Year 7A Challenge Course – Extended Essay

Throughout Term 3, four students for 7A took part in the Challenge group where they worked hard on their Extended essays (EE) as they explored the research topic ‘How useful is historical fiction as a teaching tool compared to historical research?’ The course introduced skills from the IB (International Baccalaureate years 11-12) such as independent inquiry techniques and presentation strategies as additional skills to their English toolkit. The students were also introduced to TOK (theory of knowledge) metalanguage as additional analysis functions in order to further their understanding of how we understand knowledge in different contexts. The course was influenced by the IB programme and aimed towards preparing students for their higher-level education.

The Journey

The students began their EE journey by firstly selecting a text they were interested in from the school’s library. They then refined their approach by focusing on a particular aspect within their text which they further explored through researching analytical based texts. All of their research and steps were documented in their learning journals via OneNote where they also reflected upon their EE practises. The students were then shown examples and provided with a skeleton structure to use as a base for their own work where they could manipulate it to suit the nature of their texts. After several stages of redrafting, proof reading and re-citing their references, all students produced exemplary pieces of analytical works that reflected their hard work and determination throughout the course. 

Creativity at its best

Creativity is a key skill within the IB that all students are encouraged to develop and explore. For the Challenge group, they were tasked with creating a visual enactment/ representation of their contextual focus within their texts. Ranging from a Viking slave market sale to a comedic visit to the Apothecary, all students embraced the task brilliantly. By adapting their knowledge of their texts within a modern entertainment format, the students innovated original content that not only engaged their audience but also provided a different preceptive towards the knowledge presented. 

Reflective learners

To conclude the course, the students finished the course by reflecting on their journey as a whole, evaluating their methods used and measuring their outcomes based off what they learnt and how it has developed their academic ability towards the IB. Below are examples of what the students wrote:

Aureleo:
When writing the EE what surprised me was the fact that there was so much to the process of writing and researching well and efficiently, that there were so many little steps to take. This is part of the reason why I feel that writing the EE is mainly about the process rather than the product, or at least at Year 7 level. While the end result is important, the real learning is done in the process. The process is where you learn and get better at many aspects, including writing and researching.

Caitlyn:
One of my challenges was knowing what I wanted to say but I struggle to put it in words. Adding to that writing in a more sophisticated manner was difficult because I tend to write what comes to my mind and that is how I would say it. Overall, this was a great learning process. I enjoyed learning and writing about the topic I chose. I would certainly read more about this topic so that I can learn even more.

Mr Greenslade’s reflection
 Frau Burkart and I are both impressed and proud of what our students have achieved in the Challenge group in Term 3. Their diligence and perseverance is to be commended as all students have made excellent progress towards their IB education and development of analytical skills. It has been a pleasure supporting and teaching the group as each student enriched the course with their own personal flairs. I particularly want to thank Frau Burkart for her invaluable collaboration and support throughout the course as her insight and knowledge enriched not only the students understanding but also my own. Due to the success of this Challenge group, I am happy to announce that Frau Burkart and I have arranged a new course for five Year 7 students this term as we focus on how Space and Time impact our understanding of texts. Good luck to the new group!

                                                 Frau Burkart and Mr Greenslade

Franziska: The Apothecary

Samuel: Viking Slave Market