guide to the ib program at tasis

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Applying to be an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Diploma Program Course Student at TASIS The International Baccalaureate Program at TASIS The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum leading to examinations for students aged between 16 and 19. Based on the pattern of no single country, it is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth preferred in others. The general objectives of the IB are to provide students with a balanced education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international understanding through a shared academic experience. In 1996, TASIS began offering students the opportunity to take examinations in the IB program, leading to the full IB Diploma or individual Diploma Program (DP) Courses (previously called Certificates) . A full Diploma student chooses six academic subjects, three of which must be at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Each of the six subjects is marked on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum), and, in general, the award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points plus the satisfactory completion of the core requirements; an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and participation in Creativity Action Service (CAS). Three extra points can be obtained from a combination of the TOK essay/presentation and the Extended Essay. The maximum score for an IB Diploma is 45 points. There are special conditions regarding the award of a diploma for those students who obtain between 24 and 27 points. More information is available at the IB website for parents and students and in the document “ IB Diploma Program: A strong predictor of success in university”. Who should apply to be an IB student at TASIS? There are two groups of students, to some extent overlapping each other, who should pursue the IB Diploma: those who need it for entrance to the universities of their choice or whose chances of acceptance will be enhanced with good grades in the IB Diploma, and those, both academically able and motivated, who want to undertake a challenging course of study. While students are expected to be in good academic standing (both academic and effort grades) before starting and during the IB program, students with lower grades can, and do, gain much from pursuing the IB Diploma. They must, however, be willing to work hard, and organize their time effectively.

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Guide to the IB Program at TASIS

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  • Applying to be an International Baccalaureate Diploma

    or Diploma Program CourseStudent at TASIS

    The International Baccalaureate Program at TASIS

    The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum leading to examinations for students aged between 16 and 19. Based on the pattern of no single country, it is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth preferred in others. The general objectives of the IB are to provide students with a balanced education, to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international understanding through a shared academic experience.In 1996, TASIS began offering students the opportunity to take examinations in the IB program, leading to the full IB Diploma or individual Diploma Program (DP) Courses (previously called Certificates). A full Diploma student chooses six academic subjects, three of which must be at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Each of the six subjects is marked on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum), and, in general, the award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points plus the satisfactory completion of the core requirements; an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and participation in Creativity Action Service (CAS). Three extra points can be obtained from a combination of the TOK essay/presentation and the Extended Essay. The maximum score for an IB Diploma is 45 points. There are special conditions regarding the award of a diploma for those students who obtain between 24 and 27 points. More information is available at the IB website for parents and students and in the document IB Diploma Program: A strong predictor of success in university.

    Who should apply to be an IB student at TASIS?There are two groups of students, to some extent overlapping each other, who should pursue the IB Diploma: those who need it for entrance to the universities of their choice or whose chances of acceptance will be enhanced with good grades in the IB Diploma, and those, both academically able and motivated, who want to undertake a challenging course of study. While students are expected to be in good academic standing (both academic and effort grades) before starting and during the IB program, students with lower grades can, and do, gain much from pursuing the IB Diploma. They must, however, be willing to work hard, and organize their time effectively.

  • While students may attend TASIS for only the two years of the IB, it is highly recommended that students attend TASIS for at least one year before starting the program. This will allow them to take advantage of the IB planning and college counseling opportunities available in the 10th Grade, which can be crucial in making a correct choice of IB program.

    The application processReturning TASIS students who are considering the IB program will be introduced to the program in their 9th and10th Grade years by the IB Coordinator and will discuss an appropriate course of study leading up to, and including, the IB diploma. They will be asked to complete the enclosed application form using the information contained in this document and will be interviewed by the IB Coordinator. TASIS teachers will be canvassed on the suitability of applicants for the IB program, and applicants grades will be reviewed.

    New students should also complete the enclosed form using the information contained in this document and return it with their application to attend TASIS. They should also send a copy by email directly to the IB Coordinator at the email address given below. Any questions about course choices should be sent to the IB Coordinator. Non-native speakers of English must complete the TASIS Writing Proficiency Test at the end of this document.

    In some cases a students math, language, or science background prohibits participation in the full IB Diploma program, but these students may be able to either take DP courses in the 11th and 12th Grades or to postpone entry to the IB program for one year. DP courses, like IB Higher Level classes, can count as the equivalent of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for many US universities and so earn college credit. DP course candidates must also complete the enclosed application form and send it with their application to TASIS with a copy being sent directly to the IB Coordinator.

