International Baccalaureate (IB) Demystified
If looks (and sights) could kill. My friends didn’t look quite the same no more. Pale, worn out, coupled with black eye rings and stress hanging over their shoulders – they were, alas, victims to the A-Levels examinations. A sheer result of compulsive studying for their A2 papers.
Would you walk down the same path as they did? Or would you rather something more engaging? If the latter, then you have got to hear about IB!
So what exactly is this “IB thing”, you ask?
Only the most sought after Pre-U course worldwide, aimed to develop a well-rounded individual, who appreciates local culture and contributes to the community positively.
While the IB diploma programme is fairly new in the Malaysian education plateau, history traces IB back to 50 years ago at Europe, where it all begun. Now, it has taken the world by storm, with a total of 115 countries offering it, but the prestigious two-year programme is only available at 7 institutions in Malaysia. Two years may seemingly rob one of their youth, but for Low Te Jinn of Sayfol International School, it isn’t a concern. ‘‘The time is just sufficient for me to absorb the things we learn in IB’’, he says.
Essentially, the IB diploma programme comprises of six subject groups: native language, second language, humanities, experimental sciences, mathematics, and the arts. One has to select a subject from each group, with 3 subjects at standard level (SL), and the remaining 3 at higher level (HL). Students are also required to complete 3 other components, namely, theory of knowledge (TOK); creativity, action, service (CAS); and an extended essay of 4,000 words, which requires diligent research.
Says Natalie of SMK Sri Hartamas, ‘‘I like that one can do both sciences and arts at the same time’’. What’s not to like about that? For those without a specific career path in mind, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Not to mention, IB also produces critical thinkers, whereby students are trained to debate based on evidence, and not merely accept facts given. Think along the lines of ‘‘changing perceptions and opinions on historical events’’ for the History subject. Definitely more promising than the bland history we learned back at high school. Then again, sometimes words alone aren’t capable of evaluating a course (let alone our future), so how better than to experience IB hands on at TCSH’s CLIOD event!
On the 4th of June, students from different high schools came to TCSH to have a taste of the IB diploma programme in conjunction with the College Life in One Day (CLIOD) event. I had the privilege of being able to speak with Mr Abbot Flora Marshal, the IB Program Coordinator about the newly-offered program here in TCSH. On my way to meet with him, I had a quick conversation with Mr Rahul, who told me that TCSH would be the “first ‘non-school’ institution to offer IB in Malaysia.” This means the campus would specifically offer only the IB Diploma (equivalent to the Form 6 level) to those who are interested in taking this course.
Mr Abbot greeted me with a friendly smile and was very enthusiastic to answer my inquiries about the IB programme. When asked to give a brief summary of the course, he explained that IB allows students to grow holistically as the course emphasises not only on academics, but also on character-building in order to prepare students to become more confident when entering the job market. “Students are required to take both science and humanities subjects and it is also compulsory for them to be involved in community service,” he says. “They are also taught to write basic research papers so that they are able to adapt to tertiary education when they go to university.”
Besides that, Mr Abbot adds that learning a second language and the Literature component is also a requirement in IB and students are “strongly encouraged to do something in Theatre.” He goes on to say that this is what makes IB unique as a pre-university program as it encourages students to “do a curriculum that is beneficial to them” and to develop skills before they step into the competitive world.
During the lunch break, I caught hold of one of the CLIOD participants, Erin from SMK Sri Bintang and asked her about her thoughts and experiences of the programme today. She said, “I like the IB course because it is not entirely based on academics and it builds us to become all-rounders. Taylor’s has given me a good insight on what the programme is like. Already I feel interested in taking the course!” .Another student named John said, “I’m interested in IB because it is internationally recognised and many of my friends have told me that it is a good course. CLIOD gave me a good idea of what to expect from IB.”
On a darker note, be warned that IB isn’t a walk in a park, nor is it a bed of roses. Think not only twice, but wisely before selecting IB, because on top of having to do 6 subjects, the 3 compulsory components may weigh you down. Here are a few things up for consideration:
Do you intend to graduate fast?
Have you the self-discipline to undertake and complete an independent research?
Are the variety of subjects appealing to you?
What are your study habits? Can you cope with both informal and external assessments, as well as examinations?
Would you prefer the conventional 100% examination style, or constant class participation – varying from presentations to projects?
