'It is different from the local system in that it is open to all kinds of views. This is a big advantage for me [because I like debating]. I am used to all kinds of arguments. The ability for critical thinking, to challenge theories and whether someone is right, is developed through all subjects.'

While his fellow students who are not in the IB programme have as much chances for extra-curricular activities, Lo says IB's longstanding international recognition makes him more confident about entering an overseas institution of learning. This month, Lo will be going on a nine-day trip in Thailand to teach English and do other volunteer activities.

Michael Yeung
Victoria Shanghai Academy

Like other IB students, Yeung also enjoys making personal discoveries.

'The principles of IB learning - such as being an inquirer, a risk-taker - are the main spirit that motivates me to be a better student and even a better person.'

Yeung, a Year 10 student at Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA), is excited about pursuing the IB diploma programme to concentrate on his areas of strength. He says the continuous assessments of his courses give him a clear idea of what he needs to improve on, helping him achieve his goal of academic excellence. One summer, he caught up hard on maths - his weak subject - to improve his grade. He succeeded. Yeung says he was not daunted by the initial difficulties at the start of his MYP. 'I am the kind of student who won't give up or try to back off until I am back on track,' he says.

Rachel Lam
Victoria Shanghai Academy

Another Year 10 VSA student, Lam switched to the IB academy after finishing primary four at a local school. She is drawn to its balanced curriculum, even though she had to cope with the stress from multiple projects.

'Our assignments are about analysing an issue and coming to our own conclusions. For my humanities subject, I wrote an essay on world events and had to consider the consequences of events.'

Her parents inculcated in Lam a strong sense of responsibility, she says, but the learning style boosted her drive. 'We have learned a little bit of everything,' she says. Even for the subjects she did not like, she just 'gritted her teeth' to complete them. 'I will feel really guilty if I don't complete the work and just have fun instead.'

George Jones
Renaissance College Hong Kong

A Year 12 student on scholarship, Jones agrees his school work got very hectic at times. But as a reflective person, he has learned to better manage his schedule.

'You have to balance your workload. It's like balancing your life, social life, fitness or free time. It is all about being able to manage yourself better.'

Having done a recycling project for his school and improvement works for farmers in Bali, Indonesia, Jones is prepared for an independent life when he goes to university next year. 'This course is pushing me in that direction, to try to be able to do things on my own,' he says.