It is no secret that being an International Baccalaureate (IB) student is not a simple feat, and for the new 128 diploma candidates at The Village School from the class of 2027, the endeavor to succeed at IB may appear like a looming monster. Juniors this year will be subject to rubric changes that occur every seven years, so alongside the challenges of IB, they will face new course guides and standards to their work.

In the face of a seemingly difficult two years, juniors are meeting the IB curriculum with enthusiasm and determination. “I’ve felt great,” junior Danika Patel said, “it’s been an adjustment to everything but I have very good teachers that have been very helpful.” It goes to show how regardless of everything juniors have been told by their teachers and classmates, they are unwilling to shy away from a challenge, and therefore are meeting the IB with rigor and perseverance.

Yet, even with such enthusiasm to begin, the new changes to the IB rubric are coming as a surprise to many students. “I was not aware that they changed the rubric every seven years,” junior Ana Strauss said. The amendments aim to simplify the course guide and allow students a more fulfilling learning experience over the next two years. Changes have been made to the Extended Essay rubric, making it interdisciplinary.

Starting the sixth week of IB on September 15, 2025, juniors at The Village School have had the time to adjust to the new style of learning and the novel expectations that have been placed upon them. With the help of teachers, and support from family and friends, juniors know that they are not alone on their journey – and that the outcome will be worth it. “I know at the moment I’m gonna hate it,” Strauss said when asked about her perspective on studying for IB, “but I know it teaches you essential skills that we will need for the rest of our life, so I’m happy I’m taking it.”