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...This means that we’re able to meet other people from all across the world, which makes life here really interesting.

 

2. What is the one thing that you most like about the IB programme at EdR? Why is this?

 

There are numerous things that I like about the IB programme at Ecole des Roches. The thing I like best are the teachers. They are really open and you can approach them about any issue that you are finding difficult with your work. They are always receptive to us students and are a great help outside of class too. Another thing I really like about the IB programme is the students. I love having classmates from across the planet. It makes learning more interesting and fun.

 

3. Has the IB programme at EdR changed how you see the world of learning?

 

In the IBDP there are lots of unique courses such as Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE). These courses help us to approach learning differently. They make us think about topics which are usually not brought up in other school systems. But on top of giving us unique courses, the IB at Ecole des Roches gives us a lot of individual support to be able to excel in our courses and gain new understandings of the world.

 

4. How would you describe the relationship between IB teachers and IB students at EdR?

 

The relationship between the students at Ecole des Roches and the teachers is very open and friendly. We really get to interact with the teachers. They are always available if one is facing problems regarding class material. They are also here to talk to when personal matters crop up that affect our schoolwork.

 

5. What support have you received from the school for university applications and has this been helpful?

 

Since I am in the Pre-Diploma Programme year at the moment we have not yet begun to look at university applications – that begins in D1. Instead, we have just started looking at possible university courses that are of interest to us. We have also begun to receive instruction from teachers and the principal about universities and what we should start doing this year and what we will continue with next year.

 

6. What other activities do you participate in at school?

 

I participate in numerous activities such as the MUN, the Model United Nations. This is is an academic simulation of the UN where students take on roles as delegates of a country of their choice and they debate global political topics. I also participate in sports and physical activities, such as volleyball. There are all kinds of sports and activities at Ecole des Roches – so much so that it takes discipline to balance academic work with everything else that is going on!

 

7. Briefly describe your daily routine as an IB student at EdR.

 

At EdR we wake just before 7am and then we go to breakfast. We start classes at 8am. Our morning classes differ depending upon our timetables. On some days we have class from 8am until 12pm with a break in the middle. Some days we finish morning lessons at 12.50pm. After lunch we proceed with classes until around 4pm. Then, we are given free time for activities (such as music or sport) until 5.30pm after which we have study time until 7pm. In the evenings we are given access to our mobile phones which we hand in before bed. After our study time we eat dinner and are back in the school boarding houses after 8pm. Study time continues until just after 9pm and then we have an hour of free time before we prepare for bed. Wednesday afternoons are devoted to extracurricular activities and on the weekends there are day trips and activities for boarding students too, which has been a great way to get to see parts of France.

 

8. What else do you like about life at EdR?

 

Life at Ecole des Roches is different. You are surrounded by students from all over the world. Being in a boarding school also makes life easier creating opportunities to make friends for life. It also really helps you to develop certain positive qualities as a learner like open-mindedness and self-reliance. The IB at Ecole des Roches has really changed me as a person and I really feel the school is preparing us for life ahead.