A group of over 46 sixth graders at Northwood Elementary School in Hilton worked hard to prepare presentations and videos so that local dignitaries and community members could have a better understanding of the International Baccalaureate and Middle Years Programme. This is the second year that Northwood has held the IB Expo. “We do it as a way to make the community, local and beyond, more aware of IB and the great work going on in our school and district,” said Principal Kirk Ashton.
Held March 23, the afternoon began with special guests introducing themselves. The guest list included Hilton Mayor Joe Lee, Parma Supervisor Jack Barton, Greece Town Board members Diana Christodaro and Joshua Jensen, and many others.
Students and guests then enjoyed lunch together giving them the opportunity to talk about IB and life at Northwood in small groups. When everyone returned to the theater, the students presented a video explaining IB, Global Context, the Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning, as well as examples of how they are demonstrating these traits throughout their day. Sixth grader Luke Schindler was instrumental in producing the video and used his own time at home to edit it.
Guests were invited on stage to see the students share their educational experiences through the lens of the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning. The presentations included student examples and testimonials of the impact a prestigious IB education has upon their lives, both now and in their futures.
The students used references to literature, including A Long Walk to Water; Bud, Not Buddy and Percy Jackson, all books they read as part of their sixth-grade curriculum. Groups of students presented on Global Context, Approaches to Learning and the Learner Profile. They supported their work with artifacts illustrating each of the three areas.
“The students are confident in what they are sharing because it’s their work,” said Julie Dioguardi, who along with Laura Mayer, both sixth grade teachers, guided the group of students through the process of preparing their presentations. Students volunteered to participate and represented diverse ability levels. “The students were committed, excited and couldn’t wait to share their work,” she said.
After the guests had a chance to hear each of the presentations, Kim Rudd, music teacher, led a group of students in a song. Guests could go on student-led tours of the school before heading back to work.
“The students are enthusiastic about their education and will take the skills they learn far beyond sixth grade,” said Mayer.
All sixth graders will take part in the Power of One Middle Years Program mini personal project presentations on June 12. The Power of One is a culminating celebration of research and actions connected to social issues affecting humanity. Students are currently researching and implementing individualized “plans of action” in order to affect change in the world.
Provided information
