IB Classroom: How was your experience of the IB Diploma programme as a curriculum?
Jayasimha P.V.S.S.: It was a great experience pursuing the IB Diploma programme! The holistic approach of IB focuses more the practical aspects of “Why to do things?” rather than “How to do things?” This is the key differentiator of the IB curriculum compared to other curricula. It is challenging course and demanding one too, but the process, is aimed at getting the student acquainted with his/her external environment that he/she should be ready to deal with. In my view, pursuing the IB Diploma is a ‘self-actualizing’ experience.  

IB Classroom: In your view, what was the most challenging aspect of the IB programme?
Jayasimha P.V.S.S.: I personally think meeting deadlines is a challenging task, as one has to revise every-day learning, prepare for monthly and semester exams, in addition to meeting internal assessment deadlines for Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE).

IB Classroom: What makes pursuing IB different at GIIS?
Jayasimha P.V.S.S.: The best thing about doing IB at GIIS is the environment that it offers and more importantly, the mentorship of the IB teachers. The teachers share a positive rapport with the students and help them realise their goals by encouraging them to achieve their best potential. The highly motivational and friendly environment is what makes the ‘GIIS experience’ a truly amazing one!

IB Classroom: How have your IB teachers at GIIS been instrumental in guiding you during the course of the programme?
Jayasimha P.V.S.S.: The mentorship role undertaken by our teachers cannot be expressed in words. They have gone beyond the call of duty to guide us, and I feel fortunate to have had teachers like them. Our IB coordinator, Ms Deepa Chandrasekaran, played a key role in making us realise our highest potential and motivated us to crack the IB examinations. All our teachers supported us by being available round-the-clock via phone, instant messaging and emails to guide us and clear all our doubts. Teachers at GIIS play a vital role in the success of its students in the IB programme.

IB Classroom: How was your experience in applying for university applications?
Jayasimha P.V.S.S.: It was a seamless experience as our Career Counsellor, Ms Seema Kaushik, guided us by discussing the pros and cons of selecting various universities vis-â-vis subject choices and provided immense support with the application process for timely submission. The experience of applying to universities was made a smooth process at GIIS.

IB Classroom: What are your plans going forward post IB graduation?
Jayasimha P.V.S.S.: I plan to pursue Law as my major, as I have aspired to become a lawyer since childhood. Moreover, the IB programme has equipped me with essential skills and knowledge that will support me in enhancing my career as a lawyer.

IB Classroom: What is the one advice you would like to share with students of the new IB Diploma batch or seek to join the programme in future?
Jayasimha P.V.S.S.: I would like to share with the forthcoming batches of IB an advice based on a a I principle have always believed in - “the only way to produce magnificent results, not only academics, is to love what we do rather than doing what we love”. This helps us do our work efficiently and with great determination.