IB Q&A
Q: My child’s English is not very strong. How do you help students improve their English for IB?
Language support will be available to students. There will also be additional English lessons to help enhance students’ English skills. In Grade 10, students will learn research skills, which also helps prepare students for IB subjects.
- Assess Current Level & Set Goals
Identify whether they are taking English A (native level) or English B (second language) in IB. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses in reading comprehension, essay writing, grammar, and vocabulary.Set a personalized improvement plan based on their needs.
- Strengthen Reading Skills
Daily Reading Practice: Use IB-recommended novels, news articles, and academic texts.
Active Reading Strategies: Teach annotation, summarization, and analysis techniques.
Discussion Groups: Encourage participation in book discussions or debate clubs.
- Improve Writing & Grammar
Structured Writing Practice: Guide them through IB-style essays (analytical, comparative, and persuasive).
Grammar & Sentence Structure Drills: Provide exercises on complex sentence formation and coherence.
Teacher Feedback: Regular writing assignments with corrections and suggestions.
- Develop Listening & Speaking Skills
English Conversations: Engage in discussions on IB topics to build confidence.
Podcast & Audiobook Listening: Exposure to natural English speech patterns.
IB Oral Exam Practice: Prepare for presentations and interactive discussions.
- Focus on IB Exam Strategies
Teach time management for IB papers and essay structuring.
Provide past paper practice to familiarize them with IB question styles.
Offer one-on-one support to clarify doubts and build confidence.
Q: What level of English is required to do well in the IB program?
A score of no less than A in the Comprehensive Assessment Program for Junior High School Students no lower than A is required. The majority of the subjects will be taught in English only and will require a lot of interaction and discussion between peers and teachers, as well as self-led research and essay writing.
Q: How many subjects will I need to study and are they optional?
In the DP, the curriculum consists of six subject groups and the three elements of the DP core: theory of knowledge (ToK), extended essay, and creativity, activity, service (CAS). Subject selection has to follow the rules: the 3 core elements are required and 3 HL+3 SL subjects are required. Regarding taking which subject is optional. Subject selection helps students achieve their goals and career aspirations.
6 subjects across different disciplines + EE + TOK + CAS. The Arts are not compulsory, and students can choose a secondary subject from one of the other 5 disciplines if they wish (2 subjects @ HL and 4 @ SL.)
Example:
Students want to major the medic in universities, they can take –
Studies in language and literature-Chinese A: language and literature SL
Language acquisition-English B HL
Individuals and societies-History SL
Sciences-Chemistry HL
Sciences-Biology HL
Mathematics Mathematics: analysis and approaches SL
Q: What subjects do I study at year 10 if IBDP is at year 11 and 12?
Year 10 is the year for prepare for DP learning called PRE-IB.
There are subjects including Taiwan National Curriculum and Pre-IB subjects.
Considering that there are few IB MYP students in Taiwan now, and the preparation or the start point of students need to be taken into account when connecting to IBDP, LUYA implements the 12-year National Education Syllabus subjects and inquiry methods course in the first year of high school, so that students can complete their content knowledge in the field of nature and society on the one hand, and on the other hand, enable students to acquire the methods of knowledge inquiry, so as to prepare for the IBDP inquiry-based course from year 11. Both the medium of instruction and content knowledge have been evenly distributed across grades and semesters.
Q: What are the assessments like? How will I be graded?
IA 20-40% EA 60-80% subject-dependent. IA audited by IB. School grades and tracking performance throughout both years. Final IB grade will be at the end of the IB course (sat in May, results early July). School grades will closely reflect IB grading.
Q: Will my child struggle to adjust from the local junior high school system to IB?
It depends on a few factors, including your child’s learning style, adaptability, and the specific differences between the local junior high curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Here are some key things to consider:
- Possible Challenges:
- Academic Rigor-IB is known for being more challenging, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary connections. If your child is used to rote learning, they may need time to adjust.
