This Sunday is results day for the IB (International Baccalaureate). Try not to be too nervous! We're sure all your hard work will pay off. We asked our readers what they love and hate about the IB.
The heat is on
I'm already feeling the heat! I've been trying to keep my mind off the results by being busy. When I meet my friends, we avoid chatting about the exams.
One thing I wish people would stop talking about is unconditional offers. Some were lucky enough to receive an unconditional offer from university, so they don't need to sweat too much on the results. But everyone would still want to do their best. And surprisingly the Theory of Knowledge class has been useful outside of school - who'd have thought!
Sally Kim, 18, Sha Tin College
All-round education
Although I haven't started the IB yet, I think it's a great curriculum which helps us become well-rounded individuals. Instead of focusing on just the sciences or the humanities, we take a wide range of subjects. It's great if you can't decide on a career path.
I also like the creativity, action, service (CAS) element, because we get out of the classroom, take part in creative activities and give back to the community.
Charlotte Chan, 15, German Swiss International School
Eye on the future
As a Year 13 IB student, I know many students suffer from "45 fever" - that's the desire to get a perfect score in the exams. Because of this pressure, students choose certain courses over others.
The IB is without a doubt a tough curriculum that demands focus and drive. But you will only benefit if you select courses that enrich your learning, not those that decorate your transcript with top marks.
May Huang, 17, Chinese International School
Honing skills
At first, I despised the IB. But as I made my way through the syllabus, I realised that I was developing skills that I wouldn't have done by studying something else.
The IB really encourages independent learning; I am now so much more willing to take that first step pursuing something I find interesting. I revised as hard as I could and I hope that will be reflected in my results!
Brandon Mok, 17, United World College Red Cross Nordic (Norway)
Not my cup of tea
I was supposed to start the IB in the autumn, but I chose to do another programme instead. I thought the IB may be too challenging and stressful for me.
The IB is not suitable for everyone. Sometimes it is just too difficult for teenagers to juggle six subjects at once.
Michele Theil, 15, Haileybury College (Britain)
Not always useful
Having just finished my first year of the IB last week, students must be overjoyed to finally be done with this demanding diploma.
But honestly, I feel that half of the curriculum will prove to be useless in our daily lives. Who really needs to use Euler's formula or the Poisson distribution on a daily basis?
Wincy Leung, 17, King George V School
Home comforts
I'm happy IB students receive their results at home. So if you get bad grades, you don't have to cry in front of everyone. And if things turn out well, you can scream and laugh all you want, without others staring daggers at you. I wish it was the same for DSE students.
Crystal Tai, 18, SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary
Hoping for the best
The IB programme is really tough. At least it is finally over, and soon it will be results day. I worry about my grades, but what is done is done; nothing can be changed. So right now I'm just hoping that all our hard work will pay off. I wish all IB students, including myself, all the best. Here's to passing with flying colours!
Yolanda Yip, 17, Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School
DSE is easier
I am doing the DSE instead of the IB. Many parents think the IB is easier for youngsters as there isn't a lot to memorise.
But I think the IB is actually more difficult. It requires detailed research and the ability to analyse things and come up with solutions. These are skills we don't normally require until university, so I would rather stick to the DSE.
Tinki Leung, 14, Maryknoll Convent School
Shipshape
I've been doing the IB for a year now, but before that, I took the DSE. Unlike most students, liberal studies is my favourite subject.
I think the DSE curriculum does not encourage imagination or creativity. Students are told to copy model answers and this is one of the reasons I chose to take the IB instead.
There is something for everyone in the IB. It trains students to focus on personal development. The CAS component teaches us the importance of social responsibility.
I am very glad that I have the chance to do the IB. It has definitely helped shape me into the person I am today.