Catching up with our recent International Baccalaureate Graduates

After studying the rigorous 2 year IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Program) we catch up with our recent 2022 graduates. They share details about their experience at AIS and their plans for the future. 

AIS 2022 IB Graduates

Bastien Buwalda

Bastien studied triple science IB diploma and achieved top marks of 45/45 points. Bastien shares how important his teachers were to his academic journey “Throughout the entirety of my AIS experience, most of the teachers I had were incredibly supportive of my academic journey and school career – a very large thank you in particular to Mr Gardner, Mr Midgely, Ms Zwanniken, Dr Martindill, Mr Griffiths, Ms Torres and Mr Van Wijk (who is now sadly teaching elsewhere) for making those last two years some of the best of my time at AIS.

Bastien was involved in many different programs at the school “At the start of my journey at AIS, I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the many music initiatives. I was a very young member of the AIS soul band, performed at ICE and was able to share my passion for music with like minded peers. At the same time, the MUN program was at its peak, a truly student driven program (at the time led by previous Head Girl/Head Boy, Amelia Woodward and Dylan Alexander) where we could learn and experiment with organisational and leadership skills; it was an incredible experience.”

Bastien is currently studying Clinical Science Student at Macquarie University.

Shihan Yu

Shihan joined the school in 2019 (year 9), she enrolled in the EAL program (English as an Additional Language) for approximately 1 year before she successfully transitioned to the mainstream. She shares with us the challenges she faced “I have attended AIS since the end of 2019. The thing that I liked most about AIS was the comfortable studying atmosphere and many multicultural activities that let me fully enjoy my school life. My favourite subject was economics, and even though I’m not particularly good at it, I’m fascinated by how it interacts with society, and how the way of thinking is quite different. My favourite teacher is our head of Year 12, Mr Midgley, who is also my chemistry teacher. He is a very nice and humorous teacher, and his classes are always quite funny.”

Shihan graduated with 43 points and is applying for NUS and NTU. After her studies, she looks forward to travelling.

Luana Meyer Accioli de Vasconcellos
Luana was at the school since 2020 and recently graduated achieving the highest mark of 45/45 in IB. Luana shared what her IB experience was like “Two years ago I left my high school in Brazil and went straight into IB at AIS. At that time I didn’t understand what IB was and as I started the course, I realized that to maintain my high academic standards I would have to work hard. And that’s what I did. I gave my best every day to overcome the challenges of a new language and country, which didn’t come without anxiety. Fortunately, I met some special people at AIS that made my IB journey more enjoyable; such as Mr Semaan, with whom I found support; and Miss Hlawatsch and Miss Torres, with whom I found kindness and warmth. But truly, I am grateful for everyone involved in the past two years because the number of things that I learned about myself and the world is beyond measure.”  

What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a rigorous educational program established, in 1968 in Geneva, and is one of the secondary school’s major offerings for Years 11 and 12 (ages 16 to 19).

IB DP students study six subjects (three at a higher level, and three at the standard level) and are assessed continuously for the duration of the program. In addition to the 6 subjects, students are also expected to complete a course referred to as Theory Of Knowledge (TOK), create an Extended Essary (EE) and also engage in Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). An IB education builds critical thinking, communication skills and problem-solving within a context of international mindedness.

Do Universities accept IB students?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is accepted by the vast majority of the world’s leading universities and colleges. It is an alternative to HSC and GCE A level curriculum, and in Singapore is it the most common curriculum for global citizens.

How does IB prepare students for University?

The IB prepares students for University in a variety of ways. Students are required to write a 4,000-word assignment called the Extended Essay (EE) that demands intensive research on a topic of their choice. IB students meet or exceed standards for critical thinking and research skills required for university study.

The IB also help students develop time management skills that are required to study effectively. The framework focuses on comprehension rather than memory. The examinations ask you to explain something, not how it occurred. Students need to explain the rationale, rather than merely provide a summary. This is a similar framework to how students study at University.

Learn More About the International Baccalaureate

Give your child the opportunity to exceed in their education and become a global student. Learn more about the Australian International School IB program by calling 6517 0247 or contact us here.