For Chinese International School alumnus Lawson Wong, the wide variety of subjects he was required to study in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) encouraged him to become better-rounded.
'I can no longer remember the structure of organic chemical compounds or recall all formulae in optics, but I can still remember many details from modern Chinese history and see China's development in this context,' says Wong, who continued his studies at Stanford University after completing the IBDP in 2005. He is now studying for a PhD in computer science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The IB gave Wong a first glimpse of technical writing, a skill he continues to use professionally. 'My fondest recollections of the subjects I took are the maths portfolio, science experiment reports, the computer science dossier, and my extended essay in maths. These writing experiences are unique and useful. The IB taught me to value technical writing skills early on, and I am grateful for that,' he says.
Many educators consider the IB one of the best university preparatory programmes. John Jalsevac, principal of upper school at Canadian International School (CDNIS), says the rigour of the programme and the focus on higher-level thinking skills equip students with the ability to reflect, analyse, synthesise and apply their knowledge in new situations. That students don't have to specialise too early also means many doors are open to them in university.
'The IB prepares students to be creative-thinking problem-solvers, which in the world of post-secondary education and the workplace is the number one attribute,' he says.
CDNIS is one of four schools in Hong Kong offering all three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP), plus DP.
Notwithstanding the IB's strengths, schools play a crucial role in giving the necessary nudge to help students identify the right course in the right university and secure a place on it.