Spencer, Year 12, Century Park Campus

The prospect of an intensive two years in International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is exciting and a bit overwhelming for our group of Year 12 students. Feeling quite capable after our success in IGCSE, we're starting to realise what new roles we've been elevated to as student learners and community leaders.

Our first impressions of IB came in the form of advice from the upper classes about the demanding workload. However, very quickly this idea of rote learning changed. Immediately we realised how IB transcends beyond just "knowing" facts and skills to analysing, evaluating, and putting forth further questions – a way of learning well reinforced in our Theory of Knowledge Class. Our new challenge involves ascending to a level where we organise our own study and initiate our own learning. 

And it is more than just academics. We IB students are also obligated to complete 150 hours participating in “Creativity, Action, and Service” activities, write a 4000 word extended essay, and show leadership skills as the “elders” of the school. Although it may sound like a lot of work, we see these as opportunities that can diversify our learning and enrich our school experience. We are now ready to play sport, do art, drama, music, and engage in charity projects with the mindset that we are completing our diploma and, in doing so, becoming actively involved in the community.   

It will take more than just individual determination – we will become each other's partners, supporters, and mentors. I am confident that after these 21 months, we'll have more than a number out of 45 – we'll have friendships, memories, and the skills we need to succeed in university and beyond.