Opting for the IB
All of our students have been enrolled in the International Baccalaureate - IB program for the last 3 years. The high academic level and the dedication to our students´ personal development are some of its benefits.
More than 5,000 schools use the International Baccalaureate program globally, but only 3 in the metropolitan area of the Aburrá Valley. Deutsche Schule Medellín is a part of that big network of institutions that educate students who can think critically. Since 2020, every student from Klasse 11 and 12 has participated in the IB program. This time, we will present the IB program from four different perspectives.
Citizens of the World
“This is the most recognized International Baccalaureate program in the world. It fits our pillars perfectly and it provides our students with integral education that prepares them for a globalized world through social sciences and languages such as German, Spanish, and English. Likewise, we educate autonomous individuals that use critical and analytic thinking. Networking projects such as Monographs, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS -Creativity, Activity, Service- prepare them for the next level of their academic education, which can be continued in universities in Germany or in other countries because the IB diploma facilitates it”.
Anke Käding, Head.
Skills for the current world
“The IB approach is centered on exploration. In almost every topic, the program uses a local approach, which is relevant in today’s world. The IB program goes beyond the contents in class; it aims to develop self-management, time management and emotion management skills. The program also teaches about resilience, and it helps our students project themselves. The IB program presents a curriculum based on concepts, not contents. That is important because concepts are universal”.
Melissa Vickers, IB Monograph Coordinator.
A worthwhile effort
“From the beginning, students get to Klasse 11, and they see the IB program as a challenge. I see positive changes in them, they are able to express their ideas more clearly and their vision of the world changes. We, as families are included in this process because we provide them with prioritization and time management tools, and we help them avoid procrastination. It is also important to provide support when they feel they can’t do it. It’s a worthwhile effort”.
Mercedes Valentiner, mother of Victoria and Francisco Batista. Victoria is in Klasse 12, and Francisco graduated in 2022.
The advantages
“The IB program led me to find study methods consistent with the academic load implied in being part of the program. That was one of its greatest contributions towards my education because I now apply many of those methods when I’m studying in my university degree. I enjoyed math and biology classes, which gave me the foundations to pursue this career. Besides, thanks to my grades in my Spanish exam, I was able to have one of my first semester courses credited, which allowed me to have some free time to do other things. I think that the fact that the school offers the IB program is coherent with their ideas of wanting students to pursue university degrees abroad”.
Sebastián Menges, graduate student. Medical student as CES University.
