FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Q1: 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.
1.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.
2.Daily Reading Practice: Use IB-recommended novels, news articles, and academic texts.
Daily reading practice: using novels, news articles and academic texts recommended by the IB.
Active Reading Strategies: Teach annotation, summarization, and analysis techniques.
Discussion Groups: Encourage participation in book discussions or debate clubs.
3.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.
4.Develop listening and 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.
5.Focus onIBExam Strategies
Teaches time management and essay structure for IB essays.
Provide past exam questions for practice so that they can become familiar with IB question types.
Providing one-to-one support to clarify doubts and build confidence.
Q2: What level of English is required to achieve good results in the IB program?
The English language score in the Junior High School Examination must be no less than A. Because most subjects in the IB curriculum will be taught only in English, it requires a lot of interaction and discussion between peers and teachers, as well as independent research and essay writing.
Q3: How many subjects do I need to study for the DP and are they optional?
In the DP, the course is made up of six subject groups and three elements of the DP core: Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Subject selection must follow the rules: 3 core elements are required, and 3 HL+3 SL subjects are required.
aboutWhich subjects are optional?.Subject choices help students achieve their life goals and career aspirations.
6 subjects from different disciplines + EE + TOK + CAS. Arts is not a compulsory subject and students can choose a minor subject from the other 5 subjects (2 subjects HL and 4 subjects SL) if they wish.
example:
Students who want to major in medicine in college can choose -
Language and Literature Studies-Chinese A: Language and Literature SL
Language Acquisition - English B HL
Individual and Society - History SL
Science - Chemistry HL
Science - Biology HL
Mathematics Mathematics: Analysis and Methods SL
Q4: If the IBDP is in Years 11 and 12, what subjects do I study in Year 10?
Grade 10 is the year of preparation for DP studies, called PRE-IB. Subjects include Taiwan 108 curriculum and Pre-IB subjects.
Considering that there are few IB MYP students in Taiwan, it is necessary to consider the students’ preparation or starting point when bridging the IBDP. Luya implements the 12-year national education syllabus subjects andInquiry Methods Course, so that students can complete theirSubject content knowledge in the natural and social fieldsOn the other hand, it enables students to master the methods of knowledge inquiry in order to prepare for the IBDP inquiry-based courses in Grade 11.
Q5: What is the IB scoring method? How are final grades calculated?
- Internal Assessment (IA): accounts for 20-40% and is officially reviewed by IB.
- External Examination (EA): 60-80%, depending on the subject.
The school will closely track students’ academic performance for two years, and the final IB results will be determined after the IB course is completed (exams in May and results announced in July).
Q6: Will it be difficult for my child to adapt to the IBDP when entering the local junior high school system?
This depends on several factors, including your child's learning style, adaptability, and the specific differences between the local junior high school curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Here are some key things to consider:
I.Possible challenges
1.Academic rigor– The 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, it may take time for them to adjust.
2.Assessment Style-The IB places great emphasis on essays, research and internal assessments rather than just testing. If your child is more familiar with traditional testing methods, this may be an adjustment.
3.Global Perspective-The IB has an international outlook, so if your child is used to a more localised curriculum, it may take time for them to adjust to the broader outlook and global themes within the subject.
- Possible advantages:
1.Solid foundation-If your child has a solid academic background, especially in reading, writing, and critical thinking, they may have a smoother transition.
2.Curiosity and open-mindedness-The IB encourages inquiry-based learning, so if your child enjoys asking questions and exploring different viewpoints, they will likely thrive.
3.Support system– LUYA will follow the guidance of the IBO and provide a strong student support system, including teacher guidance, tutoring and study skills workshops, international exchange programs, and co-teaching with overseas IB World Schools to account for new student orientation.
III.How to support the transition:
1.Let them get familiar IB method-Encourage reading, research-based learning, and discussion at home.
2.Help them with time management-Teach them how to plan ahead and balance homework, projects, and extracurricular activities.
