Choosing a pre-university course is very important and never easy, especially when there are so many options these days. Here in Malaysia, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) has been a popular choice recently.
The IBDP is a two-year Pre-University programme, that prepares students for entry into university and is highly regarded as a rigorous yet balanced curriculum. Many top universities worldwide believe that it gives an edge to students once they begin university.
Keeping options open
One of the key benefits of the IBDP is the breadth of subjects. The programme requires students to select several subjects from across the curriculum, keeping options open for one’s future pathway. This is seen as an advantage to those who are undecided in their career direction. For parents, they like the comprehensiveness of the programme, which encompasses languages, sciences, mathematics, arts and societies.
“When I first came in for IB, I was 16, and I was not entirely sure what to do. IB was a chance to narrow down into what I wanted to do, but it also didn’t limit me. I didn’t want to choose a subject and be stuck with it forever. IB offered six subjects for me to explore, and understand what I really wanted to do,” says Lim Zhuo Jun, Nexus International School Malaysia IBDP graduate, who scored 43 IB Points in 2019.
Balance through CAS
Another key requirement is the 150 hours of CAS – Creativity, Action and Service – a practical approach to learning, by engaging in real life tasks. CAS adds a layer of development to IB students, where they build critical and creative problem-solving skills across disciplines. As such, there is a notion that IB students who fare well in the programme will be well prepared for university. The IBDP is viewed as more balanced and well-rounded than other high school qualifications.
“Teachers here offered me independence and support, which allowed me to pursue my own projects outside of school, with their help,” Lim explains.
Personal growth
While academic success remains a crucial factor for parents and students, there is a growing awareness that the students’ personal growth and maturity is just as vital. The IBDP is known to encourage IB students to be inquirers, communicators, knowledgeable, principled, inclusive, open-minded and caring, and students should demonstrate the ability to be both balanced and reflective.
Khoo Qi Xuan, Nexus IBDP 2019 graduate who also scored the perfect 45 points says: “The Nexus pedagogy is marked with its holistic approach to education, contrary to the conventional exam-oriented approach, and Nexus teaches learners the ability to think critically and independently. My academic success as an IB learner thus far would have been impossible without the school’s relentless effort in bringing out the best in every learner.”
At Nexus International School Malaysia, the IBDP cohorts have consistently fared well since 2012 and many of the alumni went on to further their studies in universities such as Duke University, University College London, London School of Economics, John Hopkins University, University of British Columbia and many more.
The Nexus Way
In addition, Nexus also strongly advocates global-mindedness, cultural diversity, and inclusivity, which is very much in line with the IBDP’s international goals. “The Nexus Way” – which encompasses mindsets, relationships, inclusion and innovation – is the philosophy that the teachers practice to nurture and support the students throughout their studies and make them truly global citizens.
“The school prepared a lot of past year papers. Meanwhile, they also prepared us mentally by teaching us how to study, how to manage our time and how to have a pre-exam routine which helps to calm yourself. Workload in IB can get a lot sometimes but I feel that the support system from teachers as well as your peers is good here”, explains Lee Zhi Yang, a Nexus IBDP 2019 graduate who scored 42 IB points.
As we step into 2020, Nexus is currently offering Full & Partial IB Scholarships. Apply now for an opportunity to experience a curriculum that would truly set you apart from the rest. For more information, you may contact the Admissions team at 03-8889 3868 or email them here.
This post is written and sponsored by Nexus.
