Moving from IB1 to IB2 at St Clare’s is more than just a step up academically, but it feels like a change in atmosphere and perspective. If IB1 is about adjusting to a new environment, new people, and the structure of the IB itself, then IB2 is where things start to feel more familiar. Life at St Clare’s begins to resemble a home away from home, where the routine settles in, friendships strengthen, and the challenges of the programme become part of daily life.
The article explores this very transition, showing how the shift from IB1 to IB2 represents both academic growth and personal development. It explains that while the first year is cantered around adaptation, getting used to new surroundings, teaching styles, and expectations; the second year is marked by confidence and familiarity.
Settling into St Clare’s
For many, IB1 is about navigating an international environment, adapting to different teaching styles, and finding your place among classmates from around the world. By the time IB2 begins, that uncertainty fades. Classrooms, teachers, and peers are no longer “new” but instead, they are part of your comfort zone. This sense of belonging makes it easier to face the challenges ahead.
As Mert from IB2 said during our interview, “IB1 was full of trial and error, but now in IB2, I feel settled. I know how to handle the workload.”
The Workload Evolves
Academically, IB2 is undeniably more demanding. Deadlines for Internal Assessments, TOK, and the Extended Essay pile up, while final exams loom closer. Yet, compared to the pressure of IB1, there’s also a strange sense of relief. The biggest internal examinations in May are already done, and you have received your predicted grades. The constant pressure of “first times” eases off, replaced by a steadier rhythm of revision and consolidation.
Gregorio from IB2 said in our interview, “There’s more to do in IB2, but less confusion. You already know the format, the teachers, and how to study efficiently. It’s busy, but it finally feels manageable.”
Getting Used to the Challenge
Even though things become more challenging, you find yourself getting used to the pace. IB1 often feels overwhelming because everything is unfamiliar. The subjects, the expectations, even the balance between CAS, academics, and social life. By IB2, most students have developed routines and strategies that make the workload manageable. For example, creating a consistent daily schedule, using study techniques that suit their learning style, developing subject-specific approaches (like flashcards for languages or past papers for sciences), and setting aside dedicated time each day for review and relaxation.
When I asked Alberto from IB2 about this shift, he explained, “In IB1, most of my time went into figuring out what teachers expected and how to study effectively. Now in IB2, I already know what works, so I can focus on improving rather than just keeping up.”
Preparing for What’s Next
The final year is also when thoughts about life beyond St Clare’s come into sharper focus. Whether it’s university applications, gap year plans, or future aspirations or exploring career paths with the help of the school’s dedicated Careers and Higher Education team. St Clare’s offers extensive guidance, from university counselling and personal statement feedback to advice on internships and career planning, helping students feel more confident about the next step after the IB. This makes IB2 feel both heavier in responsibility and lighter in perspective. The exams are the final hurdle, but there’s also excitement about what comes after.
As Sofia from IB2 mentioned when asked about career support, “The Careers team really helped me figure out what I want to study and where I see myself in the future. They make the process feel less stressful and more personal.”
Balancing everything in IB2, deadlines, revision, university applications, and personal life, can seem daunting at first. But one of the biggest strengths of St Clare’s is the sense of community that surrounds you. Teachers are always approachable, offering guidance not only on academics but also on managing stress and staying organised. Peers become a vital source of motivation, often sharing study techniques, notes, or simply encouragement when things get intense. Many students also find that talking with their tutors or attending wellbeing sessions helps them stay grounded.
At St Clare’s, the transition from IB1 to IB2 is less about being thrown into the unknown and more about finding balance. Yes, the work intensifies, but so does your ability to handle it. Yes, the deadlines pile up, but the pressure feels different. By IB2, you’re not just surviving the IB; you’re living it, supported by a community that truly feels like home.
Written by Ömer – IB26 student