Meet Daniel Quinn, Class of 2021 IB Diploma Graduate

Daniel joined the BIS Abu Dhabi family in Year 9 and after 5 fabulous years he has graduated and heads off to the University of Oxford to study Geography. Daniel leaves BIS Abu Dhabi proudly with a score of 40 points in the IB Diploma programme, placing him in the top 10% of IB Diploma candidates worldwide. 

When asked how he felt about getting into such a prestigious university, Daniel said: “To be completely honest it feels a little overwhelming. Having never considered myself a student good enough to get in, I am so grateful to all my teachers who helped not only with my application but also in helping me gain confidence in my own abilities. I am incredibly excited to not only get into one of the top universities globally, but to get a place on the number one ranked Geography course in the world!” 

A requirement of the IB Diploma Programme is to complete an Extended Essay. This is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Daniel scored full marks for his essay titled To what extent has Manchester's post-1996 bombing regeneration brought beneficial economic and social growth to its communities? It focused on looking into whether the initial regeneration programmes during the rebuilding of the Manchester after the IRA bombing in 1996 had led to sustainable and beneficial growth for the people of the city. Daniel’s research led him to deduce that while the regeneration had led to significant levels of economic growth, the overall prosperity had failed to reach local residents, and social problems had only continued to increase alongside the city’s prosperity. As a result of completing the Extended Essay component, Daniel has developed essential research skills that are vital for his university studies and beyond. 

When asked why Daniel has chosen to study Geography he said: “Geography has always been a subject I've really enjoyed, and I think it's essential to study subjects we enjoy because it keeps us motivated. I also love how varied the subject is at school and at a degree level with Geography encompassing topics from Weather Systems to Urban Planning. A degree in Geography allows you to choose your specialism while also having a year to experiment with what you are really passionate about. Geography is also an essential subject for a future in which we as a global society are experiencing some pretty significant challenges for which we must find solutions. From the climate crisis to the rising numbers of refugees and internally displaced people, these are all these challenges which Geographers will be required to solve. The subject being so interdisciplinary will only further strengthen us in our careers.” 

How did the IB Diploma Programme help Daniel get into one of the most prestigious universities in the world? “Having numerous friends that studied both the IB Diploma and A-Levels, I feel confident that the path I chose has prepared me well for university. While coursework can be a source of stress if not planned and managed correctly, the skills it develops are fundamental for university. Last week another Oxford applicant asked me what referencing was and how you go about adding it to your work successfully, this shocked me as referencing is a skill I have needed for a large amount of work in the IB Diploma Programme, including all of my coursework and my Extended Essay. Furthermore, the Creativity, Activity and Service element of the programme allows students to develop skills that are not inherently academic. For me personally, this led to me improving my abilities as a runner, which inadvertently showed me clearly the benefits of long-term hard work as my personal best times improved. Creative skills such as knitting and cooking provided another outlet for me to relax and take a break from working.” Said Daniel. 

In the 21st century, there are many students who can match or surpass the entry requirements for courses at some of the highest-ranking universities in the world. Today, students need to demonstrate that not only they are smart enough, but that they also have the necessary drive to fully commit to their chosen course. Daniel’s examples more than suffice to show the benefits of the IB Diploma Programme in achieving a place in top tier universities. 

Having recently visited the University of Oxford as part of an Open Day at his college, Daniel immediately fell in love with the university and the city. “The staff and other students seem incredibly kind and really have a passion for their subjects. I can't wait to get involved with conversations with some of the leading academics in our world during my tutorials (a unique part of the Oxbridge system where students meet up with lecturers in small groups of one or two and discuss the week’s work in depth after completing an essay on a set subject).” Said Daniel. 

When asked to share a fond memory from his time at BIS Abu Dhabi, Daniel said: “One of my favourite memories while at BIS Abu Dhabi has to be International Day. I will fondly remember this as one of my favourite days at school, as I tried so many different countries’ cuisines that I would not have been able to otherwise, some of my favourites had to be Malaysia's Nasi Goreng, Spain's Paella and Australia's Fairy Bread.” 

What will he miss? “I am really going to miss the people. One of the vast lessons I have learned from the pandemic for me is that I love interacting with people, whether that be my friends, teachers or just acquaintances, I've always enjoyed the conversations I've had at BIS Abu Dhabi and the stories people have to tell. I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to the schools' amazing teachers and the mountain of staff that supports the school and its students.” Said Daniel. 

Daniel is looking at various options for a career after his time at the University of Oxford. One idea he has is to be a sustainability consultant, supporting large companies to become more environmentally sustainable. He is also exploring the option of working with the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and joining the Diplomatic Service, putting to work the skills he will have developed from his time at university but also as a student who grew up in countries that were not his own. One thing is for sure, Daniel will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to, just as he did in securing his place at the University of Oxford. Congratulations, Daniel!