    Sophomores may begin up to two IB SL courses before joining the full IB program as juniors. These courses are completed at the end of the junior year as anticipated IB exams. This allows them to concentrate on the remaining subjects in their senior year, to retake the exams if they have not performed as well as expected, and to be able to make university applications with actual, as well as predicted, IB grades.

    Acceptance to study at TASIS does not guarantee entry into the IB program as the latter is dependent on a good academic record and appropriate English and math placement.

    IB Fees and Diploma Program General RegulationsParents should note that there are additional fees levied by the IB for examinations. This is approximately CHF 225 for all candidates plus an additional CHF 160 for each examination subject. A full diploma candidate will have to pay approximately CHF 1150. Parents must agree to the Diploma Program: General Regulations in order for a student to study IB subjects and to take IB exams. Signing the TASIS IB application form will constitute agreement.

    Remaining in the IB Diploma ProgramStudents must maintain good academic and effort grades, complete all IB diploma requirements, and meet all TASIS and IB deadlines for submission of work throughout the two-year program. Failure to do so will result in a review of the students IB status and consideration for withdrawal from the program. An application to the program assumes agreement with these conditions.

  • CHOOSING IB COURSES The following is intended to guide the choice of courses for the IB Diploma or DP courses and should be used in completing the TASIS IB application form. All returning students (DP course as well as Diploma) should use the guidelines below to make their choices in consultation with the IB Coordinator, teachers, Department Heads, and the College Counselors. New students should follow the guidelines below and address questions to the IB Coordinator at [email protected].

    How do university plans affect IB course choices?While many students do not have a clear idea of their future higher education plans before studying the IB Diploma at TASIS, an awareness of the country, institutions, and subjects for post-TASIS education will help determine the best choice of IB courses at TASIS. Consequently, in many cases it is necessary to make subject choices which meet the most likely university choices, but also leave as many other higher education options open as possible. For those intent on studying a particular subject in a particular country, the choice of IB subjects must follow requirements established by that country or a particular institution in that country. As each country, and even university, has different requirements, it is essential that these requirements are checked on the IB website. It is always best to contact the universities directly to obtain written confirmation of their entry requirements if there is doubt. Countries and individual universities can, and do, change their IB entry requirements, but the following is a rough guide to some countries popular with TASIS students.United States universities look first at the degree of difficulty of a students academic program and the grades they have achieved. Entry to US universities is therefore enhanced for students who have taken the Diploma or DP courses and who have done well during the two years of the program. In addition, advanced placement can be obtained from many US universities for high IB scores. Some universities allow Diploma students entry directly into the second year. US universities do not usually expect students to have studied specific IB subjects, but will expect applicants to have taken certain courses during their high school careers. The IB Diploma is recognized throughout Canada as an admissions credential. Some of the most selective universities may require it for the admission of students who have been studying outside Canada. For undergraduate degrees at British universities (see UCAS), the IB diploma is essential and course choices at TASIS, and even choices between the Standard and Higher Levels of a course, can in some cases determine where, and in what subject areas, a student will be able to pursue a university education. For example, students wishing to study economics at the more competitive universities should have IB Mathematics at HL whereas business-related courses do not require this. Art courses will require the portfolio of artwork produced in IB Visual Arts. Some subjects are considered less suitable by some universities and need to be avoided. Universities usually require a minimum number of points on the IB Diploma and specific subject scores. DP course students may obtain entry to one-year pre-degree Foundation Programs.German universities require that all IB courses are taken in the last two years of high school education i.e. no anticipated exams and that a student has completed 12 years of education. There are certain requirements regarding languages, mathematics, and science courses. The IB Diploma is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education for university entry if it meets certain subject combinations which are the equivalent of the Italian high school diplomas (see below). Bocconi does not require specific IB subjects.

  • Three ways to fulfill Italian university requirements at TASIS:

    Option: Languages.First language at HLSecond language History (Art History)Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Env. SystemsMathematics or Math StudiesThird language

    Option: SciencesFirst language Second language History (Art History)Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Env. SystemsMathematics at HLBiology, Chemistry, Physics or Env. Systems

    Option: Human SciencesFirst languageSecond language History at HLBiology, Chemistry, Physics or Env. SystemsMathematics or Math StudiesEconomics or Visual Arts

    Spain and France recognize the IB Diploma and no longer require university entrance exams. Swiss state universities require a total of 32 points (without the extra points from the extended essay and TOK), and have specific subject requirements and exclusions. Competency in the language of instruction at the university is expected, and a language exam may be required. The Swiss polytechnics require 38 points and certain subject combinations. Independent universities and hospitality schools in Switzerland have their own separate entry requirements.