Now that we’ve unravelled the nitty-gritty of IB, are you up for it? If anything, this is one sound foundation to success!
By YAU JIA MIN, PAMELA CHOO and GUN LESAN
Would you walk down the same path as they did? Or would you rather something more engaging? If the latter, then you have got to hear about IB!
So what exactly is this “IB thing”, you ask?
Only the most sought after Pre-U course worldwide, aimed to develop a well-rounded individual, who appreciates local culture and contributes to the community positively.
While the IB diploma programme is fairly new in the Malaysian education plateau, history traces IB back to 50 years ago at Europe, where it all begun. Now, it has taken the world by storm, with a total of 115 countries offering it, but the prestigious two-year programme is only available at 7 institutions in Malaysia. Two years may seemingly rob one of their youth, but for Low Te Jinn of Sayfol International School, it isn’t a concern. ‘‘The time is just sufficient for me to absorb the things we learn in IB’’, he says.
Essentially, the IB diploma programme comprises of six subject groups: native language, second language, humanities, experimental sciences, mathematics, and the arts. One has to select a subject from each group, with 3 subjects at standard level (SL), and the remaining 3 at higher level (HL). Students are also required to complete 3 other components, namely, theory of knowledge (TOK); creativity, action, service (CAS); and an extended essay of 4,000 words, which requires diligent research.
Says Natalie of SMK Sri Hartamas, ‘‘I like that one can do both sciences and arts at the same time’’. What’s not to like about that? For those without a specific career path in mind, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Not to mention, IB also produces critical thinkers, whereby students are trained to debate based on evidence, and not merely accept facts given. Think along the lines of ‘‘changing perceptions and opinions on historical events’’ for the History subject. Definitely more promising than the bland history we learned back at high school. Then again, sometimes words alone aren’t capable of evaluating a course (let alone our future), so how better than to experience IB hands on at TCSH’s CLIOD event!
On the 4th of June, students from different high schools came to TCSH to have a taste of the IB diploma programme in conjunction with the College Life in One Day (CLIOD) event. I had the privilege of being able to speak with Mr Abbot Flora Marshal, the IB Program Coordinator about the newly-offered program here in TCSH. On my way to meet with him, I had a quick conversation with Mr Rahul, who told me that TCSH would be the “first ‘non-school’ institution to offer IB in Malaysia.” This means the campus would specifically offer only the IB Diploma (equivalent to the Form 6 level) to those who are interested in taking this course.
Mr Abbot greeted me with a friendly smile and was very enthusiastic to answer my inquiries about the IB programme. When asked to give a brief summary of the course, he explained that IB allows students to grow holistically as the course emphasises not only on academics, but also on character-building in order to prepare students to become more confident when entering the job market. “Students are required to take both science and humanities subjects and it is also compulsory for them to be involved in community service,” he says. “They are also taught to write basic research papers so that they are able to adapt to tertiary education when they go to university.”
Besides that, Mr Abbot adds that learning a second language and the Literature component is also a requirement in IB and students are “strongly encouraged to do something in Theatre.” He goes on to say that this is what makes IB unique as a pre-university program as it encourages students to “do a curriculum that is beneficial to them” and to develop skills before they step into the competitive world.
During the lunch break, I caught hold of one of the CLIOD participants, Erin from SMK Sri Bintang and asked her about her thoughts and experiences of the programme today. She said, “I like the IB course because it is not entirely based on academics and it builds us to become all-rounders. Taylor’s has given me a good insight on what the programme is like. Already I feel interested in taking the course!” .Another student named John said, “I’m interested in IB because it is internationally recognised and many of my friends have told me that it is a good course. CLIOD gave me a good idea of what to expect from IB.”
On a darker note, be warned that IB isn’t a walk in a park, nor is it a bed of roses. Think not only twice, but wisely before selecting IB, because on top of having to do 6 subjects, the 3 compulsory components may weigh you down. Here are a few things up for consideration:
Do you intend to graduate fast?
Have you the self-discipline to undertake and complete an independent research?
Are the variety of subjects appealing to you?
What are your study habits? Can you cope with both informal and external assessments, as well as examinations?
Would you prefer the conventional 100% examination style, or constant class participation – varying from presentations to projects?
Now that we’ve unravelled the nitty-gritty of IB, are you up for it? If anything, this is one sound foundation to success!
By YAU JIA MIN, PAMELA CHOO and GUN LESAN
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