End of grade 12 and Ethical Issues

End of grade 12

This week the grade 12s made some final reflections.  We decided to do this with an illustration as so much of the work they have during the IB was in writing.  Some created diagrams - others included pictures from their activities.  Some used coloured pens and paper and others did them using the computers.  The idea was to sum up CAS and how it has changed them as a learner.  This was different from all the individual reflections they have done as they had to take into account all their activities.  With only one month to go until exams, students are now getting their folders in order and organising supervisor reports.

This week

Meanwhile the grade 11s are continuing to do good work and participate in activities.

The Rhino preservation group is planning presentations for the grade 10s.  This includes making a film as well as improving on the display they have in  annexe C and taking it the annexe B as well.

The Compassionate Journeys group is hoping to present their ideas to the grade 9s in the near future. They are making 'dream pillows' to send to the children in Ghana and are hoping to also sell dream pillows with a message about the plight of the children and raise money to by bicycles for the teachers so that it is easier for them to travel to the schools.

The Amnesty students have plans to make others in their grade aware of the plight of refugees with a monthly presentation during advisory time and sending out links for appeals to all the grade 11s.

Ethical Implications

It is interesting to meet with the students and talk about their ideas and how they can help others. We have had many discussions about the ethical implications of activities and the impact they have on communities.  Students often think that it would be great to fly to areas where help is needed. The benefits of being on the spot and meeting the community you want to help can be a great experience. Imagine a trip to Botswana where you could really see the rhinos and the community they live in. Where you could meet the people's whose lives are affected by rhino poaching.

At the moment a flight to Botswana costs around 8,500 sek.  According the WWF, it costs about 1,200 sek  to pay for the training of one field officer in anti-poaching techniques and rhino monitoring. Seven officers could be trained for the cost of one flight.  Or the money could be used for transporting rhinos or removing rhino horns to make them safe from poachers.  It costs around 10,000 sek to fly to Ghana. The Compassionate Journeys organisation found that by paying an incentive of around 2,000 sek a month they could get local teachers to work in their schools.  Even less is needed to buy a bike to help them to get to the school.

The IB hopes that by participating in CAS students will consider the ethical implications of their activities. Sometimes that might mean not doing what you originally intended and finding more effective ways of providing a service.

Next Week March 31 - April 4

Tuesday 10.30 Compassionate Journeys

Wednesday 15.30 Annexe Council

Friday 10.30 Amnesty