Passion Meets Opportunity: The IBCP Advantage in Performing and Production Arts
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the next chapter for our IBCP graduating cohort, who have embarked on their dream courses at their first-choice universities!
With a clear passion for the performing and production arts, our students honed their skills through DCSG’s IBCP programme, building outstanding portfolios which made a real impression on university admissions and set them apart from other applicants.
We spoke to one of our recent graduates, Max, about his decision to take the IBCP, and how this progressive course led him to secure a place at Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
With a clear passion for the performing and production arts, our students honed their skills through DCSG’s IBCP programme, building outstanding portfolios which made a real impression on university admissions and set them apart from other applicants.
We spoke to one of our recent graduates, Max, about his decision to take the IBCP, and how this progressive course led him to secure a place at Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
What made you choose the IBCP programme?
By the end of iGCSE I was already aware of what field and career I wanted to pursue – I wanted to become a filmmaker, and I had dreams of going to a top-tier film school after finishing IB. The IBCP Performance and Production Arts pathway offered me a unique experience to focus on subjects specifically related to my intended career path, differing to the traditional IBDP where students study a broad range of subjects from humanities, sciences, maths and arts. The IBCP provided me with focused learning on the subjects I loved and has given me countless opportunities to improve on my filmmaking skills in a way that IBDP never could. Most importantly, the diverse experiences of the IBCP course allowed me to build the necessary portfolio to be accepted into the film school of my dreams where I now study film and production full-time.
What would you tell a student who is considering IBCP but isn't sure if it's the right fit?
For all the students out there, who are considering the IBCP but who aren’t sure if it’s the right fit, I would strongly encourage you to reflect on your subjects of interest, your personal ambitions, and your dreams. Is there a specific subject area that you are most drawn to? Do you know what future course or work you would like to pursue after IB? Would the IBCP put you into a better position to achieve your ambitions and what you envision of your future self? And lastly, what course would provide you with the most purpose and passion?
How has IBCP helped you explore real-world career opportunities?
The IBCP, specifically from my experience in the Performance and Production Arts pathway, has provided me with the experience of what it is like to work in production. The IBCP Performance and Production Arts pathway has taught me several practical skills in relation to the creative arts, the most significant being lighting design. During the IBCP work placement at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre, I had the opportunity to shadow the works of the lighting designer, sound designer, and production manager, giving me real-world insight into what the everyday job of these performing arts careers look like. These insights have ultimately helped me solidify my specific areas of interest within film and production as I go forward with my future studies.
By the end of iGCSE I was already aware of what field and career I wanted to pursue – I wanted to become a filmmaker, and I had dreams of going to a top-tier film school after finishing IB. The IBCP Performance and Production Arts pathway offered me a unique experience to focus on subjects specifically related to my intended career path, differing to the traditional IBDP where students study a broad range of subjects from humanities, sciences, maths and arts. The IBCP provided me with focused learning on the subjects I loved and has given me countless opportunities to improve on my filmmaking skills in a way that IBDP never could. Most importantly, the diverse experiences of the IBCP course allowed me to build the necessary portfolio to be accepted into the film school of my dreams where I now study film and production full-time.
What would you tell a student who is considering IBCP but isn't sure if it's the right fit?
For all the students out there, who are considering the IBCP but who aren’t sure if it’s the right fit, I would strongly encourage you to reflect on your subjects of interest, your personal ambitions, and your dreams. Is there a specific subject area that you are most drawn to? Do you know what future course or work you would like to pursue after IB? Would the IBCP put you into a better position to achieve your ambitions and what you envision of your future self? And lastly, what course would provide you with the most purpose and passion?
How has IBCP helped you explore real-world career opportunities?
The IBCP, specifically from my experience in the Performance and Production Arts pathway, has provided me with the experience of what it is like to work in production. The IBCP Performance and Production Arts pathway has taught me several practical skills in relation to the creative arts, the most significant being lighting design. During the IBCP work placement at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre, I had the opportunity to shadow the works of the lighting designer, sound designer, and production manager, giving me real-world insight into what the everyday job of these performing arts careers look like. These insights have ultimately helped me solidify my specific areas of interest within film and production as I go forward with my future studies.
What's one experience – for example, an internship, project, or industry connection - that really stood out to you?
One of the highlights of my IBCP experience was being a part of the musical production “& Juliet” at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre. It was amazing to have the opportunity to be behind the scenes of a professional theatre production, meet the actors, and shadow the tech crew during performance day.
How do you feel IBCP has prepared you for your next steps after graduation?
IBCP has equipped me with a strong foundation of the relevant skills and experiences I am to expect during my future studies. I discovered many new aspects of my chosen career path and am confident in my skills going into my future studies. I am deeply excited to learn more about myself and continue improving my skill set. IBCP has taught me how to work under pressure and outside of my comfort zone, making me feel ready for future challenges and for the next chapter of my life at film school.
What was your favourite part of the IBCP curriculum, and why?
My favourite part of the IBCP curriculum, specifically the Performance and Production Arts programmes, was our deep involvement in school productions. As IBCP students, we were marked on our involvement in school theatre productions, and reflective portfolios were made to document the process of our work. The fact that my own interests and school were combined made schoolwork and homework much more exciting and rewarding.
