Emirati students who sat for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (IBDP) exams at Aldar Academies' Al Bateen Academy, Abu Dhabi's largest education provider, saw a 100 per cent pass rate scoring above the world point's average.

Seventeen out of the 39 Al Bateen Academy students who sat for the IBDP surpassed the world average point score of 30, while five students scored exceptionally well, securing a point score above 40 out of a possible 45.

Emirati Jude Al Qubaisi, who scored 38 points, said: "I hope to continue to achieve small personal victories, in the form of work experience and classes at university that allow for betterment, along with the long-standing goal of ameliorating society, as is the duty of all those who are part of it."

Another Emirati, who scored 34 points, Amer Alfraih, plans to stay in the UAE for university. "It was definitely an emotional experience completing the IBDP, and waiting for my results at home," commented Amer. "I think I did great, especially as I achieved my personal target: a Level 7 in Spanish. The most challenging subjects were definitely physics and chemistry. But, I feel ready to move on to study Industrial and Systems Engineering at Khalifa University."

As with the curricula of Aldar Academies, students of the IBDP are able to maximise their learning potential with access to industry-leading educational technology. Additionally, the programme is closely aligned to university-level study, which prepares future graduates for the next step in their education, wherever that may be in the world.

School toppers

Twins from Lithuania, Marius and Saulius Pakstys, who topped Al Bateen Academy, told Khaleej Times that they were ecstatic and hoping to study mechanical engineering at Switzerland's École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

Marius, who scored 43 on 45, said: "I feel ecstatic. I'm surprised by a few grades that were higher than expected, but overall I'm really pleased given the hours and work I've put in," said Marius.

"The IB has prepared us very well for the workload we are expecting at the university as most of the tasks we did while preparing for IB are very similar to what we will have to be doing at university and has prepared us well for this new phase of our lives. It is a challenge as well as the perfect preparation for our future studies and work."

Both Marius and Saulius took same subjects in IB - Higher level physics, design and technology and higher level English; Standard level Math, Philosophy and French.

Sharing an important tip for other students, Marius said: "When you enroll in IB be very sure about the subjects you pick- check the contents of the subjects; speak to your teachers and ask if the subjects you have picked fits your calibre. Listen to your teachers when they tell you to revise and be proactive."

Marius believes IB diploma is a very versatile course and feels it will definitely help him even beyond university, in his career as well. "I can't imagine myself not having done IB because it is an appropriate challenge to ready myself for the world. The amount of knowledge and content we have absorbed during the course has made us more profound. Our abilities are so sharpened now that we can get ahead more quicker and adapt much better to the world."

Talking about the challenges they faced, his brother Saulius Pakstys, who scored 41, told Khaleej Times: "The toughest part I found about pursuing IB course is the organisation and juggling between different subjects. We have to be very mindful about deadlines of the different subjects and tasks, internal assessment. You have to be very organised to balance between the different subjects.

"You have to work for the diploma - it's challenging, but that also makes it highly rewarding once you achieve what you set out to. My teachers at Al Bateen Academy have been brilliant - I couldn't have done it without them."

saman@khaleejtimes.com

 
IB score and its importance

> The IB Diploma Programme is designed to prepare students, aged 16-18, for effective participation in a rapidly evolving, global society. The programme aims to develop students physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically, broadening the minds of pupils to help them think critically and challenge assumptions and convention.

> Comprehensive and demanding, the diploma covers a broad range of subjects including modern language, sciences and arts to a complex level. Students learn two languages as part of the core modules.

> The IBDP is unique in being independent of any national system, allowing it to incorporate best practice from a range of international frameworks and curricula. Graduates earn a prestigious diploma qualification, which research has shown to be more influential than A-levels for students who apply to leading international universities.

Aldar Academies Al Bateen Academy IB results at a glance:

> Students achieved an average point score of 32.3 - surpassing the world average of 30

> 100 per cent of the academy's Emirati student cohort passed

> The two highest scoring Emirati students secured 38 points and 34 points

Source: Khaleej Times