Diploma Programme

The winter vacation is very nearly upon us and, as I look around the school, I see constant reminders of the season we are in..festively decorated spaces and lighting combined with many pale and tired faces longing for a break! These days are long and, especially for the DP2 students, relentless in terms of IB coursework delivery. So far there have been 20 different coursework deadlines, either for first or final versions. Around two thirds of the students have taken control of their time by using one of their ‘jokers’ to move a final deadline to a more convenient spot. Despite this, the weekly demand of the diploma programme rests heavily on the students’ shoulders, especially as the days darken and the weather is often far from appealing.  For DP1 students the workload is just now increasing with the extended essay process developing steam and the first summative closing week waiting around the corner in January. Nonetheless, despite the slog of this time of year, what always amazes me are the friendly smiles and greetings of the students, the acts of thoughtfulness and kindness, and the willingness to help with and participate in a variety of events across the school community. The IB virtual visitors were extremely impressed with our DP class reps, especially those who showed them around the school and lessons; DP students actively supported the school’s election day when all our students simulated the national vote that was taking place in the country; when needed our DP team of ‘movers and shifters’ have helped the concierges move furniture around the school and, recently, we had DP1 students come in on their day off to support teachers with their professional development day. In terms of participation, I am proud of the way our DP students have been active in getting involved in opportunities ranging from the school musical (production, cast and orchestra) to Model United Nations, GSA events, the STEM club and its associated tasks, as well as self-initiated activities like the gardening club and the art club.

We now head into the final week before the vacation, where schoolwork will be combined with time to socialize and to help others. The DP2 students have a social event planned for Tuesday (pool and pizza), then there is Action Horsepower, the Open Podium event on Thursday evening and, rounding things off on Friday, a communal breakfast and games.

There is a lot to look forward to in the new year, particularly as we move into the Spring. I’m looking forward already to the DP1 Czech Republic trip in March, as well the inaugural science fieldtrip in June. For DP2 students there will be a steady reduction in workload, as IB coursework is delivered for assessment, until the only thing ahead of them will be the May exams. My colleagues and I look forward to supporting them towards a successful conclusion of the programme as well as celebrating with them the end of their school careers in what will be our 40th year of offering the IB!

Wishing you all a very peaceful and relaxing holiday and a healthy and happy 2024!

Jon Symmons,
Head of Diploma Programme

DP1 Introduction – by Claartje Chorus, DP1

At the end of the first week of DP1, we all went camping together at Hof van Eeden. Once we got there, we had an assignment to do, which depended on the science we chose this year. I was in the chemistry group and therefore had to purify water. The physics group made boats and the Biology and ESS groups did a population-related experiment. Besides this, we also did many teambuilding activities with our tutor classes, we went kayaking and had lunch, dinner, and breakfast together the next morning. This was a really fun trip as I got to spend time with my friends and got to know some other students who are new to the school this year. That is the theme of my collage: the more exciting part of school.

DP2 Graduation Ceremony – Friday 8th September

This year, we were very pleased to have a 88% turnout of IB graduates from the class of 2023 to the DP2 Graduation Ceremony. This event is a memorable occasion to celebrate the well-deserved success for the young people who have graduated, and acknowledge the pride of their families and gratitude to their teachers.

In terms of future destinations, it is interesting to note the following:

  • The majority of students (68%) have decided to study in The Netherlands. The most popular universities being University of Amsterdam, University of Utrecht, Erasmus University, TU Delft
  • Courses included Medicine, International Business Administration, Business & Economics, Political Science, Sports Journalism and the popular course of Aerospace Engineering
  • 10% of students have chosen to study in the UK
  • 6% of students have chosen to study elsewhere in Europe, Spain being the popular choice
  • 2% of students have chosen a USA University
  • 14% of students have chosen to do a Gap Year

An Overview of ther RLO STEM Club by Ethan Thiébaut in DP1

The RLO STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) club is a student-led club that has been running for over 2 and half years and is still going strong! occupied with various sorts of fun and challenging activities.

Starting in October, experienced members of the STEM club have been hosting programming lessons, aimed at teaching other fellow students how to program in Python, from the ground up. With many enthusiastic students, every session is busy, productive, and challenging. The goal with these initial learning sessions is to build a strong foundation in the members so that proceeding to more advanced, challenging, and practical projects in the future is possible.

In November, the club had the privilege of hosting Dr. Orson Sutherland, the Mars program manager at the European Space Agency (ESA). With over 30 students from different years and different departments of the school listening, Dr. Sutherland guided us through Europe’s two-decade exploration of Mars, exploring the planet’s mysteries and its potential contributions to understanding the Solar System, Earth’s history, and the possibility of Martian life.

The STEM club also regularly provides opportunities for older students a guided visit by a PhD student to a quantum computing lab at TU Delft in late November was described as “fascinatingly mind-blowing” by current MYP4 and DP1 students as they explore the limits of superconductors.

The STEM club has a promising future ahead: very recently, a brand-new 3D printer was ordered, providing the members with the opportunity to bring their ideas to life. The plan is also to delve back into interesting engineering projects such as the rubix-cube solving machine (see Instagram). Plenty of more visits and talks will be organized, such as going to Naturalis to learn about their advanced synthetic 3D printers.

Interested in joining us? All RLO students are welcome to the science lab every Tuesday 5th hour. Interested in our progress? Check out @rlo_stem_club on Instagram to see our past projects!