ORIENTATION SESSION FOR IBT COMPETITIVE EXAM

Orientation Session for International Benchmark Tests (IBT)
Date: 6th August 2024 Day: Tuesday
Venue: Kikani Auditorium
Attendees:
 Principal Mrs. Geetha Raj
 Vice Principal Mrs. Jayalatha Roshalin
 Parents
 Teachers
 Approximately 340 students

Objective: The orientation session was conducted to introduce and explain the International Benchmark Tests (IBT) administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and to prepare students, parents, and teachers for the upcoming examination.

Session Overview :
The session began with a warm welcome to all attendees. Pradeepa R highlighted the significance of the IBT, setting the stage for the detailed briefing.

Mrs. Geetha Raj Principal addressed the audience with a focus on the importance of aligning students with global educational standards. She expressed her enthusiasm about integrating the IBT into the school’s academic program and congratulated parents for embracing this opportunity for their children.

Purpose of IBT:
o Global Comparison: The IBT provides a platform to evaluate student performance relative to peers worldwide.
o Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: It helps in recognizing areas where students excel and where they need improvement.
o Improvement Roadmap: The test offers a detailed plan to enhance academic performance and address gaps.
Benefits for Students:
o Insight into Academic Standing: Students will gain an understanding of their performance on an international level.
o Focus on Key Areas: Helps in addressing both strengths and areas needing improvement.
o Critical Thinking Development: Encourages the development of analytical and problem-solving skills.
o Global Preparedness: Equips students for future global challenges and educational standards.

Role of Teachers:
o Performance Analysis: Teachers will analyse performance variations across different grades.
o Identify Challenges: They will recognize and address challenging concepts and questions.
o Strategic Planning: Teachers will formulate tailored strategies to improve student performance based on the analysis.

Parental Involvement:
o Stay Informed: Parents are encouraged to understand the IBT’s purpose and benefits.
o Support Your Child: Parents should assist with test preparation and encourage their children.
o Engage with Teachers: Collaboration with teachers is essential to understand results and work on improvement strategies.

Discussion Points:
o Sample Questions: The orientation included sample questions from English, Science, Mathematics, and Logical Reasoning to familiarize students with the test format.
o Competency-Based Questions: Explained the nature and approach to competency-based questions.
o Case-Based Questions: Provided guidance on tackling case-based questions.
o Preparation Strategy: Advised students to maintain a dedicated notebook for IBT preparation.
o Question Format: Clarified that the IBT will consist solely of multiple-choice questions.
o Exam Schedule: The IBT is scheduled to take place in November.

o Class Timings:
 Grades 4 to 7: Classes will be held from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM.
 Grades 8 to 10: Classes will follow the existing timetable.
Conclusion: The orientation session effectively informed students, parents, and teachers about the IBT, its objectives, benefits, and preparation strategies. The open floor for questions allowed for further clarification and interaction between attendees and the school administration. The session successfully laid the groundwork for the upcoming IBT, ensuring that all parties involved are prepared and well-informed.