The IB Diploma: A Global Passport

The IB Diploma: A Global Passport As an international student, it’s essential that my path to further education opens up a global passport for my future. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme that I’m studying at The British International School Abu Dhabi ticks all of the boxes for me; it is recognised internationally giving me the freedom to choose where in the world I would like to continue my studies.

As an international student, it’s essential that my path to further education opens up a global passport for my future. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme that I’m studying at The British International School Abu Dhabi ticks all of the boxes for me; it is recognised internationally giving me the freedom to choose where in the world I would like to continue my studies.

Not to be taken lightly, the IB Diploma is demanding. I’m putting in long hours and hard work. It is challenging me in more ways than I can imagine but I know the work I put in now will pay off.

I study six subjects; English, Chemistry and Biology at higher level and Spanish, History and Maths at standard level. This allows me to continue to perfect my native languages, which are both English and Spanish.

However being an IB Diploma student is much more than academics. The programme extends far beyond the classroom, encouraging me to expand my ways of thinking and learning with the core elements:

• Creativity, Activity and Service provides me with exciting leadership opportunities by being more involved in the Global community and to develop skills that are life-necessary. This year I will be using my time to help others in need in my local community here in Abu Dhabi and embarking on a life changing project in Tanzania. 
• Theory of Knowledge encourages becoming a more thoughtful learner and deeper thinker. It challenges my way of thinking and gets me to grapple with abstract ideas. 
• Extended Essay is a 4,000 word challenge where I choose the subject, construct a question and carry out the research.  In doing so, it prepares me for some of the rigorous academic expectations that we are going to face at university.

One of my favourite elements of the program is its focus on global issues, encouraging me to become more aware of the great world around me, developing me into a truly global citizen and preparing me for the world that’s at my fingertips.

Having lived and breathed the IB for a term shows just how challenging and fulfilling this type of study is.  It is easy to be daunted by the prospect that it presents but if you tackle it with the right attitude and organise yourself properly, it is manageable.
 
I am confident that at the end of this two year course, I will have acquired a qualification that will get me into one of the world’s best universities.  I do not know what one that will be yet but I know that when I get there, I will have had the best possible preparation and that is the gift of IB. 

Jessica Low, Year 12 student