Well done to all the IGCSE graduates for tackling the last major hurdle before the IB. Last week the school had a small ceremony to congratulate our students and hand over their certificates. The results are already out in August but the certificates are only delivered to school in September which is why we have some delay in the graduation ceremony. Students who successfully complete the ICGSE Programme usually go on to complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
A special mention goes to Sarah F. for winning the Outstanding Learner Award for the top mark in Germany in IGCSE Biology and Chemistry. Similarly, Maximilian Hübner, achieved the highest grades in the his year – 8 x A*. Well done! Maximilian’s speech to his classmates and teachers is included below.
“We are finally here! We made it. Congratulations to the class of 2021 for surviving the IGCSE-Programme. We would not have made it without our teachers, so a big thank you to all the teachers for giving up their free time to help us out, like Mrs. Garnham, for example, with her past paper sessions for English or Dr. Simasi giving us extra lessons in Bio during lunch. A very special thank you goes to Dr. Schleif, Mr. Allen and Mr. Smith for making sure that exam-season and LIS in general run as smoothly as possible.
There are many situations we overcame together as a class, ups and down, creating vivid memories. I remember our seniors telling us that IB is hell and that IGCSE is “cute” in comparison. Literally every time we would mention work we have to do, we’d get bombarded with terms like IA, EE, CAS or TOK.
Well, we have embarked on this “daunting”, “horrible” and confusing journey including unknown acronyms about 2 months ago and from what I have experienced it’s definitely a challenge. No doubt though, the IGCSE has taught us how to handle challenges. First you procrastinate, then you wait until the very last moment, buy 2 redbulls and pull an all nighter. No but seriously, I have learned that every time you face something difficult or seemingly impossible, you just have to embrace and conquer it. I believe that how we tackle and overcome challenges are what makes us grow and defines who we truly are. I also believe that the class of 2021 is pretty damn good at being victorious after they have encountered such a challenge and that’s what makes us special. I mean look at what we have achieved already, not only academically but in the arts or on the sports field. I can’t wait to see what this group of people, whom I feel privileged to call my classmates, will be doing once we graduate. We will all disperse into the world and do truly incredible things, on a daily basis.
So, to sum up, again a big thank to all of those involved in our academic success. Thank you to the teachers for all the valuable life lessons. Lastly, don’t be scared to set high goals, to set yourself seemingly insurmountable challenges, not only academically but maybe socially or from an art, music or sport perspective. It doesn’t matter what, just to dream big. With all of that in mind, I wish everyone in the class of 2021 the best of luck on their IB journey and that we all gather as many unforgettable and happy memories as possible together. Thank you.”
Maximilian Hübner – Class of 2021