Beautiful Times

International General Certificate of Secondary Education: the world’s most popular international qualification with a flexible and stimulating curriculum for 14 to 16 year olds.

Life as an IGCSEer
I’m gonna tell you guys something about life in IBDP centre in JDFZ. I have to say that my first year here was actually the best school year I’ve been through so far. I really appreciated that I could meet so many nice people who kept me company when I was delighted and upset. However, life is not always that carefree, there are some tips might help you when you enter this school.

Honesty is the best policy. You know what, it’s impossible and ridiculous if you told me that you never lied before, but you should know that IB is not like our former schools, cheating is really a big deal. Every single test, every task given, you must take it seriously, otherwise you will become the victim of your own evil deeds.

Get yourself some time for books. It is said that it’s quite helpful for both your school English tests and standardized tests like SAT critical reading. Also, it will give you some quality topics when chatting with teachers and schoolmates. Remember, don’t be too harsh and hurried while you are reading since you may miss something fabulous.

Get your interest on track. I know that you have to put things you are really into on ice as focusing on your entrance exam for high school while now things has changed. In the year of IGCSE, try to figure out as many interests as possible, then you are free to choose your favorites or make some breakthroughs since your first IB year may be too tough for you to think too much.

Don’t waste your first year. As I mentioned before, you will be rather busy in IB1 because loads of assignments, essays, tests, activities, reflections, standardized tests, etc will come to you all of a sudden. It’s brilliant to prepare for them and get a relatively satisfying grade for Toefl this year, or you might freak out later on.

Believe it or not, I hope these tips can work in some way. However, life is different for everyone, face it and enjoy it.

by Esther