    Use the following section to choose six subjects At least three must be at Higher Level and three must be at Standard Level Full diploma applicants should work though the following pages choosing 3 HL and 3 SL subjects with one in each group. DP course applicants should select as many individual subjects and levels as they wish to take.Diploma Program curriculum briefs are available for some subjects. General requirements for full diploma students:

    All students must take two languages including English, 1 science, 1 mathematics, and History or Art History.

    Students must choose a subject in each of the six groups, with 3 at Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level, and the Core of TOK, CAS, and the extended essay.

    Subjects choices must allow students to meet TASIS graduation requirements; please see the Course Offerings Booklet

    Group 1 A First Language: Language AAn A Language is the students native language and there are three types of A languages available at TASIS. In taught A Literature (English, Italian, Russian) HL or SL the program of study focuses on the reading and critical discussion, orally and in writing, of literary texts in the target language. German and Spanish have been a taught language in recent years when enrolment has been sufficient. In taught A Language and Literature (English) HL or SL, the emphasis is on developing the students command of both the language and literature in English and is suitable for highly proficient English speakers. School-supported Self-taught Language A Literature SL can be taken in most other languages. The support of the School is provided in a half-credit class led by an English teacher. All students are expected to arrange private tutorial assistance locally, via Skype, or at home during the vacations to master the self-taught aspects of the course in the target language. The latter is at the familys cost. Among self-taught languages that students have studied in recent years are Bulgarian, Chinese, Dutch, German, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian.

  • Given sufficient enrollment, a self-taught language class e.g. German or Spanish will be offered as a full-credit taught class. Please ask the IB Coordinator if this is likely to be the case with your native language.Now choose ONE Group 1 subject:English / Italian / Russian A Literature (circle one) HL / SL (circle one)

    English A Language and Literature HL / SL (circle one)

    School-supported, Self-taught A Literature: (name of language)___________________ SL

    If you choose Russian, Italian, or a School-supported, Self-taught A1 language, you must take English A or B as a Group 2 subject (see below).

    Group 2 Language B HL, Language B SL, Language ab initio or a second A languageAll IB Diploma students must study a second language.Q. Which language should I choose if I have chosen my best language in Group 1?A. Choose your second-best language or a language you wish to start from the beginning in the IB program.Q. What is my choice if I am not studying English in Group 1 above?A. All students must take an English course. You must choose English A Literature or English A Language and Literature if you have a native command of the language. English B is for those learning English as a foreign language. Q. Can I study a second A language in Group 2?A. Students who are bilingual may study more than one A Literature course.Q. What languages can I study apart from a second A language?A. There are two options: a language B or an ab initio language. Language B is a foreign language for students with more than one year of previous experience of learning the language. To start a B language at Standard Level, students should know the basic grammar and be able to write and converse simply, but correctly, on topics of everyday life. They should have studied the language for two years at least prior to commencing the course. HL students should have studied the language for at least three years. At TASIS, French, Italian, and Spanish are offered at Standard and Higher Level as a two-year sequence. In most university systems, the B Higher Level examination qualifies students for study at institutions where this language is the language of instruction. (For example, a student with a good command of French at B Higher Level should have the language skills needed to study in French at university.) Ab initio is a foreign language for beginners, or near-beginners, and is offered at the Standard Level. TASIS offers ab initio courses in French, Italian, and Spanish. Students should have no more than one year of experience of learning this language.Now choose ONE Group 2 subject:English A Literature (native/near-native speaker) HL / SL (circle one)

    English A Language and Literature (native/near-native speaker) HL / SL (circle one)

    B Languages (circle one): English B / French B / Italian B / Spanish B HL / SL (circle one)

    Ab initio Languages (circle one): French AB / Italian AB / Spanish AB SL

    Group 3 Individuals and SocietiesEither 20th Century History HL, or 20th Century History SL are the required first year IB Group 3 subject for any student who has not taken US History. IB Art History may be taken as a one year course for those who have completed a US History course or the first year of IB 20th Century History.

