At the American High School Skopje (AHSS), the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a transformative experience that prepares students for both university and life beyond school. We sat down with Ana Trajkovska, the coordinator of the IB DP at AHSS, to discuss what makes this program special, its benefits, and why it could be the right choice for your child.
Early enrollment for the IB Diploma Programme at AHSS is now in process. If you’re considering this prestigious program, there’s no better time to learn more and secure your child’s spot!
Q&A with Ana Trajkovska, IB DP Coordinator at AHSS
What makes the IB Diploma Programme different from other high school programs?
The IB programme is much more than just a set of academic subjects. It is a transformative educational journey that prepares our students not only for university but also for life beyond school. Whether our children are interested in Science, Art, Social Studies, or languages, the IB program offers a rigorous, well-rounded, and interdisciplinary curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global awareness.
What are the biggest academic and personal benefits of choosing the IB DP?
Let me take you through some of the key benefits of the IB programme. This programme is designed to help the students develop a global perspective, making connections between different cultures and world issues. Whether they are studying History, Literature, or Science, they will be challenged to think critically about how we all fit into the world and how we can work together to address the challenges we face.
The IB programme is known for its academic rigor. The students will be studying six subjects – each carefully designed to build a well-rounded knowledge base. But it is not just about memorizing facts and passing exams. The IB DP focuses on developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Through the IB learner profile, students strive to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. This holistic approach helps students not only succeed academically but also grow as individuals, developing the character and skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
What kind of students thrive in the IB DP?
The IB DP is designed for students who are curious and motivated to take on challenges and push their intellectual limits. It is intended for students who are interested in exploring global perspectives and making an impact on their communities. IB students are those who are ready to be part of a community that values inquiry, critical thinking, and personal growth.
How does the IB DP prepare students for university and their future careers?
This programme challenges the students, prepares them for university, and teaches them skills that are crucial for success in higher education, like research, time-management, and independent learning.
What are the core components of the IB DP, and why are they important?
The programme isn’t just about academics. It also focuses on character-building through CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), TOK (Theory of Knowledge), and EE (Extended Essay).
- CAS helps students develop leadership, time-management, and teamwork skills through extracurricular and service-based learning.
- TOK enhances critical thinking by encouraging students to question knowledge itself and reflect on how we come to know what we know.
- EE gives students the opportunity to explore a subject in depth, developing research and writing skills that are invaluable at university and beyond.
Where do the IB students enroll?
Our students have a range of higher education opportunities. They have access to top universities worldwide, with many institutions actively seeking IB DP graduates due to their academic readiness and well-rounded profile (Ivy League schools, top universities in the UK, Canada, Europe, etc.).
What does it mean to have an IB DP in your Curriculum Vitae?
Having an IB diploma on a CV is a symbol of academic excellence and intellectual versatility. It shows potential employers that the student is capable of handling challenges, possesses strong problem-solving skills, and can think critically. Skills gained from IB, such as time-management, global awareness, research, and leadership, are highly prized by employers in our competitive market.
Why Choose AHSS for the IB Diploma Program?
At AHSS, we pride ourselves on offering a supportive and engaging learning environment that nurtures every student’s potential. With the IB DP, we ensure that our students are equipped with the tools they need in order to succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
Don’t wait—early enrollment for the IB Diploma Programme is now open. Secure your child’s spot today and give them the opportunity to thrive!
