Earlier this month we were happy to be visited by three of our former IB graduates. They came to encourage our present students, in years 11 and 12, to stick with the full Diploma, as it will have enormous personal benefits for them in their future careers.

An IB education leads to an excellent all-round education, combining academic and artistic elements with a strong community-service commitment.  It is also helpful in preparing students to face both national (PSU) and international exams to the best of their abilities.

One of the benefits of the IB is that various universities, both private and public, have granted it recognition.  This means that these students have an alternative way of entering university, and in some cases credit for work already done.

The only requirement for this Diploma as far as Dunalastair is concerned, is a seriousness of purpose in a students approach to their academic responsibilities.  No special ability is required!  The result will be that they shall develop skills such as their capacity to do research, to be well informed and to be good thinkers and communicators.  They will also be persons of integrity, that are open-minded, concerned for others, courageous, balanced and thoughtful.

To obtain an IB Diploma students must:

• Be assessed in six subjects.
• Obtain a minimum of 24 points (out of a maximum of 45).
• Have written an extend essay of 3000-4000 words.
• Have followed a course of TOK (Theory of Knowledge)
• Have taken part in CAS activities (Creativity, Action and Service) for a minimum of 150 hours over the two years (11 and 12).

For further details we suggest a visit to the IB’s official website: www.ibo.org