IB Diploma Programme (11th-12th)

If your child is stressing about their EE (Extended Essay) or an IA (Internal Assessment), and asks you for your opinion or a proofread, don’t ask “What does that acronym mean?" The added frustration of having to explain every second word before finally getting to the crux of the matter will just add to their stress.

Instead, do a little research on the course by flicking through the school’s IBDP Information or browsing the International Baccalaureate Organization website. You’ll then know what they're talking about and be able to have a constructive discussion with them about their work without taking up too much of their precious study time.

The workload in the IB program can be overwhelming. Support your student in developing a good study schedule that includes breaks for relaxation and social activities. This can prevent burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance. Teaching your child the importance of prioritizing tasks can also be a valuable life skill.

The IB program emphasizes independent thinking and self-learning. Try to foster these qualities in your child. For example, instead of directly providing solutions to their problems, guide them to resources where they can find answers themselves. This nurtures problem-solving skills and a sense of autonomy.

While some students regularly ask their parents for advice or feedback, many prefer taking a more independent route. If your student is the latter, let them come to you. You may only want to help, but combined with the stress of meeting IBDP course expectations, your questions and advice may actually add to the pressure and hinder their progression.  Best advice - only give feedback and or advice when asked for.

It’s best, in fact, to let your student know you are there for them by providing a caring and supportive home environment. If, as a parent, you trust your student enough to give them some space, do it as it could be just what they need to make some headway and achieve their goals.

It’s completely normal for students to feel the need to vent when frustrated about a certain task. As a parent, if you notice your student getting frustrated, ask them if they want someone to rant with or vent to.

It may feel like an odd question to ask, but such an emotional release can feel very cathartic. IBDP students are, after all, not quite adults and therefore take comfort in the fact their parents understand.

Remember, this venting session is just that.  A time to listen and not be a sounding board and offer feedback.  If they want your advice or opinion they will ask for it.

Students naturally feel pressured to perform well in front of their classmates and teachers, and most already want to make their parents proud.  Parents should only push as much as necessary. Completing the IBDP is a challenge in itself, and as a Brown University admissions officer said “I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t respect the IB.”

Having said this, every student is different. Observe yours, get feedback from their teachers and set your expectations based on what they are capable of rather than pushing for a particular score. And if your child does feel they underperformed in a task and they ask for your feedback - encourage them to go over the task with their instructor first, to see where things went wrong and how to avoid the pitfall next time. Then be willing to be a sounding board if they ask you for advice. It’s discussions like this that will give your student the confidence to push on and succeed.

All of this is combined, of course, with receiving the praise they deserve when they do exceed your expectations.

The IB curriculum is challenging and may sometimes lead to stress and frustration. Encourage your child to persevere in the face of difficulties and remind them that challenges can be opportunities for growth. Encourage them to seek out and use stress-management techniques and assure them that it's okay to ask for help when needed.

IB can be intense, and it's important for your child to maintain balance in life. Encourage them to take part in non-academic activities they enjoy, maintain their social life, and look after their physical and mental health.

The CAS component of the IB diploma program encourages students to engage in creative activities, physical activities, and community service. Help your student identify opportunities for CAS hours that align with their interests and passions.  This does not mean you should organize and arrange these activities.  It means brainstorming ideas with your student.

Life isn’t just a string of successes.  We realize there are stumbling blocks in the road.  The trick is to pick yourself up and keep going. Now that may sometimes mean getting help and support from others, which is why West Sound Academy staff are always available to listen should a student need help or advice. Encourage your student to set up a consultation time with a spericific teacher to help them get to grips with course content or to organize a Thursday afternoon subject-specific study sessions with their peers.