Wednesday 7 September 2016

Invitation to the Parent Information session


Transition programme for D1 students


Objective: The main objective of the transition programme is to facilitate a smooth transition of D1 students coming from different curriculums into the Diploma programme .It is a bridge course which helps in preparing the students to do well in the Diploma programme.

Learning objectives:
  • Develop skills required excelling in the Diploma programme
  • Concepts and conceptual understanding
  • Learning for life- Approaches to Learning
  • A clear understanding of the Core components (EE, TOK and CAS)
  • Preparation for University placements
  • Leadership competencies preparing students for life

This course will be offered through the below-mentioned modules :


Module 1
Understanding the Diploma Programme- part 1
  • Subjects offered in various groups
  • Core components and brief introduction of the same
  • Point system
  • Assessments
Module 2
Understanding the Diploma programme- part 2
  • Brief introduction to ATL skills through activities
  • How to achieve high grades in the Diploma programme ?
  • How is IBDP programme different from A levels ?
Module 3
Haiku and Managebac
  • What are Haiku and Managebac ?
  • How to update CAS, EE and TOK progress on Managebac ?
  • How to use Haiku for HW, class discussions and blogs ?
Module 4
Academic honesty
  • What is Academic honesty ?
  • IB terms and conditions regarding Academic honesty
  • What is collusion, academic infringement and plagiarism ?
Module 5
Research Skills
  • How to carry research ?
  • What sources to use ?
  • Why is research important ?
  • Citation and referencing
Module 6
Self Management Skills
  • How to manage your time ?
  • Simple techniques are shared
  • How to prioritise ?
Module 7
Understanding Extended essay
  • What is an Extended essay ?
  • Criteria
  • How to frame a good research question?
Module 8
Understanding CAS
  • What is creativity , action and service ?
  • How to involve oneself in various projects ?
  • Importance of CAS
Module 9
Workshop on developing Writing skills
  • Techniques on improving Writing skills
  • These skills will enhance quality of written assignments, Extended essay, TOK, personal statements
Module 10
TOK
  • What is TOK ?
  • How is it integrated into various subjects ?
  • Relevance of TOK in real life scenario
Module 11
Workshop on how to cope with stress
  • Techniques for coping with stress

  • Activities designed to demonstrate how to stay calm
Module 12
Know yourself
  • Identifying strengths and weakness
  • SCOT analysis
Module 13
Goal setting
  • How to set goals ?
  • Students to set academic and personal goals
  • Action plans to meet the goals set
Module 14
Who is a true leader ?
  • Understanding of leadership
  • Brief discussion on leadership competencies
Module 15
Introduction to University placements
  • How to apply to Universities ?
  • Courses offered in various universities
  • Aptitude tests
Module 16
Planning your University application process
  • How to write a good essay for University applications ?
  • Personal statements
  • How to create your resume?








Sunday 4 September 2016



5 Sept-  an Important day....


Teacher's day in India is celebrated on the 5th of September, which is also the birthday of the famous teacher, academic philosopher and the second President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishan (Dr. S. Radhakrishnan).

He was of the opinion that only the right kind of education could help develop the society and country. He wanted to bring in a change in the educational system by improving the quality of education and building up a strong relationship between the teacher and the students.

It is said that, once he was approached by some students with a request for celebrating his birthday on 5th of September and he replied that instead of celebrating it as his birthday only, this day should be celebrated as a Teacher’s day to pay honour to all teachers for their great works and contributions.

Ganesh Chathurthi

Ganesh Chathurthi ,  is celebrated by Hindus as the birthday of their beloved elephant headed god, Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is the symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is considered as "Vigana Harta" (one who removes obstacles) and "Buddhi Pradaayaka" (one who grants intelligence).

People bring idols of Lord Ganesh to their homes and worship. The duration of this festival varies from 1 day to 11 days. On the last day of the festival the idols are taken out and immersed in water.


Raji VK
Host Country Teacher



Saturday 3 September 2016


Self-management ....


