MYP:

Because the Diploma Programme conducts cumulative exams, we at AISL feel strongly that in order to align with them, students in the MYP need to practice exam skills. For this reason, we will be holding cumulative tests for Grades 9 and 10 from April 3rd to April 6th.

Students have received information about how to learn during advisory. Here are the slides that Grade 10 worked through and here are the slides that Grade 9 worked through. Teachers in each subject support students in developing these study skills. The top two study skills which have been emphasised are active recall and spaced repetition.

Below is the schedule for Grade 9/10 cumulative tests. Please note that some classes will be disrupted but on the whole students will be in regular classes. The tests are 60 minutes in length to allow for accommodation times for the students that need that. All tests will be held in the Pavilion under aligned DP provisions so students experience an ‘exam’ situation. The cumulative tests allow students to review past knowledge, skills, and concepts and practise ATL skills such as:

• Make effective summary notes for studying 
  
• Plan short- and long-term assignments; meet deadlines 
  
• Create plans to prepare for summative assessments (examinations and performances)
  
• Understand and use sensory learning preferences
  
• Practice strategies to reduce stress and anxiety 
  
• Practice analyzing and attributing causes for failure 
  
• Practice managing self-talk 
  
• Practice positive thinking 
  
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of personal learning strategies (self-assessment) 
  
• Demonstrate flexibility in the selection and use of learning strategies
  
• Reflect on learning
  
• What can I do to become a more efficient and effective learner? 
  
• How can I become more flexible in my choice of learning strategies? 
  
• What factors are important for helping me learn well? 
  
• Access information to be informed and inform others 
  
• Make connections between various sources of information 
  
• Understand the benefits and limitations of personal sensory learning preferences when accessing, processing and recalling information 
  
• Use memory techniques to develop long-term memory 
  
• Use effective learning strategies in subject groups and disciplines 
  

In line with the MYP, these tests are not weighted. They form just one more data point for teachers and students about learning and progress. 

As a parent, you can support in making sure your child is eating and sleeping well and that they have an area in the house where they can study constructively. It might be an idea to come to an agreement about cell phone use during this time. Here is an article about how you can help as a parent during exam times.

Koch, Alexandra. “Boy Studying Calculator.” Pixabay,   
        pixabay.com/photos/student-study-boy-test-calculator-6972899/. Accessed 16 Mar. 
        2023.

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