If you’re wondering how best to help your child through the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), you’re not alone. Many parents find it hard to get to grips with the programme and its countless assessments. So, as an IBDP alumnus myself, I thought I’d share the 5 ways my parents helped me to manage my stress and meet the high IBDP demands.
- Get to grips with the IBDP programme and lingo
If your child is stressing about their EE (Extended Essay) or an IA (Internal Assessment), and asks you for help, 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 Guide or browsing the IB website. You’ll then know what they’re on about and be able to have a constructive discussion with them about their work without taking up too much of their precious study time.
- Give your child space
Whilst some students regularly ask their parents for advice or feedback, many prefer taking a more independent route. If your child 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.
It’s best, in fact, to let your child know you are there for them by providing a caring and supportive home environment. If, as a parent, you trust your child enough to give them some space, do it as it could be just what they need to make some headway and achieve their goals.
- Be there for the venting session
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 child getting frustrated, ask them if they want someone to rant with.
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.
- Recognise the difficulty of the IBDP
Students naturally feel pressured to perform well in front of their classmates and teachers, and most already want to make their parents proud so 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 I.B.”[i]
Having said this, every child is different. Observe yours, get feedback from their teachers and set your expectations based on what they are capable of rather than pushing for 45/45. And if your child does underperform in a task, go over it with them to see where things went wrong and how to avoid the pitfall next time. It’s such discussions that will give your child the confidence to push on and succeed.
Combined, of course, with receiving the praise they deserve when they do exceed your expectations.
- Investigate how Haut-Lac helps students stay on track
La vie n’est pas qu’une suite de réussites, mais il faut quand même continuer à aller de l’avant. C’est pourquoi les collaborateurs de Haut-Lac s’assure d’être disponible pour aider ou conseiller les élèves, quand nécessaire.
Le coordinateur de l’IBDP est en contact régulier avec les élèves afin de s’assurer qu’ils sont à jour et, si nécessaire, leur proposer des solutions qui leur permettront de se remettre sur la bonne voie. C’est-à-dire, en leur suggérant d’assister aux clubs de soutien dans les matières concernés, en organisant des séances de rattrapage le mercredi après-midi, ou en mettant en place des mesures à plus long terme, comme des séances de soutien individuelles ou en petits groupes avec l’équipe des besoins individuels.
En cas de problème est plus personnel, les élèves savent également que le conseiller scolaire est disponible par téléphone, par courriel ou en personne.
Alors, quoi qu’il en soit, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter. L’équipe de Haut-Lac est là pour faire en sorte que le parcours du Programme du diplôme de l’IB de votre enfant le plus en douceur possible.
Bram Harton
IBDP Alumni
[i] https://usd437.net/downloads/IB/college-quotes.pdf