3.Encourage a growth mindset-Remind them that it’s OK to find things challenging at first; they will improve over time.
Q7: Why should I study IB at Luya International High School?
Because Luya is -
- Full English environment, not a bilingual course.
- haveHighly qualified teachers and leadership team.
- EstablishInternational connections, a school that sees its students enter excellent universities around the world.
- Already haveGood reputation, we care about our students’ learning and helping them achieve their full goals.
- supplyNew dormitoryStudents from far away can choose to stay in accommodation to avoid travel time.
You can visit our LUYA Academy website to get a glimpse into who we are and what we have done in education in just 3 years.
Q8: What is the difference between the IB curriculum and Taiwan’s local high school curriculum?
IB(International Baccalaureate) curriculum focuses on critical thinking, independent research and global perspectives, while Taiwan’s high school system is more exam-driven and places great 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 examinations.
Q9: How much coursework and independent study does the IB program require?
The IB curriculum requires sustained effort over two years. Students are assessed through essays, research projects, oral presentations and examinations. Unlike Taiwan’s system where grades are usually based on final exams, IB students need to manage their time well in order to work on long-term projects such as the Extended Essay (EE) and Internal Assessment (IA) in each subject.
Q10: What is the difference between the IB diploma and the Taiwan graduation certificate in university applications?
There are significant differences between the IB Diploma and the Taiwan Graduation Certificate in terms of international recognition, curriculum structure, and impact on university applications.
1.International recognition
- IB Diploma: recognized worldwide, especially by universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Europe. It has a high level of academic rigor and is often considered equivalent to A-Level or AP courses.
- Taiwan Diploma: Mainly recognized by National Taiwan University. Some foreign universities may accept it, but students usually need to take a standardized test like the SAT, ACT, or IELTS/TOEFL to apply internationally. And you also need to take a foundation course to enter a university in the UK or European countries.
2.Curriculum and Academic Rigor
- IB Diploma: includes six subject groups: TOK, EE and CAS. It focuses on critical thinking, research, and interdisciplinary learning.
- Taiwan Graduation Certificate: More exam-based, with an emphasis on rote memorization and subject proficiency. Students study core subjects (Chinese, Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies) but without the broad interdisciplinary approach of the IB.
3.University Application
- Apply to National Taiwan University:
IBdiploma: Holders can apply to Taiwanese universities through the academic examination or subject tests like local students, or they can apply to universities through additional channels such as special selection, which will interview students' academic records rather than academic examination scores.
Taiwan graduation certificate：Students apply through academic tests or subject tests, which is essential for local admission.
- Applying to international universities:
IBdiploma: Due to its rigorous academic structure, IB Diploma students have a strong advantage in the world's top universities.
Taiwan graduation certificate: Holders may be required to take additional standardized tests (SAT, AP, A-Level, etc.) to participate in international competitions.
4.Flexibility and career paths
- IB Diploma: Better suited for students who want to study abroad because it is widely recognized and usually awards college credit.
- Taiwan Diploma: More suitable for students who plan to stay in Taiwan as it is consistent with the local system.
Q11: Is my child eligible to apply to universities in Taiwan after completing IB?
Yes, Taiwan’s universities accept IB diploma holders because LUYA’s students hold Taiwan’s high school diplomas in addition to their IB diplomas, and their high school qualifications are recognized by Taiwan’s universities.
But admission requirements vary from school to school. Some students may need to take entrance exams or submit a portfolio of studies in specific IB subjects to meet local university requirements.
Q12: What extracurricular activities does Luya International High School offer?
IB schools encourage students to participate in Creativity, Activities and Service (CAS), which is a core part of the IB Diploma Programme. This can include clubs, sports, volunteer work, music, arts, leadership programs and student government organizations. These activities help students build a comprehensive academic portfolio for college applications.
