SINGAPORE - Overview of IB Exam Results

In yet another impressive display of academic excellence, Singapore continues to outshine the global average in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma exams. Notably, 18-year-old Belle Phang from Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) (Independent) stood out as a beacon of achievement.

Belle Phang's Achievements

With an unwavering commitment to her studies, Belle credits her parents’ sacrifices for her educational opportunities, driving her relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Belle topped her school's cohort in four subjects—physics, chemistry, economics, and Spanish—and received the prestigious Education Ministry's (MOE) Engineering and Tech Programme Scholarship for 2024. In a remarkable feat, she achieved a perfect score of 45 in the IB diploma exams.

Singapore's Overall Performance

In total, 2,442 students in Singapore sat for the IB diploma exams in November 2024, achieving an impressive average score of 38.4, significantly higher than the global average of 29.2. The Switzerland-based IB organisation, which administers the exams, revealed that results were released on December 17, benefiting 21,894 candidates worldwide.

Changes in Result Release Timing

In a significant change for 2024, the IB has moved the release of exam results from January to December to align with university application deadlines, easing the anxieties of many students.

Schools in Singapore Offering IB Programmes

With 22 schools in Singapore offering IB programmes—including St Joseph's Institution (SJI), Singapore Sports School, and the School of the Arts (Sota)—the nation has firmly carved its reputation on the global stage.

A Source of National Pride

Singapore's stellar performance in the IB program is a source of pride. Since joining in 2005, the country has consistently produced at least half of the world's perfect scorers, showcasing its educational strength.

Although the IB organisation has discontinued releasing the number of perfect scores to mitigate competition among students, the achievement remains remarkable.

Belle's Perspective on Education

Belle praised the IB's emphasis on self-directed learning and collaboration. “The environment encourages us to grow together through internal assessments and discussions,” she said, highlighting time management and consistent effort as keys to her success.

Leadership and Extracurricular Success

Beyond academics, Belle demonstrated exceptional leadership by playing active roles in the student council and service projects aimed at uplifting the elderly. Furthermore, she earned a silver award in the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition in 2024.

She now has aspirations to study both engineering and liberal arts in the United States, eager to immerse herself in a broad educational experience while exchanging perspectives with fellow motivated youth.

School-Specific Performances

The performance of other schools also stood out. At ACS(I), where the IB diploma programme was first introduced in Singapore, all 452 students passed, achieving an average score of 41.2.

Similarly, Sota reported that more than half of its 159 candidates scored at least 38 points, whereas more than 75 percent of student-athletes at the Singapore Sports School managed to score 38 points or above.

Dharshan Nathan's Journey

Dharshan Nathan, a student at Sota, has chosen to pursue his acting ambitions while studying in the IB career-related programme.

Inspired by the blend of art and academics that Sota offers, Dharshan has participated in numerous theatre productions, honing his craft and preparing for drama school in Britain after completing his National Service.

Looking Ahead

With Singapore's continued success in the IB programme, students are not only achieving academic excellence but are also honing leadership skills and exploring diverse career paths, underscoring the holistic nature of the education system.

As Singapore maintains its position as a global educational leader, the focus remains on nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to tackle future challenges. The next generation is poised not just to replicate past successes but to break new ground in the realms of knowledge and creativity.