There are many reasons for Greenfield International School to rejoice over its outstanding IB success – including the fact that one of its students achieved the top IBDP score of 45, making him one of only 179 students in the whole world to have accomplished this in 2023. But another aspect that rings out amongst all the celebrations is the passion that Greenfield students express for the IB Careers Programme (CP).
Launched in 2014, the IB Careers Programme (IBCP) is an innovative blend of academic study and career skills that incorporates the vision and educational principles of the IB into a unique programme. Greenfield International is one of only 17 schools in the UAE to offer this important programme, and one student, Jude, told SchoolsCompared how passionately grateful she is to have been afforded the opportunity to study it.
“I am passionate about the Career-related Programme and saw this pathway the perfect opportunity to focus on my career goals and continued growth.”
Jude excelled in the Career-related Programme, securing a D*D* (the highest grade possible) in BTEC International Business, alongside her three Diploma Programme subjects.
Jude excelled in the Career-related Programme, securing a D*D* (the highest grade possible) in BTEC International Business, alongside her three Diploma Programme subjects. Her superb score means she will pursue her aspirations of studying Healthcare Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the USA. Jude told SchoolsCompared:
“I will be attending the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to pursue a degree in Healthcare Administration. The university’s rich academic heritage and innovative approach align perfectly with my passion for healthcare and desire to make a meaningful impact.
“Greenfield International School has played a crucial role in propelling me towards my dream university and course. The rigorous curriculum, supportive faculty, and opportunities for personal growth have fostered my academic prowess and shaped me into a resilient and ambitious individual.”
Mrs Leigh Girven, Principal of Greenfield International School, told SchoolsCompared that she is very proud of both the IBCP and IBDP candidates from this year’s cohort:
“Greenfield International School is extremely proud of the results of our Grade 12 students as it reflects their hard work and tenacity, despite challenges.
“With over half of our IB Diploma Programme cohort having been awarded 35 points and above and one student achieving the highest possible grade of 45 points, the strong IB education offered at Greenfield remains fundamental to student success.
Mrs Leigh Girven, Principal of Greenfield International School
“Our DP average points score of 35, is well above the global average and has risen remarkably over the last five years, placing GIS as a leading academic school in Dubai.
“Complemented by a 100% success rate in the IB Career-related Programme, all our students at GIS qualify for entry to first-choice, world class universities around the world. We are immensely proud of all our graduates and grateful for every member of the GIS community who has supported them along this journey.”
The level of Greenfield students’ achievement in the IB results has been improving significantly year on year, says Colin Gerrie, Head of Secondary, Greenfield International School:
“The class of 2023 are the latest GIS graduates to depart with impressive results. Indeed, the five-year upward trajectory of results has now established GIS as one of the top IB schools in Dubai.
“There are multiple individual success stories and I’m sure that our parents will be extremely proud. The students’ work ethic has been admirable with dedication and resilience at the forefront of their accomplishments – we applaud them as true IB Learners and future leaders.
“The results themselves serve as a ‘passport’ into the most competitive universities around the world. However, this does not detract from the acquired skills of our young people, borne out of their IB learning experience. These skills, coupled with the qualifications, ensure readiness for lifelong learning across all quarters of the globe, now and in the future.
“We wish them every success and look forward to their ‘return’ as an integral part of our growing Alumni.”
Greenfield International School prides itself on welcoming students of all abilities, offering multiple qualification pathways to suit every student’s needs
IB for everyone
Although the IBDP has a reputation for only being suited to the most academic of students, Greenfield prides itself on providing different pathways and opportunities for students with all kinds of strengths, says Sarah Atienza, Greenfield’s DP Coordinator:
“As a school, we pride ourselves on catering to different learning styles and capabilities.
“We offer student differentiation through the variety of pathways, subjects, and levels that we offer. Students who need learning support are also able to achieve well because they have the option to take the full IB Diploma or the Subject Courses.
“In this way, they can develop their knowledge and skills, and achieve their personal best, knowing that Greenfield teachers and staff will provide them with the best support and opportunities for success.
2As the MOE gives Equivalency to both Diploma Programme and Subject Courses pathways, our students are able to pursue their aspirations and enter university with confidence.”
Greenfield’s Career-related Programme Coordinator, George Huteson, agrees, adding:
“We’ve worked hard to ensure that every student achieves their personal best through our wide range of pathways, programme and subjects. We’re delighted that our Career-related Programme (CP) students have been able to complete their BTEC International Diploma in Sport for the first time, an additional pathway to the Business and Art pathways that had previously been offered.
“We know that students aspire, engage, and achieve their full potential when they lead their learning, so it was important that we listened and provided opportunities for them to grow and make progress in their own educational journeys.
“The CP offers a fantastic blend of academic and vocational education, preparing students extremely well for their future.”
A never-ending journey
Part of the goal of the IB is to create lifelong learners with open minds, who continue to build on their knowledge in the future. Greenfield’s 2023 cohort is well on the way to this after a character-shaping time studying the IB. Top student and this year’s deputy headboy, Hamza Al Jerjawi – who received a score of 42 – shares his experience:
“Two years ago, I was young, impressionable, and anxious as I started my journey with the IB Diploma Programme. Today, I am very proud of my achievements and grateful to have completed this course. I am immensely pleased with my successful results.
Hamza says that he transformed from an anxious individual to a far more confident one after achieving in the IB, and he plans to take the values he learnt forwards with him in his future academic career
“I plan to carry forward the values that I have developed along the way – my drive and passion to excel, and my unwavering work ethic – to the next step of my academic career: a bachelor’s degree in business at McMaster University in Canada.
“I cannot thank the faculty and teachers at Greenfield International School enough for their admirable dedication to their work and the many opportunities they gave me along the way to becoming a successful student and better person.”
Fellow top student, Yasmine El Melki – who received 40 points – adds her thoughts:
“As I arrive at the end of an unforgettable journey, I have been reflecting on both the effort required to excel in the IB Diploma Programme and the support I received from the teachers at GIS.
Yasmine says her IB experience has shaped her character for years to come
“I will be joining McMaster University this Fall to study Life Sciences. What I gained from my experience at GIS both academically and in terms of building my character will stay with me as I navigate my university years and beyond. I will be eternally grateful to my GIS mentors and teachers.”
Greenfield International School 2023 Results in numbers
- Number of students: 32 Diploma, 10 CP
- No of subject entries: 309
- Average points: 35.0
- Highest student score: 1 student @45
- % of above 30 points: 22 students – 75.9%
- % above 35 points: 15 students – 51.7%
- % above 40 points: 4 students – 13.8%
Greenfield International School Results Year by Year Comparison
It is most meaningful to compare 2023 results with the pre-pandemic 2019 results, since this is the first year since COVID that the marking systems have reverted back to the pre-pandemic standards. During the pandemic there were some grading allowances that led to an element of grade inflation.
| Year | No of Students | Average score | % Pass rate | % above 40 points |
| 2023 | 32 Diploma, 10 CP | 35.0 | TBC | 13.8 |
| 2022 | 44 Diploma, 12 CP | 35.7 | 98% | 23.25 |
| 2021 | 49 Diploma, 22 CP | 34.4 | 100% | 22.45 |
| 2019 | 28 Diploma, 18 CP | 31.25 | 92.86% | NA |
See our review of Greenfield International School here.
See the Greenfield International website here.
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