Written By: Lauren Van Doorn
Introduction
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is recognised for its demanding intellectual curriculum and its status as an exclusive educational track. I've had the chance to participate in the IB programme for one year, so I can speak from personal experience. I will discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks I have encountered while studying for the IB in this essay, as well as some information I wish I had known before choosing this demanding academic course of study.
Things I like:
The Rigor
The IB program is not for the faint heart. It is demanding, both academically and emotionally. But, surprisingly, I enjoyed the challenge. If you thrive on being academically challenged and love delving deep into subjects, IB can be the perfect fit for you. The rigorous coursework not only prepares you for university-level studies but also instills a sense of accomplishment and confidence in your abilities. At the end of my first year, I felt more prepared and confident to face any future academic endeavors.
The Reputation
IB carries an advantage when it comes to university admissions: many schools hold a preference for IB students due to the program's stringent grade scaling and comprehensive curriculum. By completing the IB, you may find it easier to gain acceptance into prestigious institutions, doors to a wide range of universities, enhancing your chances of getting into your dream school.
The Independence
Throughout my first year of IB, I noticed that my lifestyle significantly changes. The program encourages independence and self-reliance in students. Sure, you'll collaborate with others, but it also teaches you the value of working solo. You learn to be comfortable doing your own thing, which is so important in university and life in general. The program has less hand-holding, and it's more of a "your work, your grade" kind of deal, which actually prepares you for the freedom you'll have in higher education.
Well-Rounded Course
With a well-rounded curriculum that exposes individuals to a variety of courses and disciplines, applications to universities may benefit from this diversity of learning experiences. This was fantastic because it gave me a taste of different fields and helped me make more informed decisions about my future major when applying to colleges. But don't worry, you can still tailor your courses toward your interests or your already chosen major (if you have one) while keeping that well rounded aspect intact.
Academic Caliber
When you are part of the IB program, you're entering an academic realm that goes beyond a regular high school program. The caliber of education is undeniably higher, and this translates into gaining access to more resources and learning opportunities.
In a regular high school program, you may cover the basics of various subjects, but in the IB, the depth and breadth of knowledge you acquire is truly remarkable. The curriculum is designed to challenge and stimulate your intellectual curiosity, encouraging you to explore topics in greater detail. The program opens doors to a broader range of research materials, academic journals, and specialized textbooks. Moreover, the IB's emphasis on critical thinking and inquiry-based learning fosters a deeper understanding of the subjects you study.
The higher academic caliber of the IB also extends to the teaching staff. IB educators are often selected for their expertise in their respective fields, and their passion for teaching goes hand in hand with the program's commitment to excellence. Having such knowledgeable and dedicated teachers enriches your learning experience, as they provide valuable insights and encourage you to pursue intellectual challenges beyond the classroom.
Things I don’t like:
Toxic Competitiveness
One of the things that struck me the most about the IB environment was the intense competitiveness among students. It almost felt like an academic marathon, and some individuals were determined to pull others down to get ahead. This kind of environment created a lack of social cohesion and left me feeling isolated at times. Instead of supporting each other, some students seemed more focused on outdoing their peers, which took away from the collaborative learning experience I had hoped for.
Lack of sufficient student aid
While I was lucky to have some great teachers who helped me along the way with the IB, I also saw my friends struggle when they didn't have access to the same amount of assistance. Teachers are essential to the IB programme in assisting students in comprehending the subtleties of examinations and how to perform well in assignments. Some of my friends found it exceedingly difficult to get the grades they wanted without sufficient help. Studying hard is important, but understanding the IB tests inside and out is equally important. Without the right support, it's simple to feel lost.
Lack of student communication w/ higher-ups
The inability to communicate with the coordinators was another problem I faced; we frequently felt as though our complaints and suggestions had been ignored. For instance, I was aware of a few students who had legitimate reasons for wanting to change their field of study but were turned down because they were performing well in their existing classes. Disconnection between the students and the administration resulted from the discouraging realization that our unique demands and preferences were not always taken into account.
A Few Extra Pointers!
Back when I was diving into the world of IB, there was something I really wish I'd known upfront – the wild inconsistency in weekly workloads. You'd have these intense weeks that felt like you were stuck in a never-ending pile of assignments, and then suddenly, you'd hit a week where your to-do list seemed oddly light. Wrangling this rollercoaster made it next to impossible to create any semblance of a steady schedule, especially when it came to juggling extracurriculars and big events. I recall moments when I had to bail on some of my classes simply due to this topsy-turvy workload.
But hey, here's a tip that came to my rescue: tackle those mandatory assignments right out of the gate. Whether it was during lunch breaks, those elusive study blocks, or just any sliver of free time, getting them done early worked wonders. This clever approach left me with extra study blocks to comb through my lesson materials and review content. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised at how these study blocks turned out to be golden pockets of time for getting cozy with the course material. And let's be real, if you're diligent with these study blocks, you'll find yourself sailing through your course content, which means less frantic cramming when test time rolls around.
And guess what? Most of those tests tend to focus on specific units rather than the whole learned course, at least until you hit grade 12. This nifty tidbit means you've got breathing room for some R&R or pursuing your extracurricular passions beyond school times. I'd actually advise against locking yourself into a rigid daily schedule from the get-go. It might seem tempting to meticulously outline every hour of your day, but trust me, the unpredictable ebb and flow of IB workloads can quickly throw a wrench into those plans. Instead, I found it much more effective to focus on prioritization. Zeroing in on what you truly want to achieve and what you absolutely have to tackle in a given day or week proved to be a game-changer. By approaching your schedule with this adaptable mindset, you'll be better equipped to handle the demanding nature of IB while also carving out time for your personal pursuits and essential tasks. It's about striking that balance between structure and flexibility, ultimately allowing you to make the most of your IB journey without sacrificing your well-being.
The Takeaway!
Even while these disadvantages were undoubtedly difficult, it's important to keep in mind that every IB experience is unique to the school and the participants. Despite some hurdles, the IB programme has many advantages, and I think that with the appropriate attitude and assistance, students can overcome these difficulties and get the most out of this special educational experience.
The question of whether IB is worth it boils down to how you approach it and the environment you are in. For me, the challenges were tough, but the rewards were worth it. The academic growth, reputation boost, and well-rounded education are valuable assets that IB offers. But again, there are obstacles to overcome, like competitive atmosphere and lack of teacher support.
My advice is to do your research: talk to current IB students and weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you're up for a rigorous academic journey that pushes your intellectual boundaries, prepares you for university, and opens doors to great colleges, IB can be the right path for you. Just be aware of the potential challenges and be ready to face them head-on. Whatever you choose, remember that your determination and attitude will play a crucial role in making your IB experience truly worth it!
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