IB Diploma Programme

There is no greater advocacy for an excellent IB Diploma Programme than your own IB graduates. In an upcoming blog series, we will let our former students reflect candidly on their IB Diploma Experience here at WABE International School. How their highly competitive International Baccalaureate Diploma from WABE International School is recognized at universities all around the world, opening up huge possibilities of scholastic and personal development.

“Having moved internationally often I know the struggle of moving schools all too well. Facing change, new faces and different cultures is tough. Finding a school where students feel comfortable and supported, but at the same time positively challenged, not only academically, but also emotionally is not always an easy task. Years ago, I was frantically sifting through the internet, my search history was full of: “International schools in Hamburg” or “Education in English Hamburg”. Not much appeared at first, but then I stumbled across a website…

In the early days of WABE International School, I was given the unique opportunity to become a part of the vision of a successful and modern educational environment. Joining this adventure has made the above-mentioned qualities come to life for not only me during my time at WABE International School, but for all students to come. 

The IB had always scared me. You hear the horror stories, read the online forums, and think to yourself: why does anyone do this? I felt the same way, I had watched my sister fight her way through those two years long before it was even clear, I would be following the same path. When my time came around, I was prepared. She had briefed me on what subjects to take and which to stay far, far away from. To no one’s surprise but mine, I was informed that two of my chosen subjects had been removed by the IB, active immediately. This was a promising start. 

Over the two years, I faced many challenges, I would be lying if I said it had been easy. The IB is not meant to be easy, it is meant to shape you into who you are at the end of 12th grade. It is a unique curriculum which aims to shed light on other perspectives often overlooked in most forms of education. Focus is placed on learning how to be a positive member of society and lead a meaningful life, regardless of the path you choose. 

The class of 2021 was the first IB class to graduate at WABE International School. Being the first class was exciting and challenging at the same time, as teachers and students were learning side by side. All procedures, the ever-changing curriculum, and the pressure of being the guinea pigs was tough on students, but also on teachers. This led to strong teacher-student relationships, with an immense amount of support offered to students in all areas from all staff. Small classes allowed for focused teaching and the ability for students to learn at their own pace, fully supported by their teacher. Students could lean on each other in times of stress or doubt, everyone knows everyone. A community was formed. 

Today, one year post IB, I am finishing my gap year and will be studying psychology in the Netherlands from September. Having the IB diploma has opened many doors for me and allowed me to freely choose my university worldwide due to its international status and level of difficulty. This freedom took an immense amount of pressure off me. I can whole heartedly say that I am grateful for all the support and words of motivation I received from everyone at WABE International School, and of course from my fellow students. All were crucial in my personal success, our success as a class and the successes for all future IB students at WABE International School. I most certainly made the right choice joining this vision in its inception and hope others will benefit as much as I did, and still do.”

Anna, International Baccalaureate Graduate Class of 2021