KISU students excel in International Baccalaureate exams

By Conan Businge & Ssebidde Kiryowa

KAMPALA - Three students scored some of the highest ever mark in International Baccalaureate examinations, at Kampala International School of Uganda (KISU).
         
The three students Talisha Radia (37) and then Ingrid Saito and Nathan Girmay who hit the 39 score in the examinations. The highest score in these examinations is 45, out of the nine subjects done.

These three of the 16 were students, at 18 years of age.

Of the 16 students, 10 achieved their diplomas, three did not achieve the diploma and more three got certificate courses. Students who are awarded diplomas, are always those that have passed with at least a 31.3 score.
         
Each subject, according to the scoring guidelines for such examinations, takes seven points.

The DP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay. Through the DP core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service.

To date, a total of 95 students have completed the course since KISU was accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization in 2008.
         
In Uganda, there are three school that do such examination, the other two being Aga Khan International school and the International School of Uganda.
         
The exams are set by the International Baccalaureate (IB), formerly known as The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), which is an international educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland founded in 1968. IB offers four educational programmes for children aged 3–19.
 

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Jubilant graduates toss their graduation caps in the air. (Credit: Denis Dibele)

Sudhir Ruparelia, the proprietor of the school, congratulated the students, school director and staff, “For the great work done this year.” 
         
Meanwhile, Samuel Paice, the head of communication at the British High Commission in a speech at the graduation ceremony for the KISU students noted that, “This is the right way to go as the world becomes one global village. The IB Diploma equips you with all the necessary skills to fit in the outside world.”

“The onus is now upon you to exploit existing opportunities out there to be able to sustain yourselves. Some of you are destined to be musicians of repute, engineers, doctors – you name it. But the one thing you all have in common is the ability to respect and appreciate your differences.

Neil Wrightson, the Principal, KISU, encouraged the students to aim for the best in life and not to be afraid of making mistakes.

“You are going on the biggest journey of your life and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Because the truth is that no matter how well you plan things, things will go wrong, people will let you down but some other people will move heaven and earth for you; do not forget to say thank you,” he advised.

Terry Garbeth, the head of the Secondary Section, KISU, cautioned the graduates about the world out there.

“You came here as toddlers but are leaving, as men and women, equipped with skills and knowledge. The onus is upon you to work hard, excel, be creative and deliver what you are employed to do.”

Julius Twinomujuni, the faculty head, tipped the graduates that the sky was the limit to what they could do with the knowledge and skills they have acquired.

“You are lucky to have gadgets that we used to see in James Bond movies only,” said Twinomujuni. “But with them you can now enter data for a USA firm while you are in Kampala. You can edit a manuscript for an author while you are in the comfort of your bedroom. Just keep networking. There is plenty out there to be picked.”