Introduction to IB Diploma Preparation Pathway

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

Testimonial

Regarding the IB Diploma Programme, I cannot speak highly enough of the programme. It was a wonderfully holistic educational experience that has served me well in my adult life, irrespective of the career path I chose. I remember looking forward to the tutorials each week, as they added breadth and depth to our subjects, and the content has certainly stayed with me (I am pleasantly surprised at how often I come across pieces by Pablo Neruda!). The small tutorial format was similar to a university style of teaching, and I think it promoted a more mature level of engagement from myself and the other students. In retrospect, for the right group of students, this primer for the university experience came at a perfect time to pique our interest in the learning process. If I had chosen to study overseas, the IB qualification would have been ideal. I do find that it is universally recognised and respected across Australia as well as internationally.

Having completed tertiary education in the sciences, I can confirm that the level of the IB science subjects was outstanding and included much of the content from first year undergraduate courses. Rather than a sense of repeating oneself, it instead served to reinforce the core concepts, which are crucial to master in order to make new discoveries in a field. I am perhaps even more grateful for the other IB subjects I studied, including German, English, Economics, as well as TOK and the Extended Essay. I look back on them fondly and often reflect on how

they informed my broader understanding of the world. To have studied with the singular goal of pursuing an occupation would have been a shame. Instead, I do feel the IB encouraged us to become well rounded and nuanced thinkers, with a broader skill-set and an appreciation of how to learn.”

Dr Casey Linton (Neurologist) Diploma Programme Graduate (45) Class of 2009, Somerset College

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