Name: Daisy Blijdorp
Year of Graduation: 2019
Tertiary Institution: University of Groningen, The Netherlands

“The DP has taught me to be adaptable and to persevere with challenging and unforeseen circumstances, such as the current Corona pandemic. Lectures are online and often pre-recorded, meaning these can be watched at any time and it is easy to fall behind. The time management skills crucial to success within the DP have equipped me with the tools necessary to adapt to this online environment.

Linked to this is the valuable skill of being balanced instilled in us through the CAS programme. Especially now, with everything being online from my student room, the importance of getting outside and exercising has only increased. Within the restrictions, I am still able to discover the world around me and make the most of my time as a student.

Tutorials are held through Zoom, Google Meet, or Blackboard (the university online platform), meaning the plethora of presentations we have to give are also in this online format. The DP has taught me to present in an engaging manner, which has proved a vital skill as keeping the audience’s attention online is difficult. My role as Head of Students also helped me develop my communication skills, giving me a head start in public speaking compared to my peers.

Not only the DP but also the international environment at HBIS has contributed towards making the step to tertiary education easier. The open-mindedness this taught me as well as the experience in interacting with different cultures have both been incredible assets considering the international orientation of my degree.

Although cliché, I can confirm: the DP prepares you for university and I do not think I could have had a better high school experience, both because of the programme and the incredible, diverse family HBIS has always been to me.“

Name: Johannes Henkel
Year of Graduation: 2016
Tertiary Institution: University of Amsterdam

“The ways the IB Diploma has helped me (over and above helping me be accepted to the university and program of my choice) are immense. Studying Economics at the University of Amsterdam has opened up several new doors for me, as well as creating opportunities for personal and professional development. Independence, endeavour and discipline are traits certainly enhanced by the vigorousness of the Diploma Programme and have, personally at least, aided me especially in my first year. Meeting students who also completed the DP, gives the opportunity to reflect and at times even reminisce about shared experiences. I can recommend the Diploma Programme to students who are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and do things they would not have the opportunities to do otherwise. “

Name: Nina Janse van Rensburg
Year of Graduation: 2016
Tertiary Institution: Stellenbosch University, Cape Town

“The IB Diploma prepared me for university in ways that I’ve come to appreciate over the years. Time management, diligence and conscientiousness are all skills I learned during my two years of the Diploma Programme. My high marks achieved at HBIS made my university entrance straightforward and easy. I am in my third year of studying Mechatronic Engineering and am still benefiting from the advanced curriculum that the IB offers “

Name: Thireena Mudley
Year of Graduation: 2018
Tertiary Institution: Stellenbosch University, South Africa

”The IB Diploma Programme is something which has taught me several life lessons that have aided me in my university career.  The most important lesson being time management and prioritization. These skills are extremely important to have throughout life, as they are applicable to any task you will encounter. Furthermore, the content and method of teaching the Diploma Programme has really helped in university by approaching each one of my courses with a more open mind and critical thinking”

Name: Bradley Davies
Year of Graduation: 2014
Further Education: 43 Air School, Port Alfred, South Africa / Bristol Groundschool, Clevedon, U.K

“Problems encountered during line operations are often complex in nature and require the crew to critically analyze all available information to develop an effective and efficient solution. This is just one area in which the DP’s focus on critical thinking and workload management has helped prepare me to become a professional pilot. The world class IB system coupled with HBIS’s positive learning environment develops it’s students interpersonal skills in a way that brilliantly prepares them for adulthood. All in all, I couldn’t have asked for a better education. “

Name: Kirstin Stephens
Year of Graduation: 2011
Tertiary Institution: Rhodes University, Republic of South Africa

“Working consistently, researching, referencing, writing extended essays, thinking critically and producing work independently were just some of the areas where my school curriculum had given me a significant advantage.”

Name: Belle Bronte
Year of Graduation: 2012
Tertiary Institution: University of Lincoln, UK

“The IB really does prepare you for University; this is all coming from experience. For me, the IB makes you more determined and encourages you to strive for success at the highest possible level.”

Name: Andreas de Beauregard
Year of Graduation: 2014
Tertiary Institution: University of Grenoble, France

” . . . . without the IB, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Sure it’s a tough and long journey, but the IB prepares you in every possible way for the real world, whether it is your essay writing skills, your organisational skills, your public speaking skills or your ability to work more efficiently.”

Name: Hanna Lim
Year of Graduation: 2014
Tertiary Institution: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

“The IB Diploma taught me how to stay consistently organised over my workload, which has been a great advantage in university. At the same time, the IB Diploma showed me that it is not just about academics. Through programmes like CAS, I was allowed to explore and appreciate a world outside of school, by serving the community, exploring my love for performing and keeping active. Even in university I manage to keep this balance.”

Name: Benjamin Rideout
Year of Graduation: 2015
Tertiary Institution: University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

“The IB is something remarkable. It’s challenging, but incredibly rewarding. For me, it was always more than just the skills you acquire. It taught me to be compassionate and to think critically. The programme showed me how to be a global thinker, and I think that’s the most valuable thing I have from my two years of the IB Diploma Programme.”

Name: Praleena Mudley
Year of Graduation: 2015
Tertiary Institution: University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

“Not only does the IB Diploma prepare you for the tertiary institution of your choice, but it gives you the necessary skills and experiences to carry you through your journey in the real world. For me, the ability to critically think is possibly the most important skill I have developed in the IB Diploma Programme.”

Name: Tatjana Thunert
Year of Graduation: 2015
Tertiary Institution: King’s College London, United Kingdom

“I am incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to do the IB Diploma programme. This is for many reasons, but mainly due to the fact that it gave me an incredible set of skills to flourish in university life. Being able to critically think as well as manage your time efficiently are both skills which have been a blessing in the fast paced life in London. Although it was challenging, it was extremely rewarding and totally worth it”

Name: Stuart Brown
Year of Graduation: 2014
Tertiary Institution: Stellenbosch University, South Africa

”I found the IB Diploma Programme very challenging and quite a leap from the IGCSE. However, despite the challenges, it provided me with a great number of secondary skills that I was able to take forward into university, such as time management and discipline. There were even a few courses that covered a full years’ worth of coursework in my first year of university, leaving me in a very privileged position amongst my peers.

Having applied to only two universities post-graduation, I was quickly accepted to both Stellenbosch University and Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. Overseas universities hold the IBDP in very high regard, and South African universities are on their way to proper recognition.

The school itself is a very closely-knit unit making it a fantastic environment in which to tackle the IBDP. There is strong support and personal attention received from the staff who are all motivated to help you succeed.”