Last week, 20 sophomores participated in a shadowing program to experience the International Baccalaureate (IB) classes firsthand.
The initiative aimed to provide students with a better understanding of the IB teaching style and curriculum, helping them decide if the program aligns with their academic goals.
When I shadowed IB Philosophy last year, I really didn’t know what to expect.
The atmosphere was very positive, and I liked Mr. Grey’s teaching style.
He encouraged group discussion and the lessons were very hands-on instead of typical note taking.
I remember he pulled out a reality-splitter app and talked about our choices impacting our reality.
The class did not feel like 40 minutes. It felt incredibly short, and I could not wait to take the class next year.
The shadow day helped me see that IB was not a scary class, and that although it was something different, the shadowing experience relieved some of the fears I had.
“We do this because people have these conceptions on what IB may or may not be, so if they can get into an IB classroom and can see the style of the class or have any questions on the difficulty they can see for themselves,” said IB coordinator Mathhew Schultz.
Schultz emphasizes that the decision to pursue IB should be a personal one.
“It is for each individual to make that decision. Some students push themselves to do it, and some push themselves to do one IB class. Each student knows themselves, and it is important to acknowledge your own capability,” he said.
While encouraging students to challenge themselves, Shcultz also warned against overcommitting.
“If you overextend yourself, it turns into being stressed, poor grades, or the quality of work diminished. Although it is good to challenge yourself, do not spread yourself too thin,” he advised.
To those considering the program, Shchultz recommended seeking advice and self-reflection.
“If you have any questions, talk to the people in IB, teachers in the program, and you know yourself as a student,” he said.
The shadowing program highlights NDA’s commitment to guiding students in making informed academic choices and fostering a supportive environment for exploring rigorous coursework.
For me, I believe that the best way to know what an IB class looks like is to shadow it and see it for yourself.
It is easy to decide based on others, but your experience is entirely yours, and IB might be the best fit for you.
