What students say about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Below are some reflections from some of our current Year 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students, sharing why they chose to study the IB and what they have really valued in the Programme.

The IB DP offers both breadth and depth. It is flexible and wide-ranging.

Students undertake:

• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
• Theory of Knowledge (ToK)
• the Extended Essay (EE)
• three subjects at Standard Level
• three subjects at Higher Level, selected from the subject groups of Native Language, Language Acquisition, Mathematics, Humanities, Science and the Arts. Instead of an Arts subject, students may choose a second language, humanities subject or science.

‘I chose the IB because I was able to study a broad range of subjects. It has challenged me, but the workload is well balanced across the two years.’

‘CAS has given me the opportunity to look beyond school, engage with the wider community and make a meaningful contribution.’

Assessment is criterion-referenced, with no scaling.

‘I can study Business in the IB, and the subject is not scaled. What I achieve in the end reflects my effort, ability and passion for the subject – furthermore the ATAR conversion is advantageous.’

Internal Assessments are engaging, purposeful and designed to develop both foundational and advanced academic skills.

‘The structure of the IB Internal Assessments has taught me how to develop an assignment from beginning to end, from the first draft to the final product, with teachers acting as facilitators throughout the process.’

‘I have developed my writing skills through the Extended Essay and science practical reports.’

‘I have appreciated the fact that formal coursework is not in the form of a test but rather projects, folios or investigations, and students get to choose their area of research.’

The IB is an internationally recognised program.

‘There are greater opportunities to study abroad. The IB gives me a competitive edge and a highly respected international qualification.’

The IB is excellent preparation for university and expands academic opportunities.

Students emerge mature, balanced and highly capable, with strong literacy, numeracy and language skills. University Admissions value IB students.

‘I feel prepared for my future studies and have developed the skills needed to succeed in tertiary education.’

‘The IB is overarching in terms of curriculum. We are an international economy; one world. Awareness of how the world links together is a good thing, and the IB curriculum reflects this.’ – Richard Emborg, Director of Student Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions, Durham University, England.

The quality of the curriculum and learning experience is exceptional.

‘The IB encourages me to debate topical, moral and social issues on a regular basis across a variety of disciplines.’

‘The IB has helped me develop into a critical thinker who analyses, evaluates and considers new perspectives.’

The IB develops distinctive learner attributes.

‘The best part of my IB experience has been being part of a driven, hardworking and supportive cohort. Encouraged by our teachers, the IB principles of communication, open-mindedness and co-operation are embedded in our classrooms. This means we benefit from learning alongside students whose strengths may differ from our own.’

‘The IB fosters my independence, challenges me to succeed and encourages my curiosity. I am surrounded by like-minded people who share similar values and ambitions.’

As an IB teacher, I value the opportunity to work with students who are passionate about their growth, not only as learners but also as individuals. The core components of the IB support this development in meaningful ways. One of the aspects I appreciate most about the Diploma Programme is its holistic approach and the time it provides for students to grow into thoughtful, reflective and independent learners over a two-year journey.

If you have any further questions about the IB at Carey, please do not hesitate to contact IB@carey.com.au

Frédérique Petithory
Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Student Learning