As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is more relevant than ever. It offers a rigorous and well-rounded education focusing on critical thinking, global awareness, and independent learning. At Montgomery International School, we implement the IB DP with personalized support, engaging activities, and a strong community. Our goal is to equip students with the skills they need for success in both university and beyond.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year academic program designed for students aged 16 to 19, offering a rigorous and well-rounded education. Students are required to study six subjects across various disciplines, including languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities and arts. Alongside these subjects, students must complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and Extended Essay (EE), and engage in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) projects. The IBDP emphasizes critical thinking, international-mindedness, and independent learning.
Rigorous programme, high support
One of the key features of Montgomery International School's IB Diploma Programme is its focus on personalized attention for each student. Our teachers and the IB coordinator work closely with students to monitor their progress, offer guidance, and intervene when necessary.
At the end of the two years, students are assessed by the IB organization through a combination of internal and external evaluations, including exams, projects, and presentations. At MIS, our teachers strategically space out the internal assessments and assignments to ensure that students do not become overwhelmed by the combination of ongoing coursework and the intense revision for final exams.
Moreover, to reduce the stress students may feel during the official exams, we simulate exam-like conditions twice a year starting in the Middle Years Program. These early experiences help students become familiar with the exam environment and better manage the pressure when the time comes.
Strong student-teacher connections
Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping a child's future, which is why we prioritize and cultivate strong student-teacher connections at every grade level.
Students transitioning from our MYP program already have close relationships with their teachers, having worked together for several consecutive years. For new students entering the DP, our small class sizes provide personalized attention and a smoother transition into the program.
Additionally, at the beginning of the school year, DP students embark on a school trip, offering both students and teachers the chance to enjoy unique cultural experiences and bond through fun activities, such as learning to dance flamenco in Barcelona or singing at a karaoke café in Paris. These trips not only help students bond with their peers but also foster connections with their teachers early in their IB DP journey.
Beyond the classroom
Thanks to our central location, we have the unique opportunity to take our students on numerous field trips throughout the vibrant city of Brussels. These experiences broaden their perspectives and further promote interactions with teachers, strengthening the sense of camaraderie. For example, this year, they visited Antwerp to explore the city's architecture, watched Hamlet at the Théâtre National, toured L'Annexe, a local brewery, and visited Oxfam to learn about the role of NGOs in combating poverty. A highlight was an excursion to RAAL La Louvière, where students learned the operations of a football team. These field trips bring classroom lessons to life and encourage students to explore a variety of career possibilities.
Moreover, every year, we take students to MUN - Model United Nations - an educational simulation where students represent countries and debate global issues, mimicking the UN's procedures. This year we took them to Amersfoort to attend FAMun, and one of our students won best delegate.
Fostering confidence, critical thinking and communication skills
Throughout the two-year program, students are also challenged by the IB's core elements - CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), TOK (Theory of Knowledge), and the EE (Extended Essay)— which play a crucial role in fostering personal growth and essential life skills. Beyond the IB's requirements, MIS also encourages students to present their work publicly, strengthening their presentation, communication and critical thinking skills as well as building confidence.
For instance, students are required to present their Extended Essays to their peers, challenging them to respond to questions and defend their ideas. This year, some of the standout presentations covered topics that sparked debate and fostered critical thinking, such as “Barbie's Critics: A Reflection of American Society's Resistance to Feminism and Female Authority” or “An Exploration of Homosexuality in Animals and its Correlation with Natural Selection.”
The Collaborative Sciences Project (CSP) is another instance where DP students are challenged to advocate for their ideas. Working together in an interdisciplinary team, they brainstorm to find a viable solution related to a real-world issue. This year's theme was sustainability. Students had to present their innovations in front of the community, making a convincing case for their feasibility. Projects included a homemade pH indicator, a sustainable cooling system, and a wheel to recycle water.
University fair and career guidance
At Montgomery, we believe that the IB Diploma Program is not just about preparing students for exams, but also for their future careers. Our university counselor, Miwa Kitamura, a member of both the IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) and IACAC (International Association for College Admission Counseling), begins guiding students on their university options as early as MYP5 (Grade 10). Together with the IB coordinator, she meets with students to discuss their ambitions and strengths, helping them navigate the university admissions process.
This year, we also hosted our first University Fair and plan to hold two next year—one focusing on Belgian universities and the other on European institutions.
Throughout the years, our students have been accepted to prestigious universities such as University College of London, University of Amsterdam, Mc Gill, University of Edinburgh, Science Politique Grenoble, KU Leuven, and many more.
Finally, the diverse skills students develop throughout their time at our school ensure a seamless transition to university. As one of our alums highlights: “The MIS DP program helped me adapt quickly to university life, allowing me to excel in both oral presentations and various types of written reports. One of the most important factors was the dedication and passion of the faculty.”
Join us at our Virtual Open House on April 26th from 8:00 to 9:30 pm, CET. To join, please register on this link.
Why MIS?
We set high standards for our students and are fully committed to providing the support they need to achieve exceptional results. Through close monitoring, regular check-ins, ongoing assessments, and a foundation of care and trust, we ensure steady progress and success.
Our pedagogical methods are proven effective through our results: we have maintained a 100% success rate in the IB DP for six consecutive years, consistently exceeding the global IB average by several points.
To learn more about Montgomery International School: www.mischool.be.
To learn more about the IB Diploma program at MIS, go here.
To learn more about how the IB Diploma program works, go here.
