twentythree y.o. geographer, barista, yoga practitioner. University College London. born and bred in the lil' island of Singapore. constantly searching for answers. extremely flawed, especially when it comes to imposing standards on others, expecting too much, not knowing when to close her mouth (to shut the fuck up or to stop eating). too crazy for her own good and has to be taken with a massive handful of salt. adores backpacking, hitch-hiking, hill-walking, red wine, whiskey, cocktails, fine food and good conversations.
REMINDER:
"open your heart. someone will come. someone will come for you. but you'd have to open your heart first."
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| Thursday, January 10, 2013
◔ 3:31 PM // ✎ 0 comment(s) | ❝ Why IB? ❞ |
I am writing this because I am too lazy to constantly repeat myself to many people who are interested in IB :) so here goes writing one document once and for all!
Anyways if any ACSian reads this and wants to add on to the list / correct me please do drop me a text or something and I will add your opinions in!
The point of this article is not to convince anyone to go to ACS(I), but is to allow mare to know about the IB program and what it constitutes. For example, Ganesh told me today that he regrets not going to IB and he would have gone if he had known about it four years ago. That really set me thinking - how opportunities should be given to everyone to make an informed decision. So to those who are applying to JC, please do give this a read and make your own decision. Most important advice I would ever give is to follow your heart, not your parents' dreams.
Honestly, for myself, going to ACS(I) was almost purely out of luck. I had a tough time deciding between RI(JC) and ACS(I), but it was the best decision of my life to take the IB Program.
I will start with the pros of the IB Program and ACS(I).
1. The Curriculum
IB is meant to be holistic and all-rounded. Although ACS partly fails in it, IB is an attempt in doing so. Making people take subjects from 6 specific groups (or rather, 5 for most people) ensures that everyone attains a good balance of all subjects even if the "contrasting" groups are taken at Standard Level (SL).
For example, I love how IB gave me the opportunity to pursue Physics for two more years. Despite the fact that I am only taking it at SL, it gave me an opportunity to continue loving Physics and gain a deeper understanding, an opportunity that would not have been easily given to an arts student taking the A Levels.
In other words, the IB program is meant for a science student who despite having a passion in sciences appreciates the arts; the arts student that loves the arts, but still wants to further his / her learning in the sciences.
IB gave me flexibility. I would not have been able to take both Geography and History in a regular JC without dropping my Math to a H1 (like in JJC), but I was able to take my three favoritest subjects at Higher Level (HL) in ACS(I) - Geography, History, Math. Although this is a weird ass combination, I enjoyed it thoroughly. When times were rough, my passion kept me going.
2. Friends
In this school, I made some of the closest friends of my life. Although not many, but it was good enough :) going to a different school full of strangers gives you opportunities to make new friends!
(Don't worry my dearest Nan Hua friends I still love you all hen duo hen duo ok!)
3. Band
ACS(I) band was an entirely different experience altogether. Coming to ACS(I) band allowed me to truly experience what a band was really really like. It made me feel as though I wasted my four years in band in secondary school.
ACS(I) band was full of opportunities, good experiences, wonderful music, and friends. Initially I was extremely determined to join a random CCA like drama or the environmental club, but sitting in for one band practice changed my mind, altering the trajectory of my JC life forever.
4. School Culture
Many in other schools stereotype ACSians to be condescending, arrogant and proud (do not deny!). Being in the school allowed me to understand that we have been misunderstood, and the reason why we have been misunderstood.
ACS is a place where you feel proud to be in. You love your school, the school spirit, the school activities... Sometimes you may end up sending out the wrong message (sorry to anyone that ever felt I was boasting T_T). Btw, OT but ACS is more famous overseas than RI(JC). JSYK :)
5. Opportunities
Going on an overseas school trip? Check.
Performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium? Check.
Going overseas for competitions? Check.
Branded instruments in band? Check.
Hot water showers in school? Check.
Cons :( Life is not always perfect and I will do my best to give a balanced account of my life in ACS(I)!
1. The big difference in school culture
Let's just say that my journey assimilating into the AC culture was not a smooth one. I had a terrible culture shock, and it took me a lot of pain to adjust to it. I would think that my personality changed in the process - I became a lot less convivial and a lot less sociable and outspoken. Not an entirely good thing.
Though I still think I act like my old crazy self in front of the NH kiddos :)
The different types of people from a plethora of schools (actually, not really a plethora since the bulk of the students are from a few main schools) took me a while to understand and make friends with them. To the extent that I felt that for the early part of my first year I was mocked? It all got better though, when I finally found true friends :)
I'd like to see this pain as part of a learning experience I guess. Not an entirely pleasant one, but an important lesson.
2. No one else understands IB!
Going into IB pretty much means that you can only complain about it to people who are taking IB because everyone else, including your parents, will not be able to understand :(
This also means getting resources for IB is a huge pain.
3. IAs and EE and TOK and all the random shit that we have to do
Probably the most painful part of IB - is to spend weekends chionging out an IA and ensuring that it is done to perfection. EE will be terrible if your mentor is a bitch. IOC? Remembering 30 odd commentaries when you are only tested for one. The list goes on.
The sort of shit you go through as part and parcel of your IB life that makes it a living hell.
And all these on top of studying / doing your homework / CCA / etc etc etc.
I remember I was still doing my Geography IA when I was supposed to be studying for MYEs. And how I had n things at the same time - SIBF, music exams, IOC... I was so burdened I broke down on the bus and cried my eyes out cause I felt like I could not breathe anymore. The shit you have to deal with in IB.
Still currently adding on to the list! :) please do not hesitate to ask if you need more information alright? Email's changzhuoqunfiona@gmail.com~ text me if you have my number :D
Labels: random, school
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