International Studies Program, Rentrée 2011-2012

The beginning of the 2011-2012 school year in early September saw the International Section welcome record numbers into both the IB and CDP Programs.

Following welcome barbeques, both programs took on what has become an annual teambuilding challenge of teepee building in the Forêt de Saint Germain, formerly the private hunting grounds of Louis XIV. Students had to craft a “teepee” from only the surrounding foliage and materials that were found on the ground in what seemed an initially generous, but quickly became pressuring, half hour time limit. Each teepee had to be creatively presented to the cohort by each team, making sure the three primary criteria were fulfilled: Enough space to comfortably fit 5 members from the group, overall design/creativity and withstanding the ever-feared shake test! IB groups also had the added chalenge of relating their design breif to the IB Learner Profile, with bonus points for Round Square references! An honorable mention goes to the team of the Seven Dwarfs with an outstanding final presentation, teamwork and teepee; and whilst other teams were extremely competitive, bribing the judges whilst accepted, was penalized. After a long day, all in good fun, the students made their way back to the picturesque Wagram Garden and celebrated wins and conceited defeat over delicious gâteaux and Nutella (yes together) before weary heads parted ways to rest for the following day’s activities.

The next morning we were greeted by possibly by more excited faces than the previous as Dr. Baumert prepared to take groups of wide-eyed IBDP’s and CDP’s on a tour into the cultural wonderland in the heart of Paris that is: La Musée du Louvre. Whilst many, as per usual were disappointed with the size of the Mona Lisa (pick your battles I say!) the day was an ultimate success with more than positive reviews for Dr. Baumert’s knowledgeable insight. It’s safe to say that this year’s rentrée was an ultimate success only reflective of the great attitudes exhibited by the students and their willingness to participate. This is a great indicator for the rest of the year and we truly wish everyone all the best with the 2011-2012 School Year!

Excerpt from the The Gappie Files

by Lizzie Nicholls, Ermitage GAP Student, Australia