  • Now choose ONE Group 3 subject:20th Century History HL / SL (circle one) orArt History SL

    (For Economics see under Group 6 below)

    Group 4 Experimental SciencesQ. What criteria should I use to select a Group 4 subject?A. Your interest in a particular science, previous study of the subject, mathematics and English levels, and university entrance requirements are all important factors. Your career ambitions are an important consideration too. For example, potential medical students hoping to attend European universities would be recommended to choose Biology and Chemistry at HL. A student not interested in studying science-related subjects at university will still need to consider taking the most challenging science course they can handle. Now choose ONE Group 4 subject:Biology HL / SL (circle one) orChemistry HL / SL (circle one) orPhysics SL orEnvironmental Systems and Societies SL

    Group 5 MathematicsQ. How do I choose the correct mathematics level from among the three levels offered?A. The Mathematics HL course is intended for a handful of students who have excellent mathematics skills and high degree of comfort with the subject. Typically they are students who will pursue economics, mathematics, physics, or engineering at university. It is the equivalent in difficulty to a Calculus 1 and then a Calculus 2 course. In order to successfully attempt this demanding course, students should have, at a minimum, completed the TASIS Integrated Mathematics 3 with an A grade. Mathematics SL is calculus-based, with the first year equivalent to Pre-Calculus and the second year equivalent to Calculus. Most universities accept this level as satisfactory preparation for advanced study in the medical, natural, and social sciences. Mathematical Studies SL is not calculus-based. The syllabus emphasizes the application of concepts from algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to everyday life. The IBO anticipates that as many as 50% of all students will study Mathematical Studies and it is intended for those going on to study the arts or humanities. Entry requires successful completion of Integrated Mathematics 2 at TASIS. Now choose ONE Group 5 subject:(circle one) Mathematics HL / Mathematics SL / Mathematical Studies SL.

    Group 6 The Fine Arts and ElectivesDiploma candidates may fulfill the Group 6 requirement by taking a second course in any of Groups 1-4 (i.e., a third language, a second social science [such as Economics or Art History], or a second experimental science), or by taking Visual Arts (SL or HL), or Theatre Arts (SL or HL). A student who wishes to study fine art or drama at university would be best advised to take an art or theatre course. Medical students or engineers need to take a second science, while a student interested in economics or business may wish to choose Economics. A linguist may naturally wish to choose a third

  • language. The IB Visual Arts course can be completed by studying Art & Design, Architecture & Design, or Photography courses at TASIS. Students engage in studio work, maintain a research workbook, and build an extensive portfolio which may be essential for entry to certain university courses. Now choose ONE Group 6 subject:Visual Arts (Art & Design) HL / SL (circle one) orVisual Arts (Architecture & Design) HL / SL (circle one) orVisual Arts (Photography) HL / SL (circle one) orTheatre Arts HL / SL (circle one) orEnglish / Italian / Russian A Literature (circle one): HL / SL (circle one) orEnglish B / French B / Italian B / Spanish B Language (circle one): HL / SL (circle one) orFrench/ Italian / Spanish ab inito (circle one): SL orEconomics HL / SL (circle one) orBiology HL / SL (circle one) orChemistry HL / SL (circle one) orPhysics SL orEnvironmental Systems & Societies (but not combined with Biology in Group 4) SL

    Now transfer your choices to the first page of the following application form and complete the remaining sections of the application.

    Send a copy of the completed form to the IB Coordinator at [email protected] .

  • Application for the International Baccalaureate Program at TASISDIPLOMA APPLICATION _____DP COURSE APPLICATION ____ (check one)

    Name: Birth date: _________________________________

    1st Nationality: 1st Language:

    UNIVERSITY PLANS: Subjects likely to be studied at university: __________________________________

    Where might you attend university? (Circle all that apply) US / UK / Canada / Italy / Germany / Switzerland / France Other (name):

    COURSES & ACADEMIC GRADES IN THE YEAR

    PRIOR TO ENTRY TO IB(Give name and grade/mark)

    IB Group (group #)

    COURSE SELECTION(Circle ONE subject from EACH of the 6 IB Groups

    below and circle the level in the last column. 3 HL and 3 SL subjects must be chosen.)

