Coral Gables Senior High School is known for its profound International Baccalaureate program through the students, staff and teachers. Last year IB had great success with a noticeable increase in students passing the curriculum and receiving the diploma. Testing scores for subjects individually assessed also experience improvement as IB in Gables continues to progress.
Analyzing the statistics, out of the juniors and seniors who tested in IB the average passing for all IB subjects combined was right under 90 percent. Gables also improved in comparison to the world average. The Class of 2024 in Gables IB were 4 points above the world average which was a consistent number for many years. Last year with the Class of 2025 Gables shot up to 11 points over the world average, demonstrating a noticeable improvement in IB testing.
“One thing I push for is the accuracy of Internal Assessments in the teachers scoring. If we upload our IA scoring to IB and the scoring is off then they check all the other assessments marking students down. Even though teachers love their students I push for keeping the IA’s honest and firm improving the chances of students earning more points for their diploma,” IB Coordinator Mrs. Van Wyk said.
One reason for the growing success is the dedication teachers provide in training the students for the IB curriculum. For instance, in the language programs, teachers exceeded expectations with almost perfect passing rates. Teachers such as Mrs. Batisti received a 100% passing rate and Mrs. Breen who achieved a 96% passing rate with an 100% passing rate in her Spanish B classes.
Other teachers such as Mr. Dearmas prepared his students deliberately, who exceeded the world average in the Contemporary History IB exam. Even first time IB teachers such as Mr. Constant for English prepared his students who scored well on the exam and oral assessments.
“Mrs. Sanchez was a great teacher. She really went over all the IB curriculum in things like statistics and calculus and provided us with proper homework to prepare for the exam. I was predicted for a 6 in math and got a 6 on the actual exam. Teachers with consistent preparation helped a lot for the final exams,” senior Christoph Patai said.
Moreover, the Class of 2025 performed well when it came to gaining extra points from the Theory of Knowledge course and their Prescribed Title Essay. Students outperformed their predictions set on the PT Essay with aided many students to achieving the diploma with extra points added to their score.
“What I look at is trying to close the gap with students attempting to get the diploma and students achieving the diploma. Our departments were spot on with their IB predictions demonstrating good teaching abilities and even some departments such as the languages exceeded their expectations,” Mrs. Van Wyk said.
IB Predictions are based off what the teachers believe each individual student is going to score on the exam based on their knowledge of the class and the IA’s and Oral assessments. These students showcased their consistent studying and persistence, which outperformed many of the expectations imposed on them.
The graduating class of 2025 demonstrated a great deal of effort in preparing for their numerous exams. With IB tests taking place in May, these students focused on passing each exam with the discipline of continuing to study as the year came to a halt. Improving performances were a result of their endeavors from the effort provided which was assisted by different programs and teachers.
For instance, many IB students received assistance and advice from the IB Executive Council keeping them up to date with deadlines and providing mentoring when needed. The mentoring from fellow students that have experienced or are experiencing the same rigor creates a connection for IB students who need assistance. This welcoming program keeps peers accountable and provides help by fellow students in an attempt for everyone to eventually receive their IB diploma.
“I tested out of AA math and Chemistry with Mrs. Sanchez and Mr. Michel, and it was worth it, making my senior year easier. IB Exec is a good thing, but I’ve never used it because my teachers and Mrs. Van Wyk keep me on track. It definitely is a great program to help people who need support,” senior Paul Winston said.
In addition, another purpose that teachers provide is understanding which students are struggling with and in danger of not getting their diploma. This way intervention and support could be provided to the individual finding their way back on the path to an IB diploma.
Through all the hard work and support received, the Class of 2025 found its way record breaking IB success with 91% of students receiving their IB Diploma. Last year 131 out of 143 candidates achieved the IB diploma which demonstrated a modest improvement from years prior. The world average consisting of an 81.26% pass rate in the IB program was greatly surpassed by Coral Gables students in 2025.
Leaving the school with a stellar performance in the program, IB Seniors in the Class of 2026 look to follow in the footsteps of their previous peers or even surpassing them. Many of these Seniors have already completed either one or two IB exams the previous year assisting in the individual exam ratings. The Class of 2026 continues to work and persevere through their IB classes in order to gain sufficient points for their individual diplomas. Teachers, staff and students alike will continue to work together to obtain growing success in the IB program.