- Assessment Style-IB places a lot of emphasis on essays, research, and internal assessments rather than just tests. This could be an adjustment if your child is more familiar with traditional testing methods.
3.Global Perspective-IB has an international focus, so if your child is used to a more localized curriculum, they might need time to adapt to the broader perspectives and global themes in subjects.
- Possible Strengths:
- Strong Foundations-If your child has a solid academic background, especially in reading, writing, and critical thinking, they might transition more smoothly.
- Curiosity & Open-Mindedness-IB encourages inquiry-based learning, so if your child enjoys asking questions and exploring different perspectives, they might thrive.
- Support Systems- LUYA will follow the guide of IBO and will offer strong student support systems, including teacher mentorship, tutoring, and study skills workshops, international exchange program and co-teaching with overseas IB world schools to help new students adjust.
III. How to Support the Transition:
1.Familiarize Them with IB Methods-Encourage reading, research-based learning, and discussion at home.
2.Help with Time Management-Teach them how to plan ahead and balance homework, projects, and extracurriculars.
3.Encourage a Growth Mindset-Remind them that it’s okay to find things challenging at first; they will improve with time.
Q: How is IB different from AP, SAT, A-Level and IFY?
Feature | IB (International Baccalaureate) | AP (Advanced Placement) | A-Level (Advanced Level) | SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) | IFY (International Foundation Year) |
Program | Full high school diploma | Individual subject-based exams | Subject-focused qualification | Standardized test for U.S. college admissions | University preparation program |
Duration | 2 years (IBDP) | 1 year per course (self-paced) | 2 years (AS + A2 levels) | 3-4 hours (one test) | 1 year |
Flexibility | Rigid structure with mandatory subjects | Very flexible (pick any subject) | Moderate flexibility (choose 3-4 subjects) | One-time test | Focused on preparation for specific universities |
Depth vs. Breadth | Balanced (broad curriculum + deep learning)
| More depth in specific subjects | Very deep in chosen subjects, but limited breadth | General skills in reading, writing, and math | Varies by program (typically focused on chosen major) |
Best For | Students seeking a globally recognized, holistic education | Students who want to strengthen specific subjects for U.S. universities | Students who prefer specialization and depth in a few subjects | Students applying to U.S. colleges | International students who don’t meet direct university entry requirements |
Subjects | 6 subjects across different fields + core components (TOK, EE, CAS) | 38 subjects (students choose any) | Typically 3-4 specialized subjects | Math, Reading & Writing (Essay optional) | Subjects vary based on intended university major |
University Recognition | Highly recognized worldwide (U.S., UK, EU, Canada, etc.) | Recognized mainly in the U.S. and some international universities | Strong in the UK, Australia, and some international universities | Primarily for U.S. colleges | Recognized mainly by partner universities offering foundation programs |
Q: Why should I study IB at your school? This is also offered at another school in the area.
All English environment (no Chinese translators in the classroom). Not a dual-curriculum. Highly qualified teachers and Senior Leadership Team. International connections. A school capable of seeing students’ educational career from elementary through to getting students to good universities worldwide. Good reputation. Care about our students’ learning and helping them achieve their goals, holistically. Encourage them to go on our LUYA Academy website to watch videos to get a sense of who we are and what we’ve done in a short 3 years.
Q: What is the difference between the IB program and the local Taiwanese high school curriculum?
The IB (International Baccalaureate) program focuses on critical thinking, independent research, and global perspectives, whereas the Taiwanese high school system is more exam-driven with a strong emphasis on rote memorization. The IB encourages students to develop analytical skills, creativity, and a well-rounded knowledge base through coursework, projects, and assessments rather than relying solely on final exams.
Q: How much coursework and independent study is expected in the IB program?