    Level

    ____ _________

    English Course & level Grade

    ____ _________Italian Course & level Grade

    ____ _________French Course & level Grade

    ____ _________Spanish Course & level Grade

    ____ _________Other language & level Grade

    Language 1(1)

    English A Literature (see note below forEnglish A Language & Literature German/Spanish)Italian A Literature Russian A LiteratureSelf-taught Language A ____ SL only(An A1 self-taught language requires tutoring at extra cost)

    HLorSL

    Language 2(2)

    English B only HL Italian B SL/HL French B SL/HL Spanish B SL/HL Italian ab initio SL French ab initio SL Spanish ab initio SL

    An additional A literature that is not already selected above:English A Literature SL/HL English A Language and

    Literature SL/HL Italian A Literature SL/HL Russian A Literature SL/HL

    HLorSL

    ____ _________History Course Grade

    Individuals & Societies

    (3)

    History SL/HL Art History SL (1-year course)

    HLorSL

    ____ _________Science Course Grade

    Experimental Sciences

    (4)

    Biology SL/HL Chemistry SL/HL Environmental Systems & Societies SL Physics SL

    HLorSL

    ____ _________Math Course Grade

    Mathematics(5)

    Mathematical Studies SLMathematics SLMathematics HL

    ____ _________Art, Drama or Other Elective Grade

    ____ _________Art, Drama or Other Elective Grade

    Do you have a high school US History credit? YES / NO

    Arts & Electives

    (6)

    Theatre Arts SL/HL Visual Arts:

    Art/Design SL/HL Architecture SL/HL Photography SL/HL

    French B SL/HL Spanish B SL/HL Italian B SL/HL Italian ab initio SLFrench ab initio SL

    Spanish ab initio SL Biology SL/HL Chemistry SL/HL Environmental Syst. & Soc. SLPhysics SLEconomics SL/HL Art History SL A Literature (state language)

    _________________________________________________

    HLorSL

    A languages: The offering of taught A literature courses can change in response to demand, e.g. German and Spanish. Please contact the IB Coordinator for details.

    The final choice of IB Diploma Program subjects is subject to testing on arrival at TASIS. The full IB diploma and individual DP courses are open to highly motivated students in good academic standing and with good time management and study skills. Minimum prerequisites for entry include successful completion of Integrated Mathematics II course and English-as-an-Additional Language 4 for non-native-English-speaking students. In some cases a students mathematics, language, or science background prohibits participation in the full diploma program, but these students may be able to take IB DP courses or undertake the full IB Diploma in the 12th Grade and Post-Graduate year. Unfortunately, not all course combinations are possible due to scheduling constraints, and sufficient enrollment is required for a course to be offered.

  • Application for the International Baccalaureate Program at TASIS (pg. 2)

    Please answer the following questions:Why do you want to be an IB student at TASIS? (If possible, also comment on how this is connected with your career/university plans.)

    What do you think you will have to do to be a successful IB student at TASIS?

    For students: I understand that:

    there are minimum English and mathematics levels for entry to the full IB diploma program. I must maintain good academic standing and meet all program requirements, including meeting all

    internal TASIS deadlines and external IB deadlines to remain in the IB program. if I am accepted into the IB Diploma program and I subsequently withdraw for any reason, I may

    need to take additional courses to meet TASIS graduation requirements.

    Student Signature: Date

    For parents:I have read the IB Diploma Program: General Regulations and I understand that my signature indicates agreement with these regulations. I understand that I will be billed for IB registration and examination fees (approximately CHF 1150) in the second year of the program. I will inform the IB Coordinator of any special ediucational needs of my child at the time of making this application.

    Parent Signature: Date

    NEW STUDENTS: PLEASE SEND A COPY OF THIS FORM TO [email protected] AS WELL AS THE TASIS ADMISSIONS OFFICE

  • Writing Proficiency Test to be completed by non-native speakers of English

    Failure to complete the following test without following the instructions precisely may lead to a misplacement in English and result in a change in English level and IB status after re-testing at the beginning of the academic year.

    DO NOT TAKE NOTES AS YOU READ.

    Read the instructions on the following page. Then read the following article by Thomas Gagen on the Babar books by Jean de Brunhoff. (Reading time 15-20 minutes).

    The evergreen elephant, Babar's enduring appealThomas Gagen, The Boston Globe TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2006

    BOSTON Babar, the storybook elephant created by the artist Jean de Brunhoff, reached the venerable age of 75 this year. France issued a commemorative stamp to celebrate what has become an epitome of French culture and a major export earner. But there hasn't been much notice here in the United States except for an undercurrent of belief that Babar is too sexist, racist or imperialist for children today. An overly-scrupulous reader can find all sorts of messages in the 30 or so Babar books published since 1931, but the basic themes, as laid out in the first Story of Babar, are enthralling, innocent and reassuring.

