IOP+-+FAQ.


 * IOP FAQ**

As you are aware, the time for you to deliver your Individual Oral Presentation is rapidly approaching. Your teacher will have made clear what is expected of you over the course of the three days. It is also vitally important that you are fully aware of the organizational details such as where you are supposed to be, what time you are presenting and so on.

Presentations always generate a certain degree of nerves and stress, even for the most confident performers, but preparedness is undoubtedly the best remedy.

The following FAQ contains much crucial information, so please read carefully and raise any questions or queries which are not dealt with here with your teacher as soon as possible.

The very best of luck on the day.


 * Where will the presentations take place?** //All presentations will take place on the 4th floor of the D block. Your teacher will tell you which room you are based in. This floor will be closed to all other students.//


 * When are the IOPs taking place?** //All presentations will take place on 2nd, 3rd and 4th June. You will not attend any other lessons on those 3 days but will spend your time in the company of the lovely English Dept and fellow Language A1 students. You MUST be punctual. In other words, be in your allocated room at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the session.//


 * Okay, but when is MY presentation to take place, EXACTLY?** //The 3 days are divided into the usual 2 hour lesson slots (Yes, you do have to come in for// //8am// //on Tuesday). These have been subdivided into ½ hour slots. You will be allocated one of the slots in which to deliver your presentation. Your slot will be allocated randomly by your teacher, so it could be on any one of the three days. You will know in advance when you are presenting. If you feel strongly that you wish to present on Monday, speak to your teacher. We will try to accommodate you!//


 * Hang on, if I'm allocated a slot on Wednesday, I've got longer to prepare!** //No you don't. While you will know in advance when you are to present, ALL presentations must be complete, practiced, and with resources prepared by the Friday before. It would be foolhardy to leave your preparations this late. There should be time during the three days for some fine-tuning, but thid should not be relied upon or be critical to your success.,//


 * What if I have to go first on Monday morning?** //Then you have to go first on Monday morning! Of course, everything will have been rehearsed and prepared, and you can get it over and done with and relax for the remainder of the time. Someone has to go first after all.//


 * Once I've delivered my presentation can I disappear?** //No. IBO rules stipulate that the IOPs must be delivered to the class. However, we will arrange a rota of free blocks so you do not have to see all of the presentations, unless you wish to. You will be required to attend ALL blocks on Monday. Your teacher will negotiate free time with you then. You will be expected to use your time productively, however.//


 * How many people will see my presentation and who will assess me?** //You will present to 2 classes, so there will be around 30 people. You will be assessed by your own teacher and one other English teacher in most cases.//


 * What if I am sick on the day and feel I cannot come to school?** //You MUST attend these sessions. The IBO takes a hard line on absence from Internal Assessments and your Diploma may be at risk.//


 * Ah, but I have a Doctor's note…** //Do not assume that this is acceptable in itself. As mentioned, the IBO are strict on such matters and there is no guarantee that a doctor's note will grant you special consideration. It is possible you may have to re-sit the following year. Our advice would be to attend, do the best you can and we will support an appeal for consideration on your behalf, assuming you are physically capable of doing so. At the very least, keep us informed.//


 * I'm using IT to support my presentation - shall I bring the stuff along on the day?** //No. All props or digital material should be tested and rehearsed well in advance of time. It should be placed in the relevant folder on the school network by the previous Friday AT THE LATEST. You should also bring a back up on a flash drive. Remember, IT is fallible and may let you down. We cannot make allowances for the failure of equipment and this may be reflected in your mark. DO NOT RELY on Powerpoints etc - YOU are being assessed and you may have to deliver the presentation without it, in the worst case. Ensure that you are prepared for this eventuality, unlikely though it is.//


 * What if friends are helping me for an interview, role play, class discussion etc?** //Make sure everyone involved knows exactly what to do and when. Get organized WELL IN ADVANCE. Ensure everyone knows where they have to be and when. Talk to your teacher about your requirements well in advance and they will be happy to help and guide you.//


 * I'd really like to see some of my friends' presentations but they are in a different class. Can I see them?** //We will do our best to accommodate this but it is dependent on many factors so we can't guarantee it.//


 * What if I am involved in someone else's assessment but they are not in the same class?** //Speak to your teacher well in advance and we will arrange for you to be available. It would, however, be better to work with someone in your class or in the class that will join yours for assessment. See below for details.//


 * When will I get my grade?** //The IBO requires us to moderate and standardize our grading - this is a lengthy process. Your teacher will be able to give you a guide grade soon after your IOP, but this should not be taken as a guaranteed or confirmed grade. Whatever you do, do not harangue your teacher on any of the 3 IOP days: it will be a challenging time for them too!//


 * Will there be any time for me to do a last minute practice on the day?** //Yes. We will arrange for you and a critical friend/helpers to be free in the ½ hour slot immediately preceding your presentation.//


 * I hate presenting and get really nervous… what am I going to do?** //Practise, practise and practice some more! The better you have rehearsed, the less nervous you will be. If you are well prepared your nerves will evaporate after the first couple of minutes. Take several deep breaths, take your time and remember you are presenting to a very sympathetic audience who all want you to do well.//