How did universities or employers respond to your IBCP experience?
When applying for film school, my IBCP course was an experience that made me stand out among other applicants. The unique production experience offered by the IBCP Performance and Production Arts course strengthened my Film Portfolio to a high standard, and I was accepted into all three Film Schools I applied to, including my dream course at the Australian Film Television Radio School. Without the IBCP, who knows if this feat would have been possible!
One of the highlights of my IBCP experience was being a part of the musical production “& Juliet” at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre. It was amazing to have the opportunity to be behind the scenes of a professional theatre production, meet the actors, and shadow the tech crew during performance day.
How do you feel IBCP has prepared you for your next steps after graduation?
IBCP has equipped me with a strong foundation of the relevant skills and experiences I am to expect during my future studies. I discovered many new aspects of my chosen career path and am confident in my skills going into my future studies. I am deeply excited to learn more about myself and continue improving my skill set. IBCP has taught me how to work under pressure and outside of my comfort zone, making me feel ready for future challenges and for the next chapter of my life at film school.
What was your favourite part of the IBCP curriculum, and why?
My favourite part of the IBCP curriculum, specifically the Performance and Production Arts programmes, was our deep involvement in school productions. As IBCP students, we were marked on our involvement in school theatre productions, and reflective portfolios were made to document the process of our work. The fact that my own interests and school were combined made schoolwork and homework much more exciting and rewarding.
How did universities or employers respond to your IBCP experience?
When applying for film school, my IBCP course was an experience that made me stand out among other applicants. The unique production experience offered by the IBCP Performance and Production Arts course strengthened my Film Portfolio to a high standard, and I was accepted into all three Film Schools I applied to, including my dream course at the Australian Film Television Radio School. Without the IBCP, who knows if this feat would have been possible!
What opportunities did IBCP open up for you that you may not have expected?
The IBCP course has put me out of my comfort zone more than anything in my life so far! There were so many new and first experiences, which made the course significantly challenging, yet even more rewarding. Through the constant support of my teachers, I built up my confidence to push myself further outside my comfort zone to become the best me possible. IBCP has helped me embrace challenges and has given me the confidence to make mistakes and to be able to face anything.
What's one thing about IBCP that more students should know?
When I became part of the first IBCP cohort over two years ago, there was a common misconception about IBCP - that it is “easier” than IBDP. From my IBCP experience, the course was extremely challenging, and I have never felt more outside my comfort zone. IBCP was a difficult course but proved to be extremely rewarding. The lessons IBCP taught me were invaluable and prepared me well for my next level of education at film school.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining the program?
My advice would be to make the most out of every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes; your teachers are your number one supporters and want you to succeed, and they are always there to help. Give it your all, and be yourself. You will be amazing!
How has IBCP shaped who you are today, and what do you think your future self will thank you for?
Outside of all the new skills and experiences gained from the IBCP course, one of the most valuable aspects of the IBCP was how it helped improve my leadership and confidence. Coming into the IBCP, I was shy and found it hard to talk to people, especially during class group work. The IBCP completely plunged me outside of my comfort zone and into the world of production, where teamwork and collaboration are at the essence of everything. From these experiences, I became confident in myself, my identity, and my ideas, which has made me a significantly better collaborator and leader.
For these students and our future cohorts, the IBCP pathway provides a truly personalised experience. We look forward to watching our IBCP students, whether in Performance and Production Arts, Sport or Visual Arts, continue to thrive by following their passions!
The IBCP course has put me out of my comfort zone more than anything in my life so far! There were so many new and first experiences, which made the course significantly challenging, yet even more rewarding. Through the constant support of my teachers, I built up my confidence to push myself further outside my comfort zone to become the best me possible. IBCP has helped me embrace challenges and has given me the confidence to make mistakes and to be able to face anything.
What's one thing about IBCP that more students should know?
When I became part of the first IBCP cohort over two years ago, there was a common misconception about IBCP - that it is “easier” than IBDP. From my IBCP experience, the course was extremely challenging, and I have never felt more outside my comfort zone. IBCP was a difficult course but proved to be extremely rewarding. The lessons IBCP taught me were invaluable and prepared me well for my next level of education at film school.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining the program?
My advice would be to make the most out of every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes; your teachers are your number one supporters and want you to succeed, and they are always there to help. Give it your all, and be yourself. You will be amazing!
How has IBCP shaped who you are today, and what do you think your future self will thank you for?
Outside of all the new skills and experiences gained from the IBCP course, one of the most valuable aspects of the IBCP was how it helped improve my leadership and confidence. Coming into the IBCP, I was shy and found it hard to talk to people, especially during class group work. The IBCP completely plunged me outside of my comfort zone and into the world of production, where teamwork and collaboration are at the essence of everything. From these experiences, I became confident in myself, my identity, and my ideas, which has made me a significantly better collaborator and leader.
For these students and our future cohorts, the IBCP pathway provides a truly personalised experience. We look forward to watching our IBCP students, whether in Performance and Production Arts, Sport or Visual Arts, continue to thrive by following their passions!