    I've practically memorized the book from repeated reading to three children, starting more than 20 years ago. I pulled it out of storage the other day and was once again captivated by the simple plot: Babar is living idyllically in the jungle with his mother, until she is killed by a hunter.

    He flees to the big city (is it Paris?), where he is befriended by the Old Lady, who dresses and educates him as a French gentleman. Steeped in the knowledge of man, he returns to elephant land where he is elected the king (the incumbent having died from eating a bad mushroom). He marries his cousin Celeste, has a grand party, and he and his bride leave on their honeymoon in a balloon.

    The hard-cover Story of Babar measures about 37 centimeters high by 27 centimeters wide. It's huge by the standards of most children's books, and envelops readers in the story. Like many children's classics, the story concerns loss and grief, but doesn't dwell on either.

    Once Babar gets to the city, he is swept into a culture of knowledge and love. He goes up and down on an elevator; buys a green suit, shoes and spats; learns arithmetic; and converses with the Old Lady's friends. And when his cousins Arthur and Celeste visit, he demonstrates his newfound sophistication by treating them to "some good cakes" at a patisserie. I've enjoyed watching Arthur master this idealized French culture. My children did, too.

    Others disagree. "Imperialistic Propaganda for the kiddies," declares one of the few negative reviews of Story of Babar on Amazon.com. The educator Herbert Kohl entitled a collection of essays "Should We Burn Babar?" He concluded that we should not - but we shouldn't buy the book, either.

    Kohl's main objection is that Babar, an African elephant, gains power from being Europeanized, and that Celeste is subservient to him. I suppose somebody reading this in 1930s France would have their prejudices about the benefits of French colonization confirmed. But children today receive many messages to counteract whatever they get from Babar. And the book is so unmistakably French that whatever imperialistic subtext it contains is lost on young American readers.

    The novelist Alison Lurie took a critical look at the Babar chronicles for the New York Review of Books a couple of years ago. As is to be expected, she found that a few of the books were objectionable by any reasonable standards today, the most egregious being The Travels of Babar, immediate sequel to the first book, in which black Africans are caricatured as spear-wielding savages. But she found that the Babar saga endures because children see themselves in the intrepid elephant. Like him, they like to ride up and down on elevators, and their lives are changing as they get new clothes, learn manners, and start their formal education in preparation for life beyond the

  • immediate family. Perhaps Babar's quick recovery from his mother's death and his success in both the city and the elephants' country offer young readers hope that they, too, can master their new environments.

    Looking at the Story of Babar, I'm reminded of many evenings snuggled up with a child, and this commodious book, and its familiar phrases - "some good cakes," "bad mushroom" - and my parenthetical explanation of those archaic ankle-coverings called spats. It's a tale that endures beyond ideology or prejudice.

    I wish my children were young enough for just a few minutes so I could read it to them again.Thomas Gagen is a member of the editorial board of The Boston Globe.

    Now that you have finished reading the article above write an essay on a separate piece of paper answering the following question:

    What is Thomas Gagens point of view?

    Begin by summarizing the article. Then comment on what the writer has to say.

    IMPORTANT: DO NOT LOOK AT THE TEXT WHILE YOU WRITE! This will invalidate the test.

    Return your essay together with the IB application form to the TASIS Admissions office along with your application to TASIS.

  • TASIS is an IB world school

    TASIS IB CONTACT INFORMATION

    Mr. Howard Stickley, IB CoordinatorThe American School in Switzerland, CH-6926 Montagnola, Switzerland

    Tel: +41 91 9605108 [email protected]

    All documents should be addressed to:

    Director of AdmissionsTASIS The American School in Switzerland

    6926 Montagnola-Lugano, Switzerland

    Tel: +41/91/960-5151 Fax: +41/91/993-2979Email: [email protected] www.tasis.com

    TASIS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges and the European Council of International SchoolsSwiss Address: 6926 Montagnola-Lugano, Tel: +41 91 960 5151, Fax: +41 91 993 2979, email: [email protected], website: www.tasis.ch

    US Office: 112 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Tel: (703) 299 8150, Fax: (703) 299 8157, email: [email protected]

    hs/March 19, 2014