Q13. How do students prepare for the academic test for 12th graders who plan to stay in Taiwan for further studies?
The academic test covers five subject areas: Chinese, mathematics, English, social studies (history, geography, and citizenship) and natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences). For each subject area, the scaled score ranges from 1 to 15, with a total maximum score of 75.
The university departments calculate based on the academic test scores, which are limited to four subject areas, so candidates can choose the examination subjects according to their needs.
Scope of academic testing:
Compulsory Chinese Language Course for Grades 10 and 11
Compulsory English course for grades 10 and 11
Compulsory Mathematics for Grades 10 and 11
Compulsory History, Geography and Civics courses for Years 10 and 11
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science required for grades 10 and 11
Teaching and learning arrangements at Luya International High School:
Grade 10 teaches the compulsory subjects of the Taiwan curriculum for Grade 10.
The IBDP is taught in Grade 11, which will also cover the compulsory subjects of Grade 11 of the Taiwan Curriculum.
Luya International High School will assign each student an experienced counselor to help them find their way to college. Based on their decision to stay in Taiwan to attend university, we will guide them in choosing appropriate IBDP subjects.
In addition, for students who plan to continue their studies in Taiwan, we will prepare for the academic exam by offering subject-specific courses during the day or after school. Improve the preparatory course to create structured thematic teaching, set milestones and select key materials, and clarify the overlap between IBDP subjects and the scope of the preparatory course, integrate the scope of the preparatory course into the IBDP schedule, and effectively balance the amount of learning through students' time management strategies to prepare for further studies.
Q14. What are the similarities and differences between IB, AP, A-Level, SAT and IFY?
Five different academic courses/exams were compared:
- IB (International Baccalaureate) - a two-year, globally recognised diploma programme that offers a broad curriculum and in-depth study.
- AP (Advanced Placement) - Based on single subject exams, it is mainly applicable to American universities, and students can flexibly choose subjects.
- Level (Advanced Level) - a two-year professional subject qualification examination with strong recognition in places such as the UK and Australia.
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) - a standardized test for admission to American universities that tests basic skills in mathematics, reading and writing.
- IFY (International Foundation Year) - a one-year university foundation programme for international students who do not meet direct entry requirements.
- Features Comparison
project | IB (International Baccalaureate) | AP (Advanced Placement) | A-Level (Advanced Level Examination) | SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) | IFY (International Foundation Year) |
Course Type | Complete high school diploma | Single subject exam | Subject-based qualifying examinations | Non-course standardized exams for U.S. college admissions | University Preparation Program |
time | 2-year IBDP | 1 year per course (can be arranged by yourself) | 2 years (AS + A2) | 3-4 hours (single exam) | 1 year |
flexibility | Rigorous structure, compulsory subjects | Very flexible (choose any subject) | Moderately flexible (usually choose 3-4 subjects) | One-time exam | Preparatory courses for specific universities |
Depth and breadth of learning | Balanced (covers a wide range of subjects with an emphasis on in-depth study) | Study a specific subject in depth | Higher depth of study, but narrower subject range | Mainly tests reading, writing and mathematics skills | Depends on the course (usually focuses on a selected area of specialisation) |
Suitable for students | Students who want a globally recognized, well-rounded education | Students who want to improve their abilities in specific subjects and are applying to American universities | Students who prefer subject specialization and in-depth study | Students who plan to apply to American universities | International students who cannot enter university directly and need a preparatory course |
Subject Selection | 6 subjects in different fields + core courses (TOK, EE, CAS) | 38 courses (students can choose freely) | Usually choose 3-4 professional subjects | Mathematics, Reading and Writing (Essay Optional) | Depends on the university major you are applying for |
University recognition | Highly recognized worldwide (US, UK, EU, Canada, etc.) | Mainly recognized by American and some international universities | More recognized in the UK, Australia and some international universities | Mainly applicable to US university applications | Mainly applicable to universities that partner with this course |
