30pm Pick up

Saturday10:00am - 1pm Mini Tournament

Any questions?

See Ms Dryer

Ms Mindi DryerAthletics [email protected]


Staff First Aid Training

Health and Safety awareness is an essential feature of the BISS school community. At BISS we aim to provide a safe environment for all our students and teachers and effective responses should school members require medical care. To ensure all staff are skilled infirstaid techniques,BISS recentlyhostedthreefirstaidtrainingsessionsoverthree Saturdays. The sessions were run by First Aid Trainer Dr An Min (School Doctor), John He (PE department) and Roger Hawke (G2 teacher), with more than sixty staff attending the training.

The training focused on situations that we may encounter in everyday school life and on school field trips, which is timelygiven the upcoming “BISS on the Road” week activities in which all grades will participate. The training provided staff with the opportunity to refresh their knowledge andskillsoffirst-aidpractices(suchasCPR,choking, bleeding control and head, neck and back injuries) and to ensure there is a common understanding among staff of BISSfirst-aidemergencyprocedures.

Thanks to all the staff for making this training a valuable learning opportunity. If you have any questions about BISS medical procedures please feel free to contact Dr An Min at [email protected].

Dr An [email protected]

Mr John [email protected]

Mr Roger [email protected]


On September 7th, after only 5 practices, the High School Girls Division 3 Volleyball team played a tournament hosted by ACI, just outside the city. It was a fun tournament in which we played just onesetwitheachoftheother4schools:WAB,THIS,HISB,andACI.Therewere12girlswhowenttothe tournament with the team.

OurfirstgamewasagainstWAB,andthegirlsplayedwell,completingseveralvolleysagainstWAB.We had an average of 81% serving as a team during this game and though it was the strongest gameoftheday,weendeduplosingthatgame25-15.InthefinalgameagainstHISB,weservedan average of 79%. Serving was our most consistent skill of the day.

Unfortunately,wedidnotmakeitintothefinalrounds,buthavemadedefiniteimprovementsincethefirstweekofpractice.Thegirlshaveagreatamountofenthusiasmforthegameandimprovingtheir skills. After another week of practices, we are looking forward to our game next Monday, September 16th against HISB.

Ms Amanda Von JentzenSS Girls’ D3 Volleyball [email protected]

SS Girls’ D3 Volleyball Tournament


(Those NOT held at BISS are marked with * )All students and parents are welcome to attend any of these sessions.Bring your lunch and feel free to eat during the presentations.

MondaySeptember16th(2:30-3:15)inArtRoomduringDrama/Musicforgr.12students–seeMs.Shrimptonif you are in gr. 11 and really want to go.California College of the Arts www.calarts.eduMollyRyan,DirectorofAdmissions,tel:[email protected]

TuesdaySeptember17th(10:30-11:00)MorningBreakinBISSCourtyardUniversityofLaVerne(CA)http://laverne.edu/internationalAdam Wu, Director of International Admission [email protected]

WednesdaySeptember18th(10:30-11:00)MorningBreakinBISSCourtyardEndicottCollege(MA)http://www.endicott.eduWarren Jaferian, Dean International Education [email protected]

SundaySeptember22nd(1:00-4:00pm)* Linden Fair for US Universities at Shangri-La Hotelwww.lindentours.comformore informationaboutwhichuniversitieswillbeattending. Email to register:[email protected]

SaturdaySeptember28th - individual appointments as requested*WashingtonUniversityinSt.Louishttp://admissions.wustl.eduElizabethRosen,[email protected]

MondayOctober7th–(1:00-1:50)inBISSAnnexNortheastern University www.northeastern.edu/admissionsErin Brandt, Assistant Director of International Admissions [email protected]

MondayOctober14th(1:00-1:50)inBISSAnnexUniversity of British Columbia (UBC) you.ubc.caDayna Li International Student Recruiter Advisor [email protected]

TuesdayOctober22nd(1:00-1:50)inBISSAnnexHongKongUniversityofScience&Technology)HKUSThttp://join.ust.hk/Cherry Chui [email protected]

WednesdayOctober23rd(10:30-10:50inBISSCourtyard)University of Rochester Isthier Chaudhury Senior Admissions Counselor [email protected]

FridayNovember15th–(10:30–11:35inroom345)Loyola Marymount University www.lmu.edu/internationalDwayne Zamora International Admissions Counselor [email protected] of Kansas - Audra CryderBaruch College - Teresa Liu

Furtherinformationfrom:

Ms Karen Shrimpton BISS School [email protected]

Counselor’s CornerUpcoming University Visits

Beijing BISS International School - Broadcast - Issue 5 September 13th 2013

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Transcript of Beijing BISS International School - Broadcast - Issue 5 September 13th 2013