Nerves can run high on exam results day, and as the official grades from the May 2023 IB examinations are sent out to UAE schools today (5 July) and to individual candidates tomorrow (6 July), it makes for some nail-biting moments for students and their families.
But, while the butterflies are definitely fluttering, they are kept at bay by an overarching sense of perspective, says Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, which runs four popular IB schools in Dubai: Collegiate International School (CIS), Dubai International Academy (DIA) Al Barsha, Dubai International Academy (DIA) Emirates Hills and Raffles World Academy. Ms Bhojani says:
“The excitement and nervousness are palpable on results day.
“While we take pride in our outstanding academic results, I must add exam results are not the only factor motivating our students.
“With the right opportunities, support and guidance, students can still be successful irrespective of exam scores.”
Dubai International Academy is one of Innoventures’ popular IB schools in Dubai
The results are still hot off the press, sizzling in the inboxes of school teachers, and have not yet been released to individual students, so we don’t have any specific data on exactly how each school has fared as yet. However, we are assured that the outcome is something to truly celebrate. Ms Bhojani says:
“We are very proud of our students and teachers this year. Innoventures Education takes a student-centred approach to learning.
“It’s an educational approach wherein learners take responsibility for their learning by setting appropriate goals that align with their interests and talents. Their progress is monitored and learners stay motivated and challenged to meet those goals.
“This has paid off – as we have witnessed brilliant academic results.
“Students have received placements at the top-ranking universities and Ivy League & Oxbridge placements, like Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, London School of Economics, University College London, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, New York University, McGill University, to name a few.”
With a list of such impressive university destinations, you may well wonder what makes the IB so successful at securing spots at such sought-after venues?
Below, Innoventures CEO Poonam Bhojani answers everything you need to know about the IB.
All you need to know about the IB
What is the IB? Why did you choose it for your schools?
“The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational programme that offers an internationally recognised curriculum for students aged 3 to 19. It is designed to develop students intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills. It aims to foster critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a global perspective among students. The programme is known for its academic rigor and emphasis on inquiry-based learning. It consists of the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme. The reason why we chose the IB for our schools is because it is a well-rounded programme that aligns with our mission to bring world-class education to Dubai.”
What should parents be looking for in an IB school?
“Parents should be looking for a school that offers holistic learning and a good faculty. Rather than just exam results, they should choose a school that goes beyond literacy and numeracy, emphasizing creative, critical thinking, and inter-cultural values. It is best to choose a school that values each child’s unique learning journey, so that they can reach their potential.”
What are the pros and cons of the IB over other curricula?
“The IB curriculum enables students to direct their own learning pathway and develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive and make a lasting difference. It empowers teachers as the architects of learning excellence, working alongside engaged colleagues in a rewarding career supported by a strong global network. Additionally, it brings successful outcomes that uplift the whole community. At Innoventures Education, we believe providing all students with a well-rounded education that includes academic, social, and emotional learning.”
What are your thoughts on the IB Career related Programme?
“An IB programme offers versatile skillsets and inculcates lifelong learning. The Career related programme is an excellent programme that provides pathways to students with varied abilities of students who are interested in pursuing a more practical learning higher education stream. This is particularly relevant to the context of United Arab Emirates known for its high-quality entrepreneurs. Many students seek to join their family business become entrepreneurs, undertake careers at high levels in competitive sports, performing arts, travel and tourism and a variety of other areas. These students attain tremendous success in university placement and their future careers.”
Are students able to get into top universities with an IB qualification?
“Our students graduate to some of the leading global universities and have competitive careers ahead of them.
“Our students have received brilliant placements this year with a scholarship amount crossing over US$ 11 million across all Innoventures Education schools. As many as 100 students from DIA Emirates Hills gained acceptance at the Top 50 QS World ranking universities. Ivy League & Oxbridge placements include Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford. The DIA Al Barsha cohort of 30 will be studying a broad range of subjects, from Medicine, Engineering and Law to Economics, Product Design and Architecture. Students at Raffles World Academy will be pursuing undergraduate degrees in Political Science, Aeronautical Science, European Law, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Engineering and Biological Sciences.”
Poonam Bhojani is CEO of Innoventures Education
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