In the inaugural episode of the IB Voices Podcast, Zach from the International Baccalaureate sat down with five impressive eleventh grade Diploma Programme (DP) students, Isolde, Malvika, Charlotte, Leah and Anish, to chat about their experience in the programme at The Dwight School in New York City, New York, the first IB continiuum school in the United States.

The students started the conversation about New York City, and how it’s a unique and beneficial place to study an international program since the city itself is very diverse. Charlotte, for example, is from Germany originally, and was pleasantly surprised by how many different cultures she can experience in one neighborhood!

Malvika, a history buff, agreed and talked about exploring the various ethnic neighborhoods in the city, tying it back to her HL History class. Since the city itself is rich with history and museums, there are many places she can visit to enrich what she’s learning in the classroom. Leah is a business-minded junior and loves how there are so many different businesses and organizations in the city that she can utilize as resources for her HL Business class. 

But living in the city can be a disadvantage too since there is so much going on. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to manage time effectively, plan things in advance, and practice self-discipline.

Isolda\e then added that the IB allows her and her classmates to “create their own curriculum” to pursue subjects they are interested in. For example, Isolde is passionate about refugee and migration policy, so she’s connected that to her internal assessment for her mathematics class by measuring the effect migration has on GDP (Gross Domestic Product). In turn, she now enjoys mathematics more.

Malvika and Anish, another avid student of history, are liberated by the freedom the IB’s Extended Essay (EE) allows as they can dive deeper into subjects they only lightly cover in the classroom.

They all agreed that the IB encourages students to go beyond the material required for classes and discover what you’re genuinely interested in and how that can help prepare you for the future.

For instance, since Izolda has an interest in international relations, that informed the types of IB classes she took. Malvika, on the other hand, wants to be a veterinarian, so she took HL Biology. Leah, a lifelong music lover and performer, enrolled in Business HLto develop her skills in marketing in hopes to one day do entertainment marketing and public relations.

Before the students had to go back to class, Zach asked one last question: what advice would you give yourself before starting the DP  your junior year?

Malvika - There’s a steep learning curve from MYP to DP – don’t give up, persist!

Charlotte – Find a balance, such as working for two hours, taking a two-hour break, and then going back to work. Time management is crucial.

Leah – Take thorough notes! The notes are what help you must when it’s time for exams.

Anish – Choose courses you’re interested in instead of what’s is “easy” because it’s easier to perform well in a subject you enjoy.

Thank you again to Isolde, Malvika, Charlotte, Leah, and Anish, the Dwight School, and Elizabeth Hutton, their incredible IB Coordinator!