Here are just a few South Island School student success stories. The IBCP appeals to different types of student, some want to specialise on a particular area of interest, some don't want the demands of the breadth of the IBDP and some just want the flexibility of the IBCP to provide additional time to practise the skills that matter to them most.
Michelle Kim: Graduate of 2019
University Offers:
Johns Hopkins University, Peabody Institute (Scholarship)
Oberlin Conservatory (Scholarship)
Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music
New England Conservatory
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (Scholarship)
What made you choose the IBCP?
As a musician I needed the flexible schedule of the IBCP. I knew that it would be difficult for me to study all 6 subjects of the IBDP when I already knew that I want to play the viola professionally and need to dedicate time towards this. When in year 10 I planned ahead by reducing my iGCSE allocation and the transition to the IBCP provided me with extra time for lessons, competitions and auditions.
What have you enjoyed the most?
I have really valued the extra time afforded to compete in Korea and develop with my Viola playing with my teacher. I have also had incredible experiences auditioning across the USA which were challenging but invaluable. What I have enjoyed most has been the relationships that I have formed with my teachers who have kindly made sacrifices to support my music schedule.
In what ways have you grown in the past 2 years?
At first I didn't know how to cope with the continuous coursework of the BTEC qualification and the rigour of IB Music but I have developed systems to support my organisation and time management. I have definitely grown in terms of communication skills, and stress management when preparation for auditions, it's great to finally feel in control of my nerves. My experiences at US auditions have given me confidence that I am ready to make the step to higher education. I've also learned to value the importance of relationships and how friends, family teachers and even potential future teachers can be a source of reassurance.
What have been the biggest challenges that you have overcome?
Dealing with disappointment, for years I have competed in Korea when against more experiences, technical styles. My style is quite unique and this has been an interesting learning curve. I think the biggest challenge is not having a routine, a regular schedule, time to socialise with my friends. Also, the physical & mental challenge of flying all over the world, juggling practice, performance and academics. The 2 years have been a whirlwind but so much fun and i'm now seeing the rewards with some great university offers.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Grad school, i'm currently considering Music Education.
What advice would you give a year 11 student considering the IBCP / IBDP?
If you want to do CP you really need to be sure of your career path, you need to do your research. people think it's easy or that it's for less-able students....it's not. You need to know what you're getting yourself into. My advice, speak to other year 12 / 13 students and find out their experiences.
University Offers:
Johns Hopkins University, Peabody Institute (Scholarship)
Oberlin Conservatory (Scholarship)
Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music
New England Conservatory
San Francisco Conservatory of Music (Scholarship)
What made you choose the IBCP?
As a musician I needed the flexible schedule of the IBCP. I knew that it would be difficult for me to study all 6 subjects of the IBDP when I already knew that I want to play the viola professionally and need to dedicate time towards this. When in year 10 I planned ahead by reducing my iGCSE allocation and the transition to the IBCP provided me with extra time for lessons, competitions and auditions.
What have you enjoyed the most?
I have really valued the extra time afforded to compete in Korea and develop with my Viola playing with my teacher. I have also had incredible experiences auditioning across the USA which were challenging but invaluable. What I have enjoyed most has been the relationships that I have formed with my teachers who have kindly made sacrifices to support my music schedule.
In what ways have you grown in the past 2 years?
At first I didn't know how to cope with the continuous coursework of the BTEC qualification and the rigour of IB Music but I have developed systems to support my organisation and time management. I have definitely grown in terms of communication skills, and stress management when preparation for auditions, it's great to finally feel in control of my nerves. My experiences at US auditions have given me confidence that I am ready to make the step to higher education. I've also learned to value the importance of relationships and how friends, family teachers and even potential future teachers can be a source of reassurance.
What have been the biggest challenges that you have overcome?
Dealing with disappointment, for years I have competed in Korea when against more experiences, technical styles. My style is quite unique and this has been an interesting learning curve. I think the biggest challenge is not having a routine, a regular schedule, time to socialise with my friends. Also, the physical & mental challenge of flying all over the world, juggling practice, performance and academics. The 2 years have been a whirlwind but so much fun and i'm now seeing the rewards with some great university offers.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Grad school, i'm currently considering Music Education.
What advice would you give a year 11 student considering the IBCP / IBDP?
