I am very stressed about the IB. I know a lot of people who have fone through it and told me that it was the worst years they’ve ever had. What can I do to make it not become like this? |
Thank you for your question! That's a really valid concern. As someone in their first year of the IB, it can be intense, but there are ways to make sure they don’t become your worst years. These are a couple of tips I have, however, I also suggest asking someone you know who has gone through or is going through this for their advice too.
Stay organised: I strongly suggest using a planner or a digital calendar to keep track of deadlines. I also suggest breaking your task into smaller ones to make them feel less overwhelming. Allocate a specific amount of time you want to spend on each task and try to stick to it. Find a study system that works for you: Some people prefer study groups, some prefer studying alone, some prefer to study with music, some without. Experiment and see what helps you focus best, but I strongly suggest that you take the time to figure this out. Try not to procrastinate: The IB piles up fast, and the sooner you get something done, the more time you’ll save in the future. A little bit a day can save you from a lot of stress and panic in the future. Ask for help: The school is there to help you, not to make it harder. Their jobs are to make sure you understand and are as ready for the IB exams as you can be. There are also tons of resources out there, no one expects you to figure everything out alone. Take breaks and take care of yourself: Burnout is a real issue; you can ask the older years. Taking time for yourself to do the things you love (even if it’s just watching a show or going outside) will actually make you more productive in the long run. Remember that perfection isn’t necessary: Yes, the IB is tough, but you don’t need to ace everything. The point of the IB is understanding and progress, not unrealistic perfection. Create a support system: Surround yourself with friends who uplift you; negativity coming from other aspects of your life (whether that’s friends, sports, etc.) will just make the IB worse. Keep perspective: I think this is my most important tip. The IB is definitely tough, but it isn’t your whole life. It will end (quicker than you think), and the whole point is for it to make your life in the future easier, whether that’s at university or elsewhere.
Not everyone has a terrible IB experience—it depends on how you approach it. And while there is no ‘solution’ to making sure the IB isn’t a bad experience, if you take into consideration these tips, then it will be a whole lot easier. Remember that you’re not alone in this! |
Chat why can we not use our phones in school even though it is not school time, best regards, anonymous student |
Thank you for your question! The foundation has decided that we cannot use our phones while on school grounds. This is because it makes the school environment a healthier and friendlier place. Instead of “hanging out” in school while on our phones, it pushes us to talk and interact with people, which helps create a stronger sense of community in students, and makes the school an overall more positive place to be. |
My friend is addicted to vaping. How do I help them and stay away from bad influence? |
Thank you for your question! That’s a really tough situation, but it’s great that you care about your friend and want to make good choices for yourself. Here are some ideas on how you can handle it:
Try talking to your friend: Let them know that you are concerned, but try not to sound judgmental. Instead of saying, “You need to stop,” try, “I’m worried about you because I’ve heard vaping can be really harmful.” You could give them facts: Some people don’t realise how addictive vaping is. Don’t lecture, though, because they might get defensive. Encourage them to get help: If they want to quit, or even if they don’t, suggest talking to a trusted adult. This could be a school counsellor (like Mr. Leonard), the school nurse, or someone else. You could also look into resources designed to help with addiction. Be patient: They might not quit right away, but showing support without pressuring them can make a big difference.
To protect yourself from bad influence, you could: Set boundaries: If they pressure you to vape, firmly saying no is the best option. I guarantee they won’t take it badly if you don’t make a big deal out of it. Simply saying “I’m not into that,” should be enough. Find friends who respect your choices: You don’t have to stop being their friend, but it helps to have other friends who share your values and won’t pressure you. If it gets to the point where your friend is pressuring you to vape with them, then maybe it is a good idea to stop being friends with them. Stay busy with positive activities: Sports, hobbies, clubs, or anything that keeps you engaged can help you stay away from negative influences. Talk to a trusted adult if needed: Again, this is very important. If your friend’s vaping is getting worse, or you’re feeling pressured, it’s okay to ask for advice from a teacher, counselor, or family member.
At the end of the day, you can support your friend, but you’re not responsible for their choices. Just keep being a good influence, and being there for them can be enough. |
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