PSA: National Bow Tie Day

Tomorrow is National Bow Tie Day, a holiday I plan to celebrate wholeheartedly. I know at least some seniors and juniors will be observing the day–free lessons in how to tie a bow tie might be offered before school if you ask nicely.

IB History Year 1 Homework Uploaded

I have uploaded the document, “IB History Year 1 First World War Review Questions and Term List” to the course website. It will be due on September 19. Happy research and writing!

IB History Year 2 Homework Uploaded

The first portion of Civil War review questions and terms have been uploaded on the course website.  Enjoy!

Year 2 Books Ordered!

Payday was last week, and I have ordered the seven additional copies of Battle Cry of Freedom needed for the class. Hopefully, they will arrive before the school year, even if Amazon hasn’t started using drones yet. The reading assignments will begin immediately when we start school, and students will be expected to bring their copy to all class discussions (there will be a small grade for this.)

I haven’t seen the detailed feedback on the IB exam papers and IAs from last year, but I can share an insight or two about the fact that everyone passed (as far as I know a first for history at our school. At least it’s a first for me.) All of the students testing out last year were engaged in the course material. All students did the course reading and at least a majority of the homework (although, sadly, not always on time.) All students participated in class discussion, and became conversant in at least a few key topics, conducting outside research and reading and developing a degree of expertise beyond the minimum requirements of the course. I do not believe it coincidental that I also had the highest attendance at review sessions last year, to the point of my rethinking the RedEye as a venue due to lack of room at our table.

Rest up and prepare for the year. I look forward to seeing you in two weeks.