If you want to do CP you really need to be sure of your career path, you need to do your research. people think it's easy or that it's for less-able students....it's not. You need to know what you're getting yourself into. My advice, speak to other year 12 / 13 students and find out their experiences.
Jeff Lau: Graduate of 2019
University Offers:
The University of Nottingham
The University of Kent
What made you choose the IBCP?
I didn't like the idea of having to choose subjects that I didn't want to study and was unmotivated to continue after year 11. The IBCP allowed me to focus on the subjects I enjoy and i'm good at such as Film and History. I never even considered the IBDP, it was always the IBCP right from from the very start of the options process.
What have you enjoyed the most?
I love participating in group projects within BTEC Media because I enjoy working with others, sharing ideas and the practical nature of the work. I also really enjoyed the IB Reflective Project because it allowed me to learn people's first-hand experiences by interviewing professionals in the field and reflecting on myself as a learner. Recently, I liked the PPS Project: Street Photography because I have a keen interest in photography and I found myself questioning the ethics of my actions.
In what ways have you grown in the past 2 years?
I have become more independent, in BTEC Media I have created several solo-film projects, this gives me confidence going off to university where I will get less support than high school. I think one of the biggest areas of growth has been my self-confidence, not just in my academics but also my general attitude to life. I had a few knock-backs over the 2 years and difficulties to overcome and the IBCP has given me to tools to believe in myself.
What have been the biggest challenges that you have overcome?
I think people often think the IBCP is an easy alternative to the IBDP but the course is rigorous with multiple weekly deadlines all formally assessed. Initially, I think I struggled to manage my time effectively and manage my levels of stress but I have now developed systems of support and am far more capable to deal with the challenges of the IBCP and higher education.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A graduate of the University of Nottingham and hopefully starting my career as a visual artist in the media industry.
What advice would you give a year 11 student considering the IBCP / IBDP?
Research what you want to do in the future, I know that lots of students don't know what they want to do in the future, I was quite lucky but you need to have a rough idea in order to make informed decisions. Be open in speaking with your parents and the careers team, their door is always open. Also, spam emails to your teachers tend to work quite well (depending on the teacher), use your support network. Consider the advantages & disadvantages of both courses, do you want exams? Are you better at coursework? Do some subjects overlap / clash.
University Offers:
The University of Nottingham
The University of Kent
What made you choose the IBCP?
I didn't like the idea of having to choose subjects that I didn't want to study and was unmotivated to continue after year 11. The IBCP allowed me to focus on the subjects I enjoy and i'm good at such as Film and History. I never even considered the IBDP, it was always the IBCP right from from the very start of the options process.
What have you enjoyed the most?
I love participating in group projects within BTEC Media because I enjoy working with others, sharing ideas and the practical nature of the work. I also really enjoyed the IB Reflective Project because it allowed me to learn people's first-hand experiences by interviewing professionals in the field and reflecting on myself as a learner. Recently, I liked the PPS Project: Street Photography because I have a keen interest in photography and I found myself questioning the ethics of my actions.
In what ways have you grown in the past 2 years?
I have become more independent, in BTEC Media I have created several solo-film projects, this gives me confidence going off to university where I will get less support than high school. I think one of the biggest areas of growth has been my self-confidence, not just in my academics but also my general attitude to life. I had a few knock-backs over the 2 years and difficulties to overcome and the IBCP has given me to tools to believe in myself.
What have been the biggest challenges that you have overcome?
I think people often think the IBCP is an easy alternative to the IBDP but the course is rigorous with multiple weekly deadlines all formally assessed. Initially, I think I struggled to manage my time effectively and manage my levels of stress but I have now developed systems of support and am far more capable to deal with the challenges of the IBCP and higher education.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A graduate of the University of Nottingham and hopefully starting my career as a visual artist in the media industry.
What advice would you give a year 11 student considering the IBCP / IBDP?
Research what you want to do in the future, I know that lots of students don't know what they want to do in the future, I was quite lucky but you need to have a rough idea in order to make informed decisions. Be open in speaking with your parents and the careers team, their door is always open. Also, spam emails to your teachers tend to work quite well (depending on the teacher), use your support network. Consider the advantages & disadvantages of both courses, do you want exams? Are you better at coursework? Do some subjects overlap / clash.
