Beyond the Programme: IGBIS Students Gain Real-World Edge at IMU
October 16, 2025
Every year, the hallways of IGB International School buzz with anticipation as Grade 12 students prepare to step into the spotlight for one of our most celebrated annual traditions: Phoenix Talks. Like the mythical phoenix rising from ashes, our senior students transform their months of rigorous academic work into powerful presentations that inspire, educate, and captivate their younger peers.
What Makes Phoenix Talks Special
The Phoenix Talks is more than just a presentation day; it’s a vibrant celebration of growth, inquiry, and mentorship. It’s where our pre-university scholars in the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the career-focused IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) pass the torch of knowledge to the younger students following in their footsteps. But what does this “journey” actually look like? Instead of just exams, the IB experience at IGBIS is defined by profound, self-driven projects that shape students into critical thinkers and engaged global citizens.
The Phoenix Talks brings these projects to life:
- Imagine a student defending their 4,000-word Extended Essay (EE), a university-level research paper on a topic they are passionate about.
- Picture another student presenting their Reflective Project (RP), where they investigate an ethical dilemma within their chosen career path.
- See the impact of Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and Service Learning (SL) projects, where classroom learning translates into tangible community action.
A Day of Inspiration and Discovery
Phoenix Talks unfolds across four dynamic sessions, each designed to showcase different aspects of our students’ learning journey. The event transforms our school into a vibrant hub of intellectual exchange where academic achievement meets genuine human connection.
The morning began with formal presentations, where seniors took the stage to share their discoveries. One talk, exploring the making of white powder from plastic bottles, sparked lively debate and demonstrated how the IBDP programme encourages students to grapple with real-world issues.
Next, the school transformed into a gallery for the TOK and PPS Exhibitions. Here, students wandered among booths as Grade 12 students presented their displays for Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a course that questions how we know what we know, and Personal and Professional Skills (PPS), which prepares them for the world of work. It was an interactive museum of big ideas, curated by our students.
The energy shifted in the student-led workshops, where learning became a hands-on experience. In one popular session, the “Plant Project, ” attendees didn’t just hear about a sustainability initiative; they rolled up their sleeves and potted their own plants. This workshop was a perfect example of the IB core in action: combining service with practical, inspiring action.
The day culminated in a panel discussion, a cornerstone of the Phoenix Talks. In this frank and supportive forum, a diverse group of Grade 12 students fielded questions from the audience, offering candid advice on subject choices, workload management, and finding your passion within the IB programme. The takeaway for younger students was invaluable: there is no single path to success, only the one you carve for yourself.
Celebrating Excellence and Vision
The Phoenix Talks is a true embodiment of the IGBIS spirit, a tradition brought to life through the collective effort of our dedicated IB faculty and the remarkable initiative of our students. Under the coordination of Mr Magnus Drechsler and supported by a team of teachers, the event provides a powerful platform for our Grade 12 cohort to culminate their IB journey.
Are you intrigued by a school education that goes beyond textbooks to empower students as researchers, thinkers, and active community members? Discover the IGBIS difference for yourself.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the IB Diploma and Career-related Programme, or contact our Admissions team at +603 6145 4688 / enquiries@igbis.edu.my. Follow us on social media to see how we continue to inspire tomorrow’s leaders, today.
