Any Clavis parents out there?!

hey Courtney

Now that you are here in Mauritius,what are your thoughts and feelings about Clavis.

Hey there!

I don't want it to appear that I didn't answer this question...so pasting in my response from the other thread just in case! 

Have a great day!


Hi Screnika (and others!)

Clavis is an IBO World School.  This means that not only is their curriculum top notch, they are also held accountable for keeping their IBO World status. 

I have taught in IBO schools for eight years now (my husband--16 yrs w the IBO).  I have been through the IB authorization process as an educator twice.  Let me tell you, it is extremely rigorous.  This organization holds the teachers, students and administrators to a very high standard.  Not only is implementing the program a big challenge, keeping the IB status is as well.  The organization returns to the school every couple of years after program implementation.  At this time everyone is assessed on how they are continuing with implementing the program.  After these site visits, schools are often given commendations (if they are lucky!!) as well as recommendations on how to keep the school authorized.  If there are too many problems and the school does not adhere to the recommendations, the IBO will essentially strip the school of its IBO status.

So, all of that to say, Clavis is up to standard with other IB schools around the globe.  If not, they wouldn't be able to call themselves an IB school. 

Okay, this is getting a bit long winded...but I would also like to say that the IB teaches kids how to REALLY "think" for themselves, to question everything around them (YES, even their teachers!!)  It teaches students how to be independent and at the same time develop a deep understanding that other people (even with their differences) can also be right.  The program challenges students to become cooperative learners, it gives teachers the freedom to adapt the curriculum to the students interests and ability levels, as well as adapting lessons according to global affairs.  Also, embedded in the curriculum are the IB Learner Profile Traits (things like Caring, Open-Minded, Communicator, Risk-Taker, etc etc.)  Teachers work very hard to make sure that all students in the school are demonstrating these traits throughout the year.

Another fantastic thing about the IB curriculum is the methods (yes PLURAL!!) of assessment.  Students aren't simply lectured on a topic and then given an exam and then moved onto the next topic.  Assessment is both formative and summative...always continuous. Students aren't simply given a letter grade (A, B, C, D, F) because what does that REALLY teach a kid about his/her work?  Almost nothing!  Instead, teachers use general rubrics as well as task-specific rubrics to assess a child's performance on an assignment.  Rubrics are attached to the assignment so that when the student receives their grade (something like 1-6) they can revert back to the rubric (along with the teacher's comments on the assignment) and know EXACTLY what they did well on and where they need to improve...EXACTLY!  In my opinion, a much better way to help a child with his/her work than the good ol' A, B, C method!

If you walk into a classroom of an IB school, you will most likely see (and this is a GOOD thing!) students moving around the room, sitting in groups working collaboratively in the hallway, students and teachers using computers and other forms of technology, the teacher moving around the room and rarely standing in the front lecturing, etc.  It is rigorous, but not in the same way other schools are!  You probably won't see desks arranged in perfect rows and students sitting down with textbooks or worksheets in front of them diligently working away (the way many of us were taught!) Often, you will find that teachers do not use textbooks (VERY scary for a lot of parents at first...and sometimes the students, too.)  However, if you stick with it and the teachers are well trained, your child will come out of the program with the most amazing zest for life, care and concern for others and the world around them, and super prepared for university life (as in...many universities often give full credit for the entire first year--sometimes two years b/c these kids are so well adapted and prepared for what lies ahead.)

As for me, I would not want my son in any other place!  And no, I am not affiliated with Clavis in any way other than the fact that my son attends the school  ha!    I am just very passionate about the IB program and all that it offers our precious kiddos!  I could go on and on and on...but I guess I've probably said enough for now.  Tee heee!

Stay dry today!

Court 
xx