It is easy to become a bit blasé about amazing experiences, if they keep happening regularly, but I never lose my sense of wonder and pride when I see how young people develop through their time in the IB Diploma Programme.
Recently, we held an information evening to introduce Grade 10 students and parents to the IBDP. Before our DP Coordinator, Mr Diaz, began his presentation, three of our current Grade 12 students spoke about their experiences since starting the programme. It was a fascinating experience – I have worked with IBDP students for over 13 years now, and I am always impressed when I see how they mature over their time in this programme.
Students are sometimes very good at “giving the answer the teacher wants to hear”. However, a page full of correct answers could be nothing more than the result of a student copying them from the back of the book. They can repeat a standard definition, as given in a textbook or read from a website. And some are very, very good at saying exactly the right thing when asked to reflect upon their unacceptable behaviour! But this doesn’t necessarily require any thought, any understanding whatsoever.
So the experience of listening to those three Grade 12 students recently was fascinating, because in many ways they gave the answers we want to hear, and yet this clearly came from their own understanding. They talked about the importance of good time management skills, about organising themselves and their workloads. They were open and honest about how hard it can get. They talked about engaging with CAS, about deadlines, about how TOK is a great subject once you get used to it. They talked about how the process is more important than the end result and that you won’t be successful if you simply cram the night before a test. They talked about how important it is to pick subjects you like for your HLs, because when the going gets tough it is better if it is in a subject you enjoy. They talked about how students will change their minds, and may start off with one idea and end up on a completely different study track. They spoke eloquently and with confidence, to the extent that I wondered if Mr Diaz would be left with anything to say at all! They were clearly speaking from personal experience.
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The IBDP: Is it really true what everyone
says about it?
HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. David Miles - High School Principal