International School

5 reasons to apply for an international high school education

15.03.2021

After graduating 9th grade, many students are faced with the decision of which high school or which country to continue their studies in. That’s why it’s good to know you can get an international high school education (with both the European Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate curriculums) in Estonia too.

In Audentes International School, we follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. School principal Anneliis Kõiv offers five reasons for choosing an international high school education.

1. The pre-IB year is for you to get to know yourself
Before the two-year IB Diploma Programme, we have a pre-IB year for you to get to know yourself as well as the subjects taught in the Diploma Programme. This is so that you can make an informed decision in selecting the subjects you would like to learn at the higher level and the standard level.

Mathematics, physics, languages and natural sciences as well as European history and entrepreneurship are among the subjects taught in the pre-IB year. We also offer subjects that support the development of your communication, creative thinking and self-leadership skills. Introduction to Philosophy is an interesting course designed to improve your analytical skills. Students will also be developing their scientific research writing skills (source analysis, creating graphs and diagrams, collecting data, etc.) and will be founding their own student company.

2. It is up to you to choose the subjects you want to learn
Three required core subjects of the IB Diploma Programme after the Pre-IB year include:

• TOK (theory of knowledge),
• independent research (extended essay) and
• CAS (creativity action service).

These three core subjects are designed to develop your skills in analytical thinking, public speaking and independent research writing, as well as in solving local and global problems.

In addition to core subjects, there are six subject groups in the IB Diploma Programme:

• studies in language and literature
• language acquisition
• individuals and societies
• science
• mathematics
• visual arts

You must choose at least one subject out of each of the first five subject groups in order to have a balanced curriculum. It is not compulsory to choose subjects from the visual arts group. Students must take three subjects at the Higher Level and three subjects at the Standard Level.

3. You only study for yourself
Achieving success in this globalised world requires critical thinking skills as well as international-mindedness and an open mind. This is why the IB Diploma Programme approaches subjects from various angles, encouraging natural curiosity in the process. The IB Programme allows students to choose subjects independently, which means students retain information easier and develop a positive attitude towards learning for their whole lives.

4. Multicultural environment
Studying in an international school enhances your multicultural competence and helps you succeed in an international working environment in the future.

Throughout the years, students from 25 countries have participated in the IB Diploma Programme in Audentes, and they have been taught by over 30 teachers from 10 countries. These teachers are professionals in their own fields and have passed the IB Programme training in addition to their higher education.

5. At the end of your studies, you will receive a diploma that is internationally recognized
You will be a proud owner of the IB diploma after passing exams in all of your chosen subjects and writing two distinct essays at the end of the second year.

The IB diploma is accepted globally and highly valued. The best universities around the world, including Cambridge and Oxford, welcome graduates of the IB Diploma Programme. Many graduates of the Diploma Programme continue their studies in universities all around the world, but the IB Diploma is also accepted by Estonian universities.

More about Audentes International School and admission.