What sets the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme apart from other international programmes?
What skills and qualities do students need to demonstrate to earn an IB scholarship?
To give parents a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the IB Programme, the seminar “Discover IB – Shaping a Global Future” offered first-hand insights into its educational philosophy, programme structure, post-graduation advantages, and opportunities for students aspiring to earn prestigious scholarships.
Mr. Nguyễn Bảo Trọng, Director of the IB Programme at The Dewey Schools, emphasized that while IB, like many other international programmes, is taught in English, its defining strength lies in its holistic and interdisciplinary approach. The programme encourages students to ask questions independently, think critically, consider issues from multiple perspectives, and connect knowledge with real-world contexts. Students also develop independent learning skills, research capabilities, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the community.
These values are reflected in the experiences shared by parents and students currently undertaking the IB Programme at The Dewey Schools. Ms. Nguyễn Lệ Hằng, mother of a Grade 7 Ghent student, shared that after moving her child from a selective, high-quality school in Hanoi to the IB Programme in Grade 6, what surprised her most was not only the academic foundation but also the transformation in her child’s approach to learning: developing a greater enjoyment of learning, becoming more proactive and self-disciplined, and managing time more effectively.
Bảo Ngân (Grade 9 Zurich) and Đình Anh (Grade 11 Denton) acknowledged that the academic demands of IB can be challenging, as projects and summative assessments require students to apply their knowledge to real-world contexts. However, with the dedicated support and guidance of teachers and peers, these challenges gradually become a source of motivation, helping students adapt, make progress, and push beyond their own limits.
One of the highlights that drew significant attention at the seminar was The Dewey Schools’ IB scholarship policy. Ms. Đinh Mộng Vân, Head of Admissions, explained that the scholarship selection process consists of three transparent stages: application review, the MAP assessment, and an interview. This approach also reflects an important principle of IB education: encouraging students to be authentic, build on their individual strengths, and express their aspirations, rather than trying to fit into a predetermined mould.
By bringing together expert perspectives and first-hand experiences, the seminar offered parents a more accessible and authentic understanding of the International Baccalaureate Programme. IB is more than a rigorous academic programme; it is a journey that empowers students to ask questions, learn independently, connect knowledge with life, and gradually shape their own identities.
