A little bit of advice from our co-founder, Nitya Kashyap (currently an IBDP1 student), with regards to handling 3 sciences in IB MYP!
As a STEM oriented student, I decided to leave my options open during 9th and 10th and opted to take all three sciences in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. It is a taxing combination of subjects that, if not studied in the right manner, can land you in a sea of stress and can even lead to burnout with the vast amount of syllabus that comes hand in hand.
I would never say I regret taking all three sciences, as it allowed me to develop my interest within the scientific field, no matter how hard it was. If anything, I thoroughly enjoyed studying all three sciences to the extent that I decided to take them during my diploma program too! Now, when it comes to the opportunities one has by studying these subjects, in all honesty, they are endless. From the broad fields of medicine and engineering to studying the nitty-gritties of biochemical engineering these three subjects can be combined and rearranged, allowing you to truly explore your career paths.
In regards to how to study for your MYP 5 E-Assessments and managing all three sciences, it comes down to your love for the subjects and willingness to study. I've listed a few tips and tricks below for studying and handling sciences in school.
Study Methods - Find study methods that work for YOU, not for anyone else, whether it be the pomodoro technique or sitting and teaching a line of your toys. Whatever technique helps you memorise content effectively should be your go to. Personally, I used the blurting method along with my trusty whiteboard all throughout MYP 4 and 5, and could not have been happier with that method of studying.
Criteria Wise Approach - In IB, as many students would know, they have criteria wise exams, A, B, C, and D. Try approaching the sciences criteria wise, analysing the requirements for each science in each criteria so that you can really nail each and every question in your exams. Some may come easier than others, so it is equally as important for you to identify which criteria you struggle with and work on that specifically.
Past Papers - Another life saving method I used to study was actually sitting and going through past papers, understanding and familiarising myself with the pattern of papers and questions. After doing so and going through the marking schemes, I also understood what kind of answers the IB usually expects form students. So much so, that when it came to the day of my E-Assessments I had a good idea of what to expect and how to write my answers.
DO NOT PROCASTINATE - I mean this from the bottom of my heart when I say limit your procastination as much as possible. If you want to do well in MYP, knowing the rigour and style of the board, you want to be on your a-game at all times to prevent burnout and regret later during the year. It is easier said than done, but by creating schedules and sticking to your deadlines, I assure you it is the best way to prevent stress.
Be A Teenager - As juvenile as it may sound, remember to take breaks too, go out, be a teenager and have fun no matter what. Keep your priorities in good measure and find a balance between your studies and life outside of school. It may take time, but block out a period of time for studying, then go have fun, that way you are not constantly stressed and worrying about what needs to be done and what doesn't.
At the end of the day, you should always make sure that you enjoy what you study, find fun ways to engage with your syllabus and try to view studying as a way forward rather than something that weighs you down. Though it can be tough and some days you just feel like quitting, take the subjects step by step and your efforts will be rewarded in good time.
Comments