Northport High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program seniors attended their annual retreat at Frost Valley this past weekend, engaging in a wide array of activities including hiking, riding a zip-line, archery, candle making and simple structure design challenges.
This event presents students with the opportunity to take a step back to reflect on the college decision making process and recharge before the start of their extensive exams. The trip also solidifies the already strong bonds that they have forged over the past two years in the program. Despite the cold weather, students had a terrific experience learning from one another and engaging in outdoor activities.
Senior James Reyes spoke of how the weekend was an opportunity to truly unplug from school and connect with peers.
“You hang out with people you usually wouldn’t and you have an opportunity to really talk since there’s no service,” he said.
Fellow senior and IB Diploma candidate Etienne Corbeaux also emphasized the importance of balancing schoolwork and self-care as part of the program. “It’s really important to remind yourself that not everything is a grade. You can take a break and compose yourself, go out on hikes like we did on the retreat, but it’s also important to make a day for studying and put aside time for these classes,” he said.
The IB program has some unique attributes due to the nature of the classes. Senior Ellie Johnson said, “It’s so different from anything that I’ve ever done before and you really are taking your own direction,” she said. “You really get to curate your own way.”
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is an internationally recognized curriculum that offers 11th and 12th grade students an opportunity to earn the IB Diploma or one or more IB Certificates. To earn the IB Diploma, students must complete and test in six IB subjects; write an extended essay of independent research guided by a faculty mentor; complete 150 hours of creativity, activity, and service activities (CAS); and participate in a critical thinking course called Theory of Knowledge.
Date Added: 4/11/2024