My friend Angie,

I'm so glad we met again at the reunion. I just wanted to tell you a few things because we didn't have much time to talk at the party.

My mom was so happy when I told her you were here in Panama now. She said that she wanted to see you. We're having a family reunion this Sunday and she wanted me to tell you to come by. Let me know what you think.

Best wishes,

Angel.

Do you know who you are? Harry Styles for Lights up

After learning and discussing the big topic: "Identities", we were asked to answer a series of questions related to the study of physical appearance: 

They took some time to answer because we often don't question how we present ourselves to others or our behavior.

If you want to know more about yourself, check out these questions:

1. How do I present myself to others?

    The first times that I meet someone I'm not usually outgoing, it takes time for me to get talkative, to get that confidence that I usually need to start speaking about myself. I've noticed that when I'm alone with someone new I might be a little more extrovert, but if someone I know is around I don't talk much.

2. How much physical appearance matters to me?

    First thing I pay attention to in a person is their personality, the manners, the way they express. Physical appearance is more like a bonus, at the end is just an overall aspect of identity, but it doesn't play a significant role, in my case.

3. How do I express my identity?

    I reflect on my values, beliefs and passions. I participate in activities that resonate with me. I don't feel comfortable doing things that I don't like, so most of the time if you see me participating in something it is maybe because I like it. I like being surrounded by people who I can learn from. About clothes, I'm an easy going person. I make decisions based on my principles.

    This is very subjective. I relate it to the fact that different colors convey different feelings, depending on the person. We're used to assume things, or judge people based on their clothes, but what really reflects your personality is the way you behave regardless the clothes you're wearing.

The shaping of identities. -Exploring good common principles for a digital identity system. Bolychevsky, I. (2018).

Identity is defined as "the fact of being who or what a person or thing is". Identities as one of the main topics of the English ab initio course took us to different corners of the countries to compare their cultures, and how we define and express ourselves.

We explored a variety of aspects that define and shape our identities as human beings. In the context of topics of personal, national and global interest, we navigated into the oceans of our essence and the elements behind our identity, such as:

• Physical appearance, which refers to physical features and characteristics. It includes personality, clothes and personal details.
• Relationships, it would be relationship with neighbors or relationship with family. Defined as a connection with someone.

We went on a journey within ourselves to discover interesting facts about our way of being, our way of acting. Questions that required deep analysis and critical thinking were difficult to answer because we often do not question or think about these behaviors. How do I present myself to others, how much physical appearance matters, how do I express my identity, to what extent do the clothes I wear reflect my personality?, were some of the questions asked in class.

During these classes we did a retrospective at the things we have learned over the years and continue doing to do as habits. How culture and different ways of thinking affect our identity, also depending on the region of the world we live in.

Note: If you want to take a look at the different activities we have done on this topic, please go to "Activities", "Identity" on the menu.

Aula 105. Photo by City of Knowledge.

The Academia Bilingüe Panamá para el Futuro was founded in 2019 with the objective to educate young people with excellent academic profiles from Panama's public schools, and providing them with a high standard education.

The Academia, a government project of the Honorary President of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, located in City of Knowledge is the first public high school to educate students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

"The Academia Bilingüe Panamá para el Futuro is the first official educational center to receive the International Baccalaureate and become part of the IB community", said the Minister of Education, Mrs. Maruja Gorday, at the inauguration of the international school year at the City of Knowledge.

The goal of the Academia is to provide students with high academic performance, comprehensive education and excellence in order to obtain a high school diploma with international quality standards.

Students from tenth grade to twelfth grade receive a scholarship to study at this Academia. After graduating from middle school, students must apply and take a series of academic, psicological and general tests to acquire the opportunity to study at this school.

To be a student of the Academia and an IB student is an absolute honor, and I'm really grateful to be part of this great project. Now my responsibility is not only to do my best in my academic journey, but also to be grateful to contribute with my knowledge to my country, Panama, by being part of the project, as well as once I graduate from high school.

I encourage each and every one of you to continue doing your best. My parents once told me that "every sacrifice has its reward", so keep going and trust yourself.

6 Ways Advanced English Speakers Can Improve Their Fluency by Lindsey Franger for heyladie.io (2021)

What is English ab Initio in the IB Diplomma Programme?

"The language ab initio course is a language acquisition course for students with no prior experience of the target language, or for those students with very limited previous experience."

According to the IB Website, "students develop the ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes and texts.  In doing so, they also develop conceptual understandings of how language works."

In addition, these are some of the common objectives that this language acquisition course aims to achieve:

• Develop international-mindedness through the study of languages, cultures, and ideas and issues of global significance. 
• Enable students to communicate in the language they have studied in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes.
• Encourage, through the study of texts and through social interaction, an awareness and appreciation of a variety of perspectives of people from diverse cultures.
• Develop students’ understanding of the relationship between the languages and cultures with which they are familiar.
• Develop students’ awareness of the importance of language in relation to other areas of knowledge. 
• Provide students, through language learning and the process of inquiry, with opportunities for intellectual engagement and the development of critical- and creative-thinking skills.
• Provide students with a basis for further study, work and leisure through the use of an additional language.
• Foster curiosity, creativity and a lifelong enjoyment of language learning.

As English ab initio learners, we seek to develope receptive, productive and interactive skills as we learn the target language, English.

This course consists of 5 major areas that have to be covered over the two years of the program:  identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet.

Through this blog I'll be sharing my knowledge on the big areas, mainly identitites and experiences.

Along the way, we will have the opportunity to learn about other cultures, politics, manners, and experiences from around the world.

References

IB Organization (2023). Language ab initio. https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/language-acquisition/language-ab-initio/

IB Organization (2018). International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Subject Brief. https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/5895a05412144fe890312bad52b17044/lang-ab-initio-2018-en.pdf 

 

What is an International Baccalaureate (IB) School? Photo by Ginny Bartolone (2019).

Hey there! I'm Angélica, a passionate student enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at the Academia Bilingüe Panamá para el Futuro, the first panamenian public school offering this program. Welcome to my space here on Internet, where I share my journey, experiences, and thoughts as I navigate the challenging and exciting world of IB education.

Who Am I?

I'm not your typical student, and I'm proud of it. In between balancing my coursework, CAS and ToK projects, and essays, I'm an explorer of knowledge, a problem solver, a lover of languages, critical thinker, and an inquering student. Wheter it's trying to solve Math, Physics or Chemistry problems, writing essays, reflextions and reaction papers, I try to enjoy the academic adventure that the IB Programme offers.

Why This Blog?

This blog is where I share my educational experiences and offer a glimpse into the life of an IB student. You'll find a mix of experience articles, study tips, activities done at the classroom and the occasional dose of motivation to help you stay on top of your academic game. My aim is to make this IB journey a lot more enjoyable.

Outside the Classroom

When I'm not buried in textbooks or writing down notes, you can find me pursuing my hobbies and interests. Usually I would enjoy a self-time session, time with friends and family, and practicing my favorite sports and arts, I believe in the power of a balanced education, and maybe I'll be sharing my adventures beyond the classroom as well.

Join me on this Adventure

So, if you're an IB student like me, a prospective candidate, someone curious about the world of international education, or a student that is reading this blog as an assignment, you've come to the right place. Join me on this exciting journey through the IB Program, where the challenges are plenty, but the rewards are even greater. Let's learn, grow, and succeed in the IB together!

Feel free to reach out, ask questions, or connect with me on social media. Together, we can make this academic adventure one to remember.

Thanks for stopping by, and I can't wait to share more with you in the coming posts!

Angélica.