this year , 2023-24

Juha: Could you kindly provide a brief introduction about yourself?

 

Mrs. Cummins: This is the blurb from the ISA website you could use: “Ms. Katie Cummins is a British Australian Dual citizen, originating from Nottingham in the UK. After achieving a Master of Science degree in the Biological Sciences field in the UK, Katie travelled to Australia to complete a Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Melbourne and has for the past 18 years, dedicated herself to supporting her students to fulfil their potential. As a teacher of the Sciences, specialising in both Biology and Psychology at the senior level, she has taught in the various programmes of the IB for the last 14 years. She has maintained various leadership roles across that time including Head of Sciences and has for the last 5 years held the role of MYP Coordinator and Personal Project Coordinator, guiding many students through the Middle Years Programme and school through its in-depth IB Evaluation. She holds strong relationships within the IB organisation and continues to be sought out by the IB directly, to contribute to the direction and development of the Middle Years Framework.” 

 

To add a personal touch to the above, I am also a mother of two boys who joined ISA Science City this year in Grades 3 and 5, and I am married to Mr Dean Cummins, Head of Secondary. We moved to China approximately 2 months ago and have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and kindness shown by our ISA community. We already strongly feel part of the ISA family. Fun fact - I hold passions in the arts as well as the Sciences and often spend my spare time sketching or drawing and using the medium of pastel to create human and animal portraiture. They take me a long time but I enjoy the mindfulness that comes from the process (I have attached a picture of one I created for my mum). I love the outdoors, adventure and travel and enjoy spending my time walking and exploring this wonderful world of ours. Exploring the underwater world snorkeling/diving or adventuring up mountains to ski are two key targets for my holiday time.

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Juha: Can you provide a general overview of our ISA MYP program? What are its goals towards us students?

 

Mrs. Cummins: The power of the MYP lies not only in its depth of learning but in its breadth. The MYP model provides a programme of rigour, but also a holistic programme of learning that caters for the whole student. This means that students are encouraged to delve deeply into far-reaching areas of knowledge that build a strong foundation of knowledge and skill but also build understanding around the relevance of learning it at all. At the heart of all IB programmes (PYP, MYP, CP, DP) is the IB Learner Profile. One of the key attributes of the IB Learner Profile is caring, and as such, students are encouraged to see the relevance in their learning for their own benefit but also for what they can do with their learning so that they may contribute to a world beyond themselves. Every day at ISA Science City, I am privileged to directly observe this learner profile attribute in action. I have been amazed and inspired by our students in the short time I have been here, and I see no end to their willingness to serve and contribute to our community. That is the IB Learner Profile in action.

 

Juha: How does the MYP prepare students for further education in programs such as DP?

 

Mrs. Cummins: IB programmes present a continuum of learning that does not begin or stop at the MYP. The PYP or Primary Years Programme (found in our Early Years and Primary Years) initiates the learning journey, which is then extended into the MYP in preparation for the DP. An example of this is the PYP Exhibition held in Year 5, which led to the Personal Project in Year 10, which itself led to the Extended Essay and ToK in the DP. The Personal Project completed in Year 10, requires students to explore a passion project that demonstrates their development of the various categories of ATL (Communication, Social, Research, Thinking, Self-Management). Our student projects this year, which are already in development, are far-reaching, and fascinating and demonstrate the power of student agency. I cannot wait for the Personal Project exhibition, so that we may celebrate the successes and achievements of our Year 10 students. The PYP and MYP focus on the approaches to learning (ATLs) however extends into DP and provides ideal preparation for the kind of rigorous study that opens doors to higher education. Additionally, service as action is an integral part of what makes the MYP. A direct line from service opportunities in the MYP leads to CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) in the DP and this just emphasises the IB philosophy of international mindedness and the importance of contribution as well as personal development. So how does the MYP prepare students, by engaging students in the breadth and depth of learning needed that allow them to be able to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the DP and beyond. 

 

Juha: How can parents actively engage with their children's education with their child's education within the context

of MYP?

 

Mrs. Cummins: Parent involvement is key to every student’s learning journey. Whether that be conversations over the dinner table, checking Managebac to support homework completion, volunteering at school events, being part of the Parent Support Group (PSG) or providing support and accessibility for students to be able to take action or undertake service-learning opportunities. In short, we need parents. It is often through parents that we can connect to the wider community. It is often through parents, that students can see how their learning looks in the real world. I cannot thank parents enough for their positivity and contribution to our community of learners. To that end, coming up soon are our Three-Way conferences. This important time is specifically dedicated to connecting our students, teachers and parents. We encourage all parents to book in with their child’s teachers to help initiate conversation and build a long-lasting partnership. Students will be encouraged to share, and at times, lead the conversation so all students should also attend at this important time.

 

Juha: Would you like to share any words or messages with the MYP students?

 

Mrs. Cummins: Seek to find your passions, value every learning experience as an opportunity to grow, and contribute, contribute, contribute. The world awaits you…you add immense value to this world. Flourish.