Benoy (Class of 2023) shares his story...

Tell us about your journey from St Columba to the Netherlands, Benoy.

When I graduated from St Columba in 2023, I had taken Extension 2 Maths, Physics, and Biology; my focus was firmly on science. But after school, I began engaging with media and content about the more holistic nature of knowledge and our interactions in society. This completely altered my plans, and I enrolled in a Liberal Arts and Sciences degree at Leiden University College, focusing on the UN's global challenges.

What made you decide to study overseas?

I've always had an urge to study internationally. To me it wasn't just about travel - I wanted to understand different perspectives. My family supported my thinking that staying in Australia would have limited my exposure to the kinds of global thinking I was curious about.

How challenging was the transition from HSC to international university?

The transition wasn't easy. There was almost no information on how to go from a HSC school in Australia to an international university. I had to physically mail my HSC results and transcripts after certification by the NSW Education Department. It took so much time, and I really wish there had been a clearer path.

Many of your classmates studied the IB. What did you observe about their preparation?

Many of my classmates here studied the International Baccalaureate at schools across the world—Germany, Nigeria, Singapore, the US. They were incredibly well-rounded and engaged students. Even those whose first language wasn't English had exceptional long-form writing skills. Their ability to structure arguments, analyse sources, and connect ideas was noticeably stronger than what I was used to.

What stood out most about their IB experience?

One thing that really impressed me was the IB's focus on community service and real-world context. For many of my classmates, this was the part of their schooling that helped them figure out what really mattered to them and how to act on that. I have a friend from Nigeria who did the IB and is now starting an NGO to improve education in underserved communities. Her ability to turn her skills into real-world action was enabled through what the IB allowed her to do—I'm now working with her on the project.

Looking back, do you wish you'd had the IB option at St Columba?

Absolutely. I wish I had the option to do the IB at St Columba. It would have helped me communicate and understand the real-world impacts of what I was learning. I've really had to catch up on these skills since starting university.

How do you think IB components like the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge might have better prepared you?

In my small seminar classes of about 15 students, I need to address and articulate my views quickly, which took time for me to develop. The IB's Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay would have made my learning curve much smoother. The TOK component encourages students to ask "where does knowledge come from?" which is so important at university. Knowledge is constructed, it changes, and we can critique it.

What would it have meant to you and your family if the IB had been available locally?

Often the IB is only available in big cities, which is unfortunate given Port Macquarie's prime location. If I'd had access to the IB at SCAS, I could've received a world-recognised education while staying connected to the community, environment, and people around me. Being able to do the IB's community service component in a regional town would've made my learning more engaging as well—I can only imagine the impact would be more immediate.

What advice would you give to current Year 10 students who might have the IB opportunity in 2027?

If you're interested in the wider world, or in multiple disciplines, or want to study at a university either here or overseas, consider the IB as an option. Your exams are important, but exams without perspective are just exams. Try to be curious about the world. If you're still figuring out your exact path, like I am, be open to the IB as an opportunity to explore that.

If you could go back and do it again, would you choose the IB at SCAS?

If I could go back, I would have chosen to stay at SCAS and do the IB, no questions asked. I didn't realise at the time how much of a difference it would have made, but I see what it has done for some close friends. I can imagine it would have allowed me to engage with my values and connect them with academics—all done in beautiful Port Macquarie.

Thanks Benoy! 

Interested in the IB Diploma Programme? 

We warmly invite all interested parents, caregivers and students to our Community Information Evening to learn more about the IBDP.

Community Information Evening

Tuesday, 12th August 2025, 5:30pm

Iona Theatre, St Columba Anglican School

Click here to RSVP.