Silver Linings
Ms. LaTosha Parker-Jackson - IGCSE Coordinator
For those of us who chose to dedicate our careers to the field of education, we do so knowing the relationship with our students is at the centre of our success. And through the Distance Learning system set up for our Grade 9 and 10 IGCSE learners, I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish now and for future potential school shut downs.
To elaborate on one, I will take this opportunity to highlight our two month pilot program to transition our Grade 10 cohort to the IB Diploma Program. The “Bridge to IB” came as a result of the cancellation of the May/June 2020 IGCSE examination series. Without six weeks of external examinations, the questions became “what do we do now?” and “How do we provide a meaningful learning experience for students whose entire academic experience has changed?” Bridge to IB provides our Grade 10s with the opportunity to participate in three CORE and at least one OPTIONAL sessions throughout the months of May and June. The CORE consists of weekly Approaches to Learning, Writing to Success-DP and Beyond, and a Personal Project. While the OPTIONAL sessions take place twice a week and came from the brilliant minds of our teachers; such as: Art History, Spreadsheets 1o1, Politics During 21st c. Pandemics, Science Journal Club, Physical Fitness, Advanced Math, Business Economics, Pre-IB Math, Language Project, and All You Need to Know About University Applications. While our Grade 10s missed out on an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and understanding in all IGCSE courses with the cancellation of exams; we were given a window of opportunity and took it!
As we are winding down the 2019/2020 school year in Distance Learning, what I rely on more now than ever before is making the most of what is given in front of you. When an opportunity is taken away, something else [possibly better] can take its place.
As a dedicated educator, teaching outside the United States since 2008, I like to see myself as a worldly and experienced individual in my field. Exposed to teaching in extreme, sometimes violent and mentally distressing, circumstances with limited resources or even too many! Relying heavily on my gut instincts on what will be best for my students. Ensuring I can provide as much support and guidance for my colleagues.
But, in my (going on) fourteen years of teaching in the classroom, adjusting and transitioning to Distance Learning has been my greatest challenge. It became my responsibility to ensure the two year IGCSE curriculum sustained itself, regardless of school closing down and losing access to face to face instruction.
Congratulations to our Grade 10s finishing their two year IGCSE Program. It’s been a
pleasure getting to know each and every one of you.
To the current 9s: I look forward to continuing our journey together; hopefully under brighter
(and in person) circumstances.
To the eagerly awaiting Grade 8s: Excited for our future memories to come.
No longer could I have brief conversations in the front courtyard with learners in the morning before homeroom.
No longer could I offer a friendly reminder about a missed deadline to a student who is taking a break in the canteen.
No longer could I resolve a miscommunication between students and teachers quickly during the school lunch break.
No longer could I mentor a student through a difficult academic decision in the safety and privacy of my office.