The IB program requires consistent effort throughout the two years. Students are assessed through essays, research projects, oral presentations, and exams. Unlike the Taiwanese system, where grades are often based on final exams, IB students need to manage their time well for long-term projects such as the Extended Essay (EE) and the Internal Assessments (IA) for each subject.
Q: How does the IB diploma compare to Taiwan’s local high school diploma for university applications?
The IB Diploma and Taiwan’s local high school diploma differ significantly in terms of international recognition, curriculum structure, and impact on university applications.
- International Recognition
IB Diploma: Recognized globally, especially by universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. It carries strong academic rigor and is often considered equivalent to A-Levels or AP courses.
Taiwan Local Diploma: Primarily recognized by Taiwanese universities. Some foreign universities may accept it, but students often need to take standardized tests like SAT, ACT, or IELTS/TOEFL for international applications. And also will need to take Foundation Year for the entry to universities in UK or European countries.
- Curriculum & Academic Rigor
IB Diploma: Includes six subject groups, TOK, EE, and CAS. It focuses on critical thinking, research, and interdisciplinary learning.
Taiwan Local Diploma: More exam-based, with a focus on rote memorization and subject proficiency. Students take core subjects (Chinese, Math, English, Sciences, and Social Studies), but without the broad interdisciplinary approach of IB.
- University Applications
– Applying to Taiwanese Universities:
– IB diploma holders can apply to Taiwanese universities through GSAT or AST like local students or they can apply universities through an additional Entrance Channel, Special Talent Selection( 特殊選才)which will interview students’ portfolio not the scores of GSAT..
– Local high school diploma students apply through GSAT (General Scholastic Ability Test, 學測) or AST (Advanced Subjects Test,分科測驗), which are essential for local admissions.
– Applying to International Universities:
– IB diploma students have a strong advantage for top universities worldwide due to its rigorous academic structure.
– Taiwanese diploma holders may need to take extra standardized tests (SAT, AP, A-Level, etc.) to compete internationally.
- Flexibility & Career Path
– IB Diploma: Better for students who want to study abroad, as it’s widely recognized and often grants college credit.
– Taiwan Local Diploma: More suited for students who plan to stay in Taiwan, as it aligns with the local education system
Q: Will my child be eligible to apply to Taiwanese universities after completing IB?
Yes, some Taiwanese universities accept IB diploma holders, but admission requirements vary by school. Some students may need to take additional entrance exams or submit a specific IB subject combination to meet local university requirements.
Q: What extracurricular activities does your school offer?
IB schools encourage students to participate in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), which is a core part of the IB Diploma Program. This can include clubs, sports, volunteer work, music, arts, leadership programs, and student government. These activities help students develop a well-rounded profile for university applications.
Q. What should we not mention?
Boarding, fees, transportation,
Q. How are students prepared for year 12 學測?
The GSAT includes five subject areas: Chinese, Math, English, Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics), and Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science). For each subject area, the scaled score ranges from 0 to 15, with a total maximum score of 75.
University departments are based on GSAT results and are limited to four subject areas, so candidates can choose the examination subjects according to their needs.
The Scope of the GSAT:
10th and 11th grade required Chinese courses
10th and 11th grade required English courses
10th and 11th grade required course
10th and 11th grade required History, Geography, and Civics courses
10th and 11th grade required Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science
The teaching and learning arrangement in LUYA:
Year 10 teach the Taiwan curriculum 10th grade’s subjects.
Year 11 teach IBDP which will also cover Taiwan curriculum 11th grade’s subjects.
LUYA will assign experienced counselors to each student to help them find their path to university. Based on their decision to stay in Taiwan for university, we will guide them in choosing suitable IBDP subjects. Additionally, we will prepare them for the GSAT by offering subject-specific classes during the daytime or after school.
Refining the GSAT prep curriculum-Creating a structured subject-based syllabus, setting milestones, and selecting key materials.
Integrating GSAT into the IBDP schedule-Finding overlap between IBDP subjects and GSAT content, time management strategies, and balancing workloads effectively.
