By Vasileos Orfanos, Year 11
The International Baccalaureate, renowned for its rigorous demands, requires students to engage seriously in their education by learning two languages, an advanced level of maths, a science of any choice, and two extra subjects which are freely chosen. This combination ensures that students have a combination of the most crucial virtues needed in order to pursue higher levels of education.
Furthermore, the freedom to choose two additional courses allows students to take control over their education and delve deeper into their own aspirations and interests. Three of these subjects need to be taken at a higher level, where the course is taught in an increased level of detail and depth. The other three are taught at standard level, meaning less content needs to be studied. This flexibility promotes a sense of ownership over a student’s own academic journey, encouraging them to explore diverse fields and discover their passions.
Currently in the LGB milieu, Year 13 students are preparing to sit their mock exams, a simulation of the actual IB exams, which will take place in May. This is a stressful, yet vital period of time as application deadlines are approaching. As literacy rates are significantly increasing around the world, admissions for top schools are becoming harder and more competitive each year. A report by a student at Carnegie Mellon University describes students who are currently getting waitlisted in top universities would be receiving offers and potentially even scholarships just 2 decades ago. This strongly emphasises the great increase in competition and excellence worldwide, illustrating that students need to elevate their standards and ensure they are working diligently to achieve their dream results. On the other hand, some students choose to take gap years. This is a one year time space from the last year of school and the first year of university. In this period of time, students can partake in internships and get valuable experience which will help them university and in their later careers.
Our Year 12 students are also currently navigating a challenging phase, filled with academic deadlines, assignments, and the onset of new projects. Just recently, our teachers introduced Year 12s to the Extended Essay, a substantial research undertaking the crafting of 4000 words. This academic endeavour demands a deep exploration of a specific topic, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. As they immerse themselves in this scholarly pursuit, Year 12 students exhibit resilience and commitment, as well as studying a topic they are passionate about. On top of the introduction of the Extended Essay, students will also need to work hard to finish off their IA drafts. These are pieces of work which are completed for each subject, and most count for 20% of a student’s final grade for that subject. For example, Economics has three IAs, each out of 14 marks. Over the Summer, Year 12 students are encouraged to complete all of the deadlines possible, in order to have a smooth transition into Year 13 with less tasks looming over them, and more time to focus on their studies.
The IB is a tough two years which helps students transition from teens to adults. From managing your tasks and talking to teachers daily, it is a fulfilling yet brutal programme that prepares you for the future.
