IB Evaluation Feedback

Last week we had our five-year IB Evaluation Visit for our Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme in the sixth form, which is a very significant milestone for the College. The process is the IB’s equivalent of an Ofsted inspection (which we also have as a state school), and involves three visiting evaluation leaders spending three days in College reviewing all aspects of the programmes. There were numerous meetings with staff, students and parents, visits to lessons and tours of the facilities, in addition to scrutiny of policies, curriculum documentation and unit plans. 

The feedback we received at the end of the visit was exceptionally positive, and the visiting team commented that it was one of the strongest visits they had ever undertaken. There were over 30 of the IB programme standards (out of a possible 40) highlighted as a particular strength. 

These included the ‘outstanding knowledge of the IB programmes’ demonstrated by leaders and staff, the high-quality learning environment created in college and our commitment to diversity, inclusion and compassion. They also highlighted that the IB philosophy and mission were tangible throughout the entire College, and noted that the experience and expertise of staff is having an extremely positive impact on students’ learning and outcomes. They felt that the teaching observed throughout the three days was very strong, and that pupils showed very high levels of maturity and independence, and a ‘very special’ commitment to international mindedness. They also acknowledged the very broad curriculum on offer, and small class sizes, noting that the College has evidently prioritised teaching and learning despite our limited resources. 

We are eagerly awaiting the final report, which will capture the above in far greater detail, and will look forward to sharing this in the coming weeks with parents/carers.

Service Learning: Spotlight

Service learning was another area of the IB Evaluation that received significant praise, and as we move towards Christmas it feels fitting to share some of the incredible work students have been doing as part of their service learning across the College. All of our students take part in service learning from year 7 through to the sixth form, to help them develop attributes of the Learner Profile such as being ‘caring’ and ‘reflective’, and building their confidence and social skills. Mrs Thomas, who leads service learning across the College, supports students to make a meaningful contribution to their community and society.  

For our younger pupils, this can be learning about charitable organisations, organising fundraising and promotional activities to raise awareness. We have pupils who have organised bake sales, car washing, a non-uniform day and activities at Open Evening, to help raise funds for causes they have chosen. Other pupils have focused on the environment, working at the HI Trees community project to support the growth of the newly planted forest area, creating a green belt in Histon, or working as part of our Eco-Committee. We have also had pupils litter picking each week across the College and in the wider community, as well as completing litter surveys to identify areas where more bins or duties may be required. In addition, another group have been working with a Traffic Officer to research road safety to create a product to help incoming Year 6 students travel safely to school when they start in September, focussing on how to stay safe when walking and cycling, or using public transport.

It is a very important part of being an IB World School, that students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful service learning, be this through advocacy, research or direct/indirect action. All of our pupils will continue to undertake service learning throughout their time at IVC. If you are aware of any local projects that our pupils could be involved with, please do contact Mrs Thomas via the office.

Staff CPD: update

In addition to our whole school CPD input this term that has explored the essentials of an IB curriculum, how to support students with trauma and developing our relational practice in behaviour management, this half-term various departments have focused on refining their teaching practices through targeted CPD sessions. At IVC we give staff 1 hour a week of timetabled subject CPD, where all members of the department come together in order to focus on professional development. 

In History, staff reviewed OCR’s latest training on the summer examinations, examining exam questions, mark schemes, and applying these to example answers to standardise marking for the upcoming mock exams. In Science, the emphasis was on strengthening pupil engagement in lessons, with a focus on using strategies like spear fishing and trawling, and considering when each is most effective. A highlight was Chris Wrigley’s engaging demonstration of the Van de Graaff generator, which provided both entertainment and valuable scientific insights. The Visual Arts team has focused on IB Essentials, Inquiry-led Learning, and the use of OneNote in the classroom, building on last term’s explorations of AI in Art Education and GCSE Art moderation exercises. In Religious Education, the faculty revised their teaching and resourcing strategies to ensure accessibility for all students, especially those with SEND. 

Maths staff focused on the importance of routines to start lessons, strategies for keeping students engaged, and recognizing signs of fatigue towards the end of term. Meanwhile, the Languages faculty began the term by preparing for the IB visit, followed by a session on the 2024 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Examiner’s reports, which will help guide marking for the November mocks. Our colleagues in the English Faculty have been examining the OFSTED English Review to understand how they can develop a deep and fluent knowledge of the content they are teaching to maximise engagement and progress from our students. These varied CPD initiatives underscore the faculty’s commitment to continuous professional development and improving student outcomes across the curriculum.

Sports Leaders Update: Primary Panathlon

Our Sports Leaders did themselves proud at last Friday’s Primary School Panathlon, held at Impington Sports Centre. This inclusive event was attended by 15 primary schools, with over 70 students participating in a range of events. We were delighted to receive incredibly positive feedback from the organisers, South Cambridgeshire Schools Sports Partnership, on the excellent communication skills our students demonstrated, and their ability to motivate the younger children throughout the event. 

Performance School Workshop: Kiera O’Reilly

Last week our Performance School students took part in a rigorous movement direction class led by IIC Performance School alumna and Laban Conservatoire graduate Kiera O’Reilly. Kiera also gave a talk on her route into dance training, with vital tips and insights into the industry; Kiera commented that the support she had been given by staff during her time at the Performance School was instrumental in leading her down the path to contemporary dance training and work.

Year 13 BTEC Performing Arts students also benefitted from Kiera’s directorial guidance on their work in progress community theatre pieces, ahead of their upcoming assessment this term, a unit Kiera produced highly memorable work for whilst studying with her own cohort.

Watch out on our social media channels for promotional photographs ahead of our upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Cambridge Junction, which Kiera gave valuable insight into during her visit.