More quotes from sixth formers about the International Baccalaureate

Alexa Shariat: Year 12 Student 2010
“Well, I was quite intimidated, from all the feedback at first, but I guess the key to it is to stick to deadlines and be organised then it isn’t so bad”

Annaliese Grant: Year 12 Student 2010
“As I began IB I found it very demanding, especially the work load but as I began to get into a routine of doing work the night I was given it, it all began to get a lot easier and less stressful. Basically, I am saying keep on top of your work and you will do fine”

Samantha Davids: Year 12 Student 2010
“IB was a struggle for the first couple of weeks as it was a big jump from GCSE;s because you get a lot more freedom and independence. Although, it has helped me become a more organised person and become more open minded”

James Barrell: Year 12 Student 2010
“The step up from GCSE to IB is great as expected yet from only the few weeks that I have been in the course I have learnt a lot. Most importantly I have learnt that organisation is the key aspect of IB, time management and keeping on top of work is essential. Although IB is not all fun and games, the work load is tough. The new independence that we have been given is exciting and allows us to take a more individual approach to work. This is benefited us all”

Teho Alepoudakis: Year 12 Student 2010
“If you take the certificate level, the step from GCSE isn’t that big in the sense of work load, but homework and class work take a bit more independent studying. Researching things in your own time, than completing work at the bare minimum which teachers give you. Other than that, just staying on top of homework and keeping a good reputation in class is all you need. Then, you can chill!”

Luca Malpiedi: Year 12 Student 2010
“Taking the IB diploma is a  real challenge and most definitely is a big step up from GCSE. Saying that, it isn’t impossible as most people make it seem like, it all depends on how well you manage your time which I have experienced throughout the past weeks. The IB prepares you thoroughly for further education such as University, just a month of IB has made me become more independent and improved my work ethic”

Alessio Spiga: Year 12 Student 2010
“When stepping up into year 12, you anxiously await all the dreaded ‘hard work and essays’ to follow, however with teachers guidance you learn to maintain focus, sort out your priorities and keep on top of your work, which really helps you as a student to balance out your social and academic life”

Sarah Walling: Head Girl, Year 13 2010
“Going through year twelve was a learning experience, the IB meant we had to handle new things quickly. It was hard to find the balance between working too hard and not working enough. Now in year 13, I’m finding the Diploma much more manageable. Year 12 has taught us the skills in order to succeed in our exams this year”

Shyam Devani: Head Boy, Year 13 2010
“By taking every opportunity and challenge thrown at me has made me realise I was capable of far more than I thought. Being head boy of the school pushed me to being involved heavily with my school life and socially too. It has been the toughest years to balance and prioritise, but the IB has rewarded all my hard effort and taught me lessons I will never forget”

Jordan Bostock: Year 13 Student 2010
“Prioritising work was my main target. Completing homework early instead of leaving it until the last minute is the key to the IB in my opinion. Get some work, get it done and then free time.. In that order!”

Hannah Geskes: Year 13 Student 2010
“The thought of working independently wasn’t too bad but when I started it was quite hard to do this. After a while, you get used to the work load and know what to do and what you can get away with”

Euan Simpson: Year 13 Student 2010
“After getting in the routine of working hard and getting organised, the hardest thing in the IB is deciding what to wear. The lack of a ‘fixed’ uniform not only allows us to look the part but it gives us extra freedom that separates us from the lower years and other schools”

Pooja Beri: Year 13 Student 2010
“IB is like walking a tightrope, one wrong step and you’ve got a long way to fall, it isn’t until you get to the other side that you realize it’s been worth the effort”

Gibran Sheikh: Year 13 Student 2010
“The good thing about IB is that you know that when you’re up at three a.m working on an essay, you can pretty much call anyone for help because chances are that they’re up working on that essay too”

Matthew Chater: Year 13 Student 2010
“The beginning of the IB diploma was daunting to most, me included. However, through the guidance of the school and help and commitment from our teachers, the potential benefits of such a hard course became much more accessible. I would not be able to endure such a program without their input”

Aimee Forshaw: Year 13 Student 2010
“The IB for me has been a great experience and has helped me focus a lot on what I want to do, I found the first year a struggle due to not being organised. I think that organisation is the key to being able to achieve the highest results in all your classes”