By Angelica Burgos
Grade 10 Level Leader
As we approach a key milestone in the academic journey of our Grade 10 students, I am pleased to share the significant strides we have made in streamlining the transition process to Grade 11 and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). This week, students are making their preliminary choices and to help students at this point in their MYP journey, a more structured approach was implemented. This year, based on feedback from previous cohorts, we have refined and strengthened our approach to ensure students are equipped with the right tools to make informed decisions about their academic and career pathways. The results so far have been promising, and we are proud of how well students have adapted to these changes.
One of the most notable adjustments has been the restructuring of the advisory parent-teacher conference. This change allows students and parents to engage more meaningfully with subject-specific teachers who will guide them through their final MYP assessments. Additionally, Grade 10 students now experience their Action Learning Camps (ALC) alongside senior students in Semester 1, providing them with valuable time in Semester 2 to focus on their upcoming exams and DP subject choices.
Another key aspect of the transition has been the early start of the Personal Project. By beginning earlier, students were able to submit their reports in early February and showcase their hard work at the exhibition on February 10. Furthermore, to support informed decision-making, career sessions have been integrated to their International Life Skills lessons (ILS) from November to January, offering students the opportunity to explore different pathways before making their preliminary subject choices this week.
Following the release of Semester 1 results, the academic team has been working closely with students and parents, offering guidance when alternative pathways are recommended. This has ensured that every student finds a path that aligns with their strengths and aspirations, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and success in the final two years of school.
This transition is particularly significant for our first-ever cohort to undertake the MYP eAssessment and mock exams in four subjects: Integrated Sciences, Integrated Humanities, Mathematics, and Language & Literature. Recognizing this historic step, we have structured the Grade 10 timeline to provide ample preparation time, ensuring that students strive for excellence and set a strong foundation for future cohorts. With six weeks remaining until these exams in May, students are now focused on revision, finalizing their DP subject choices, and attending career counseling sessions to solidify their next steps.
As we move closer to the final stage of the transition, students will soon be introduced to their future timetables, subject teachers, and summer reading materials for the DP. These final preparations will ensure that they step into Grade 11 with confidence and clarity about what lies ahead.
This year’s transition process has been a remarkable improvement, thanks to the collaborative efforts of students, parents, and staff. By refining key elements, we have built a system that not only prepares students for the challenges ahead but also empowers them to make informed and meaningful choices for their future. We look forward to continuing this work and further enhancing the transition experience for future cohorts.
As the Personal Project Coordinator, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is observing how the Personal Project allows students to develop essential skills that will benefit them long after they leave school.
With the UK university application deadline now behind us, there’s a palpable sense of excitement—along with a sense of relief on my part! Thirty of our students successfully submitted their applications, each able to choose five different universities on the UCAS application.
As students approach their final few months, the pressure to perform well intensifies. The IB Diploma Programme is known for its rigorous curriculum and high standards, making effective exam revision crucial for success. Here’s why exam revision and the upcoming mock exams are particularly important for Grade 12 students.
In a rapidly evolving world, where artificial intelligence, automation, and environmental challenges reshape our societies, the value of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education has never been greater. At Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC), we believe that fostering creativity and innovation is at the heart of preparing students for the future.
