How does the IBDP prepare OFS students for higher education?
By OFS
October 2024
OFS's commitment to academic excellence and holistic development ensures that our students are well-prepared for higher education and beyond. At OFS, our academic programs are thoughtfully-designed and globally recognized, and we provide the esteemed International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) for our high school students.
What is the IB DP?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university course of study designed for students aged 16 to 19. Established in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, the IBDP is globally recognized for its rigorous academic standards and its emphasis on developing well-rounded, inquisitive, and informed young adults. The program's curriculum spans two years and includes a wide range of subjects, covering both depth and breadth of knowledge. Students are assessed through a combination of internal assessments and external examinations.
The Profile of an IB DP Graduate
The IBDP emphasizes the development of ten attributes in students, known as the IB Learner Profile, which are being inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. IBDP graduates are often seen as adaptable, resilient, and prepared to tackle both academic and real-world challenges.
How Does the IB DP Prepare OFS Students for Higher Education?
1. Globally Recognized and Highly Acclaimed
OFS students benefit from the IBDP's prestigious reputation, as it is recognized by universities and employers worldwide. Compared to taking a traditional high school diploma, the IB Diploma is more internationally recognized and competitive. Universities in over 140 countries accept IBDP graduates, often granting them advanced standing or course credit based on their IB exam scores. This global recognition opens doors to top universities around the world, as well as to future employers.
The program's stringent academic standards and comprehensive curriculum assure admissions officers that IBDP graduates are the mark of high academic achievement and are well-prepared for the demands of university-level study.
2. Rigorous Curriculum
The IBDP curriculum at OFS is known for its rigour and depth. Students engage in six subject groups, including Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. They also complete three core components: the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). This demanding coursework hones students' research, writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills, all of which are essential for success in higher education.
3. Wide Variety and Balance of Subjects
OFS students in the IBDP experience a balanced education that covers a broad spectrum of disciplines. This wide-ranging curriculum ensures that students are not only specialists in their chosen fields but also well-rounded individuals with knowledge across various subject areas. Students are to take courses from different disciplines such as language acquisition, mathematics, sciences, individuals and societies, and the arts. Such a balanced approach prepares students for the interdisciplinary nature of modern higher education and the workforce.
4. Language Prioritization
In a multicultural school like OFS, language acquisition is given significant importance. The IBDP requires students to study at least two languages. This emphasis on language is vital for producing global citizens who can thrive in diverse environments and engage meaningfully with different cultures.
5. Producing Global Citizens
The IBDP at OFS cultivates a sense of international-mindedness and global responsibility. Through programs like CAS, students participate in community service and activities that develop their empathy, leadership, and ethical understanding. These experiences prepare students to contribute positively to society.
Outstanding IB Examination Results at OFS
Our Grade 12 students achieved exceptional results in the May 2024 IB Examinations, with an average score of 35 that is 5 points higher than the world average of 30.3! We also saw a 96% pass rate with the world average being 80%, a commendable feat considering that OFS is an open entry school with no entry examinations.
24% of our students achieved above 40 points, a sign of excellent performance in the examinations and IB DP, and a great achievement for OFS considering that the world average is 4.4%. 41 students scored 40 grade points and above, and 52% of students scored 35 grade points and above. As a multicultural school, OFS also offers bilingual diplomas, and this year, 29% graduated with a bilingual diploma!
Our top achievers were two students named Jeong Yujun and Kapoor Vivaan, who achieved a perfect score of 45/45. Four students, Banerjee Aryan, Chang Seojeong, Rajesh Adithi, and Yao William, scored an impressive 44/45.
Interview with IB Perfect Scorer at OFS, Vivaan Kapoor
In an exclusive student highlight interview, we spoke with Vivaan Kapoor, who shared his journey and experience in the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) at OFS. Vivaan began his time at OFS in January 2014 and recently graduated in the June 2024 cohort. He is now headed to the University of Manchester in the UK, where he will pursue Medicine. His goal is to graduate as a junior doctor in 2029 and work with humanitarian organizations.
As a rigorous program, Vivaan acknowledges that IB requires a lot of preparation, pushing students to challenge their limits. “IB really tests your ability to apply what you learnt and tests your knowledge and understanding of the course,” Vivaan shared. “In your preparation, it’s so important to understand the niches (of each subject), and use the support of teachers and peers.”
Vivaan also emphasised the collaborative nature of the IB Diploma Program, which OFS encourages.
“I think the collaborative approach that OFS promotes within the classroom by working with teachers, working as a class to revise certain difficult content, really helped all of us improve our grades and motivate us further. I think that was really the difference in my preparation that allowed me to achieve such a score,” Vivaan explained.
Reflecting on his 10-year journey at OFS, Vivaan fondly remembered the friends he made from all over the world, and growing up alongside his cohort. One of his most memorable academic experiences was writing the IB Extended Essay, which he found an exciting way to explore his interests further. It gave him the opportunity to delve deeper into his curiosities and conduct his own scientific experiments.
To watch the full interview and learn more about Vivaan’s journey in OFS’ IB Diploma Program, head over to our Youtube channel in this link: https://youtu.be/gpGzBGcuQeQ
Join the IBDP at OFS!
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Overseas Family School is more than just a rigorous academic course; it is a comprehensive preparation for higher education and beyond. The IB DP equips OFS students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in university and in their future careers.
Keen to learn more about the IB DP and OFS? Contact our Admissions Officers and visit our official website homepage!
OFS Admissions Director
Joyce Chee
Admissions Director
Overseas Family School, Block A, Level 6