The Diploma programme prepares the students to face the challenges of life after high school .
One of the major skills required to excel in the Diploma programme is Self-management. The Diploma programme is a rigorous course and requires the students to manage their time juggling between completion of the syllabus, internal assessments for various subjects , CAS, Extended essay and TOK . This indeed is an exciting roller coaster ride and students who are organised, hard working and have time management skills excel . In order to help the students to structure the completion of the IB requirements , deadlines are set for both D1 and D2. It is imperative that students follow these deadlines strictly to get the desired grades. These deadlines have been shared for your reference.
 The link to the D1 deadlines

https://docs.google.com/a/stonehill.in/spreadsheets/d/1-WiUPVgP0IpUaIeAJf7Y_-4oLtmDlaCb4WDEhZExeSM/edit?usp=sharing

Link to D2 deadlines
https://docs.google.com/a/stonehill.inhttps://docs.google.com/a/stonehill.in/spreadsheets/d/1-WiUPVgP0IpUaIeAJf7Y_-4oLtmDlaCb4WDEhZExeSM/edit?

D1 students settling well in the Diploma programme......


The  D1 students are immersed in the Diploma programme and are excited to make new friends, get exposed to new subjects are understanding  the IB philosophy . Students are not only enjoying the subjects that they have selected but are also showing interest in the core components (TOK and CAS). In order to ensure that there is a smooth transition of the students in the Diploma programme, a transition programme has been introduced. This programme through a series of modules will ensure that students will understand the technicalities of the Diploma programme and will also get exposed to some of the skills required in the Diploma like research, self management, writing skills, reflection and communication.


Thursday 1 September 2016

Taking responsibility of their learning

The student council showcased their first assembly today, introducing the student council members and projects initiated by the Council members. It was amazing to see so many students come up with new clubs and projects. I am sure these clubs and projects will do wonders as the session progresses....





A student speaks.... Read on what DP student have to say about the Breakout Camp. 


To kick off the school year in true Stonehill style, we all participated in a 2-day breakout camp in order to get to know our new diploma comrades and facilitate some team building skills among our group. On the first day, inspired by Mr Shepherd’s theory of teamwork, we set out to play what I like to call ‘Spaghetti Chase’, a slightly rudimentary, and twisted version of Capture The Flag, wherein we had to get strands of spaghetti into the other team’s circle without getting caught. This was both exhausting and exhilarating, but really taught us how to organize ourselves based on our strengths to produce the best result for the team. This was followed by some more team games, involving wit and little out-of-the-box thinking. By this time we could already hear the BBQ grills hissing, the coal was ablaze, and we all gathered for a scrumptious barbeque feast. We all mingled with each other getting to know our new friends, helping them out understand the new system and sharing stories and interests over burgers was quite fun. After dinner, we all sat around a cozy bonfire, students and teachers danced, played music and as a result everyone opened up and came closer together. A movie was to follow the rather calming bonfire, we were greeted with heaps of snacks and drinks for the night, Ms Manpreet was truly spoiling us! Austin Powers entertained us for ninety minutes, after which we would call it a day and a good night. We were all eager to know what the next day had in store for all of us.

We all woke up the next day and headed to Breakthrough, an outbound adventure destination where we would do activities with some of the underprivileged children of U and I. The place contained a range of activities, including low rope and high rope balance courses. We were all gonna try these, helping each other every step of the way. The low rope course was done without a harness because our friends became our harness, if anyone went off balance, the rest of the group had to support them and protect them from falling. The high rope course was also very intimidating at first, but encouragement from everyone enabled every person to complete it. We also played various team games, which required us to use strategy, balance and planning to try to a certain task or even win a game of human tic-tac-toe! In the end, it was endearing to see how well we interacted with U and I children, and how quickly we showed unity with them during all the games. We ended our day at Breakthrough playing sports and getting to know one another even more, almost so much that we have created hysterical nicknames for people now! All in all, this breakout camp really did break any sort of shell we were trapped in and brought us one step close to being a united, cooperative diploma student body. - Anvit, D1