By Year 11 students Emily Passlow and Nancy Hang

In the first week of this term the 2025 International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) cohort embarked on a two-day retreat. During those two days in a conference room in the new Collegians centre, the Year 11 IBDP students had a chance to get to know each other. We kicked the retreat off with some self-reflection about what we wanted to get out of the program and how we could set ourselves up for success.

Mrs Alison Steven took us through the attributes of an IBDP learner and the programme's approaches to learning. After completing the activities on campus, we walked to Zone Bowling with the energetic atmosphere of competition and discussion buzzing around in our minds. Getting caught up in the competition we almost missed Mr Nick Moss absolutely dominating in the teacher’s lane.

After bowling we went for a meal at the Asian Noodle House. While enjoying our meal we chatted with the teachers, and it was nice to become acquainted with those who would be helping us through our two-year journey. Mr Andy Gordon also joined us for dinner, and it was an absolute hoot to have him sitting with us. After a delicious dinner we went to Goodberry’s for a frozen yogurt dessert to round off the day.

The second day of the retreat was focused on learning vital information about the IB Core and meeting the Year 12 IBDP students. We received an in-depth rundown of what Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is from Mr Jake Bailey, an overview of Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) from Ms Ailsa Mackerras, and insight into the Extended Essay (EE) from Dr Rebecca Barlow. After lunch, the current senior IBDP students met with us to offer advice and answer our questions. With their encouragement and the support from our teachers, the IB cohort left the retreat optimistic and confident about the two years ahead.