Congratulations on your IB results, Class of 2025!
A letter by our Rector Helen White after the International Baccalaureate released the 2025 IB results
Dear 10th Generation,
On Sunday, you received your final IB grades. For most of you, your overall result aligned closely with your triangle of grades from March, your Mock results, and your final predictions, a testament to your consistency and effort throughout the year. Congratulations!!
As is often the case in systems where much (though not all) emphasis is placed on high-stakes final exams, some of you thrived under that pressure, while others found it more challenging. This does not make you a better or worse person. Grades, as we have said on so many occasions, do not define you. A few students achieved remarkable improvements; others saw a dip that, in my view, doesn’t fully reflect their academic ability or intellectual growth.
Emmett and Carina have shared how you can explore re-marks or re-takes, should you wish. Your teachers will also be closely reviewing component grades in the coming days to identify any anomalies. I’ll also say this: for subjects that rely on nuance and creativity, the IB’s attempt at ‘objective’ grading can sometimes fall short.
Since its founding in 2014, RBC, both as a community and an institution, has held itself to high academic standards while prioritizing human attitudes and values. The 10th Generation has upheld that tradition. Your IB results reflect solid academic performance, even without taking into account the extraordinary diversity of your linguistic and schooling backgrounds.
One of the great features of UWC and RBC is that we have students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and that we do not have a system of ranking students based on academic achievements. Whether you were a student consistently aiming for (or achieving) top marks or whether you were working hard aiming to reach a passing grade, we are proud of each and every one of you and also of what you have accomplished together as the 10th Generation. You have journeyed through this experience side by side, learning to live, lead, and grow within a uniquely diverse community. While no UWC journey is ever perfect, you have shown remarkable resilience and openness. Supported by a community that believes deeply in shared humanity and high ideals, you have built understanding, empathy, and common ground across lines that so often divide. That is rare, and it is powerful.
As you now look ahead, my hope is that you carry not only the academic skills you’ve earned, but a deep and enduring commitment to the UWC mission and values. Let the experiences you’ve shared here shape how you engage with the world: with courage, empathy, and responsibility. Whether you find yourself in positions of influence or moments of quiet service, may you continue to build bridges, challenge injustice, and nurture the dignity of others. And now, as new Alumni, your journey with UWC doesn’t end here — in many ways, it’s just beginning – as Iva, our new Alumni Engagement Coordinator, states in her message to you all below.
With best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to you all,
Helen
