Support for Parents

Being an IB Parent can be stressful. You will watch your child go through some rough patches as they adjust to a different grading system, a more rigorous standard of learning and a higher demand on their time. Still, the IBDP has been successful at our school and around the world and continues to grow. We must be doing something right in preparing students for life beyond high school.

Suggestions, tips and ideas

• The IB programme is not like provincial programming. Some classes are at a university level in terms of content. All classes ask students to apply their learning and not just regurgitate content. Adjusting to this new way of teaching and learning can take time. As IB Parent you can help your child realize that he or she has access to support at home and at school. Students need to rethink what “asking for help” means. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t good enough. Being a good student doesn’t mean you don’t ask questions – being a good student means that you do ask questions. Your child may need help in re-framing this idea in his or hear head.
• Try to remember that students choose the IBDP because something about itmattered to them. It could be that they wanted a challenge, or that they enjoyed the learning/teaching style. or that they wanted to earn university credits while in high school. A few years ago I had a conversation with a student once who really wanted to stay in the IB programme but got the following messages from home: “You don’t need to do this. Why don’t you quit?“. This student would have felt more supported with “What can I do to help you?” when times were tough. The IB has up and down moments, busy times and quieter times. When students stick to our assessment deadlines, and when they study regularly, they will be just fine. If you are worried about your child at any point, however, please let use know. We can meet to discuss your concerns, your child’s way of engaging with the IBDP, etc. If the programme really isn’t a good fit for your child or if your child isn’t a good fit for the programme, we can put him or her on a better graduation path.
• Be informed about the IBDP. What are the benefits? What are the challenges? What is the assessment calendar? What is a normal workload? What is my child’s learning style and how can I support him or her at home?
• What is your child like? What are his or her strengths and areas for growth? We need to help your child understand that set-backs are opportunities for improvement. A poor test result or assignment mark isn’t the end of a story – it is the beginning. One of the biggest gifts that the IB gives to students is a chance, over two years, to develop skills by learning what works and what doesn’t in an academically rigorous setting. It is important for them to learn from their set backs – to find areas for growth and then grow. To use their strengths to their best advantage, etc.

I also recommend strongly that you keep your vacation time to scheduled school breaks over the two year programme. This becomes vital in the grade 12 year when deadlines are not flexible. Missing school time can be a significant challenge for students. Did you know that grade 12 students finish their exams toward the end of the third week of May? Many students have taken special trips with their parents after completing the IBDP.