Alumni Profiles

Isabella Lessene Class of 2021 Jared Hart Class of 2018

For me, the IB program was a supportive and immersive program that helped me become a truly well-rounded learner. The committed teaching staff and motivated student peers that participate in the IB create a wonderful learning environment that makes getting through the toughest years of high school a team effort. The IB also fosters an increase in world knowledge, critical thinking, and co-curricular participation, all resulting in a rewarding experience and easier transition into university-style learning.

Over the two years, I learnt how to study effectively. The IB gave me the opportunity to leave my comfort zone and try subjects I wouldn’t normally have tried, with assessment tasks unlike any other at a high school level. Consequently, I learnt a great deal about time management and the challenge of balancing a busy academic lifestyle.

Theory of Knowledge oral presentation: Does literature provide us with first-person knowledge of other minds?

Extended Essay subject and question:

English Literature; How do Patricia Highsmith and James Baldwin interrogate 1950s American masculinity in The Talented Mr Ripley and Giovanni’s Room?

Where to next?

Bella is currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne.

How did the IB prepare you for University?

Most importantly, the IB has taught me to learn independently and manage my time as effectively as possible. I’ve also noticed that the program has put me ahead in terms of academic skills, such as essay writing, referencing, and scholarly research. So far into my biomedicine course, I’ve found lots of cross-over in my core content with my IB subjects, so the transition to university learning was made much smoother.

Theory of Knowledge oral presentation:

To what extent does language influence our knowledge and perception of the world, as well as the way we think?

Extended Essay subject and question:

Economics; To what extent is government intervention, through macroprudential policy, the most effective way of improving overall stability in Australia’s current housing market?

Where to next?

Jared is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne.

How did the IB prepare you for University?

The assessments of the IB are much more in-line with those of university. Through my participation in IAs and the EE in particular, the IB helped me establish an understanding of how to work to deadlines and meet academic honesty standards. Having written several extended pieces of writing to the IB’s high expectations for the use of copyrighted work, I have a much better understanding of the requirements of universities.

Juliet Garro Class of 2018

The IB experience taught me that any goal is within reach as long as you are committed to achieving it. The IB, at times, can be rigorous and demanding and require you to balance a number of tasks at once. Due to the nature of the IB experience, you are able to learn a lot both within and outside of the classroom environment. The IB experience is much more worldly, as expected, when compared to the VCE program, as it prompts students to develop a wider understanding of key concepts across all disciplines within the program.

I learnt that the chief virtues for an IB learner are patience, consistency and being well-organised. The second lesson I learnt was that success is only a slight mental switch away. From a student who struggled in the early parts of the course, it took self-belief to commit to each subject and not accept it was ‘too hard’. Once this positive mindset was harnessed, my motivation skyrocketed and results followed.

Theory

To what extent can new forms of media impact our apprehension of the truth?

Extended Essay subject and question: Business Management; To what extent can Microsoft Corporation’s success be attributed to their ‘freemium’ marketing strategy?

Where to next?

Juliet is currently studying a Bachelor of Business/Law at Monash University.

How did the IB prepare you for University?

IB requires you to be an independent learner; that is, one who is proactive and seeks out help when necessary. This self-driven style of learning is adopted widely throughout university life. The IB does an excellent job in preparing a student to learn independently and to take control of this learning.

Theory of Knowledge oral presentation: Can new knowledge change established views and beliefs?

Extended Essay subject and question:

Sports Exercise and Health Science HL: How does a Cricketer’s aerobic capacity influence their ability to repeatedly selectively attend to correct cues?

Where to next?

Tom is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce course at Melbourne University, majoring in Finance and Economics. Then a Juris Doctor (law) degree at Melbourne University.

How did the IB prepare you for University?

Put simply, the IB exposed me to a higher level of critical thinking and application than any of my non IB university student cohort. The IB prompted me to tackle complex theories, and as such, IB students are equipped with the processes and models to analyse and interpret these ideas. The varied IB subjects and tasks develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in competitive university courses. IB produces versatile students who are ready to tackle an ever-changing, fastpaced and increasingly globalized world.