Grade 12 Global Politics complete Flashpoint Simulation

The Grade 12 Global Politics recently class completed a three-hour simulation to deepen conceptual understanding as they prepare for IB exams. FlashPoint is a simulation game constructed as a teaching tool for the topics of conflict analysis and resolution, collaboration, negotiation, mediation, and public international law. It is set against the background of the ongoing crisis in Syria, offering students the sense of applying their analysis and skills to real-world problems.

Students were given specific roles to play that consisted of government representatives from Syria and Turkey and UN mediators. Teams laid out rules at the outset and proceeded with negotiations. New information was added at the midpoint of the simulation that forced teams to amend their strategies. In the end, teams agreed to mostly mutually beneficial terms that they then evaluated. During the debriefing session, students reflected on the negotiating process as well as their specific negotiating skills.

Flashpoint: Syria 2014
Syracuse University
Maxwell School
Authors - Noam Ebner, Yael Efron, Nellie Munin

Guest Speaker Fahie on Domestic Violence with Diploma Programme Students

The Grade 11 and 12 DP Global Politics classes virtually welcomed Mrs. Kalyn Risker Fahie to speak on the topic of domestic violence. The students are studying the topic in relation to our unit on Peace and Conflict.

Mrs. Risker Fahie has many years of experience working in this field, even starting her domestic violence non-profit organization in Detroit, Michigan, called Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE). She currently works for the VI Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (VIDVSAC) as their Program Liaison.

Mrs. Risker Fahie explained the evolution of this conflict within our society and the Duluth Model, which covers various power imbalances that can occur in relationships. The students were also able to understand how groups work in coordination with government agencies to help address severe problems within communities.

For more information, please visit: https://www.vidvsac.org

DP Global Politics

On Friday, December 7, 2019, the grade 11 and 12 DP Global Politics class welcomed Mr. Michael Feshbach. Mr. Feshbach taught a lesson on parliamentary systems. He spoke in depth on the unicameral national legislature of Israel, the Knesset. He discussed how governmental parties have to work together in order to accomplish goals. He also spoke in broad terms on the role of how parties of any government should listen and respect different views and opinions and still be able to work together to come to agreements that benefit everyone.