IB Boys Share a Few Words of Wisdom

As our International Baccalaureate (IB) boys bade farewell to their school days at a special leavers’ barbecue, they spoke to us about their experience studying the IB and imparted a few words of wisdom to any younger boys thinking of following the same path for Sixth Form.

The IB requires boys to study six subjects, with the aim of developing excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, as well as allowing them to flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. It is sometimes a good choice for students who are not quite ready to specialise in a given area of study.

From working in a charity shop to teaching Mandarin, we asked three Upper Sixth Formers (IB2) to share their thoughts on the last two years studying the IB. This is what they had to say:

Tom Howe explained, “I chose the IB program over A-Levels for several reasons, with the most significant factor being my uncertainty about which subjects to pursue in Sixth Form. Therefore, I believed that taking six subjects under the IB curriculum would suit me best, as it would enable me to develop a wide range of interests and acquire knowledge across various subject areas. Also, when comparing the IB program to A-Levels, I found the comprehensive nature of the IB diploma to be more contemporary and better equipped to prepare me for an ever-evolving world. Furthermore, I wanted to join Sixth Form by challenging myself as much as possible. I knew that IB would not be the easy option, but that is what I wanted.

“What I enjoyed most about the IB program was the variety of subjects it offered. I particularly appreciated how these subjects had a real-world outlook. For instance, in my Spanish ab initio classes, we not only learned the language but also explored the diverse cultures of various Hispanic countries. This approach sparked a genuine interest in each subject for me, as I could understand them better within the context of the world. In addition to this, I found great pleasure in the interconnections between the different subjects. For example, I distinctly remember a week when George Orwell’s novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” which we were studying in Higher Level English, was briefly discussed in both Theory of Knowledge and Economics classes. Overall, the IB Diploma has transformed my perspective on enjoying and being genuinely interested in a wide range of subjects, which stands in contrast to my views during my GCSEs two years ago. Additionally, the volunteering experiences I gained through the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) section of the diploma were incredibly enjoyable, as they provided me with a unique and eye-opening perspective on the Bedford community that surrounds us.

“To any boy thinking about his Sixth Form choices, I would say that it is best to think further into your future to the type of career you aspire to have. IB can be a great opportunity, which can help you develop as a person. IB is also a strong choice if you are not certain about what you would like to do after school as it gives you access to more options. I am glad I chose this Diploma due to the amount that it has changed me for the better, it has made me more motivated, hardworking and academically curious, along with many other qualities, which is why I believe that this Diploma is so great.”

Panha Chea said, “The main reason why I chose the IB diploma over A-Levels was because, before moving to Bedford School, I grew up studying in an IB school. I also considered whether or not IB would provide me with a wide qualification and the answer is, yes. Compared to A-Levels, studying six subjects with the addition of TOK (Theory of Knowledge) in IB was extremely helpful to me as it not only allowed me to have a wider career choice but also provided me with more knowledge of current global concerns.

“The most enjoyable aspect of the IB is the fact that it does not mainly focus on academics. The CAS aspect provided me with an opportunity to gain experiences that I can very much use to aid my journey towards adulthood. For example, I went from working in a charity shop to teaching Mandarin and even working in a care home for the disabled and elderly. Picking subject choices to study in the Sixth Form may seem challenging but with the diverse choices provided by the IB, not only do you get to study your subject choices but also a subject that you may love, but do not want to pursue as a career. I can truthfully say that I have not once regretted choosing the IB diploma.”

If you would like to find out more about the IB at Bedford School, please get in touch with Director of IB, Adrian Finch.