Are you about to start with the IB this year? I’m sure that you’re feeling nervous. So, here are the top 10 things you should do prior to starting the IB. In the wake of all the rumors and myths that surround this IB Diploma it’s rare to see a student in a class that includes Pre IB students who don’t even a smidgen of worry at the end of their eye.
Perhaps it’s an exaggeration. However, at Lanterna we experienced the same emotions you’re experiencing prior to completing the process of completing our Diplomas. There are plenty of reasons to get excited about the IB as well & it is important to be ready.
1. Examine your IB subjects
If you’ve already picked your subject Take some time to think about the impact of your work next year. What is the subject you think you’ll struggle with? Which subject do you think you will need to pay attention to during the class? If you’re taking on a new subject, you should be prepared to allow yourself more time to familiarize yourself with the way it functions. It is important to keep in mind that every person faces different issues within the IB and each has their own strengths. In addition it is not the case that every IB student is able to do everything effortlessly. Knowing the expectations will help make the next year’s transition much simpler. For this make a list of:
- Your hardest subject.
- Your most-loved subject.
- The topic you’ll be spending the most time in.
2. Learn about the new subjects
If you’re preparing to start an entirely new topic that you’ve never done before, you should do some study! Learn more about the subject and the kinds of subjects you’ll be studying. Don’t be concerned about the exact IB syllabus, instead concentrate on the areas you’re most interested in & there are lots of tutors & Ib tok help also available.
For instance:
Psychology Read blogs like We’re Just Human which has numerous articles on human nature’s peculiarities.
Business & Management Try paying more focus to the section on business in your local paper
World Politics A quick search through Google will yield plenty of various sites that you can dig into. Remember that each will have its own unique slant and point of view.
Economic – and while the Economist is a business magazine, it also covers politics. It’s a good starting point if you would like to know more. You can also start with the basics on this page.
Philosophy Try to listen in on this Oxford University podcast, Philosophy for Beginners
3. Keep up the English
If English isn’t your primary language, it is essential to do everything you can to improve your abilities prior to starting the IB. You can read your favorite book in English or go to English and American films without subtitles, or ask your friends to speak to you exclusively in English at specific times during the day!
4. Keep up the Language B
Similar to English It’s crucial to ensure you’re using your language as an alternative during the holiday season. The key to improving your language proficiency is to invest energy and time into the process. If you’re not planning to travel and speak in a place in which the languages are spoken (which is a wonderful experience if you are able to acquire it!) you’re unlikely to take in anything until you commit to it. Discover ways of getting interested in the language whether it’s by watching the latest Spanish television show or cooking from recipes written in French. For ideas, take an eye on these twins who have taught themselves Turkish in just seven days!
5. Find out about extracurricular activities
The IB isn’t all about academics! The main reason for the CAS program is because the IB requires you to engage in things outside of the confines of your classroom. Make this summer an opportunity to experiment with innovative activities that may be fun CAS projects for next year. Try something you’ve always thought about but haven’t had the time to try. You might just become the next top circus artist, or realize that it’s your destiny to establish an animal sanctuary. Plus when you write us the story of your CAS project next year , you could be awarded a grant for Lanterna’s Mid-IB Summer Camp!
6. Be aware of your strengths in studying
Take a look at your study practices. Are they effective? Bad? Would you suggest them to your friend? Most of us do not choose our work or study habits and we just get into them accidentally. This is a risk since it means that we do things that are simple or easy however, not necessarily what is most effective.
Now is the best time to determine what studying practices work best for you. If you’re unable to meet deadlines due to the fact that you don’t finish work at the final minute and then you have to work late you must complete assignments on the date you’ve been given and not the time prior to when the due date. If you’re constantly falling asleep when you’re done with homework, you should start working earlier. Also, try changing the location in which you work to determine whether working in a public space (say the cafe or library) is more productive than working at home in your bedroom. I guarantee that if you determine the best way to work, you’ll be miles ahead of other students taking the IB.
7. Get organised and practice
If you’re unable to organise your life or are constantly getting your Math notes scattered around your sock drawer, this is the right time to make a change. It’s not difficult to believe that being unorganised is something that is as integral to your personality as whether you prefer crunchy or smooth peanut butter. However, the reality is, it’s much more manageable than the latter. Do not try to alter your routine in the span of a single day, but do begin with the small things. Get a file folder and practice placing your notes inside with no folds and in chronological order of chronological order, throughout the year. Install a To-do-list application and begin using it each day for two weeks. Organising is among the most important skills to be taught in the IB and a little practice now will make it much simpler next year.
8. Don’t believe the IB Rumours about the IB.
I discussed the rumours and myths concerning the IB at the beginning of this blog. However, it is important to keep in mind that none of the stories are factual. They are, in fact, all fabrications. You can be social as well as pursue your personal hobbies, and have fun in the last two years at school! As you remain organised and stay in the loop with your tasks. It’s not difficult to do, it’s just some effort. Don’t let the rumors about how difficult a subject can be discourage you from taking it on. It’s true that HL Math is a challenge for those that struggle Math however, if you are interested in it, wish to learn more about it and excel at the subject, it’s surely the right option for you.
9. Get help
If you’re worried about a specific topic or your workload general, know that assistance is always in the near future. Make the most of these final weeks of school to speak to your teachers about your subject. Learn from them ways to improve your study skills during the summer. A little extra reading or regular exercise on a subject can make a huge difference. Sometimes, a little teaching as well as the IB preparation course is the solution to get the additional guidance and confidence that will ensure that you breeze through the beginning year at IB IB with flying colours.
10. Be excited to start the IB!
The last thing to do is Get enthusiastic! The IB is amazing. It’s not just an instrument to achieve a fantastic goal (remember how many universities around the globe appreciate IB)
It is a method to enhance your knowledge, skills and expertise or to practise more Ib internal assessment. Participate in the course and success is right in the near future!