The Middle School IB Programme

IB Learner Profile: Risk- taker

The International Baccalaureate (IB) defines a risk-taker as someone who approaches uncertainty with forethought and determination; someone who can work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovations. Risk-takers are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenge and change. 

This certainly described our school captain, Duncan Bain when he was invited to give a speech at his old primary school, Huntingdale Primary School. In his speech he described the uncertainty he faced on his first day at school and shared his thoughts about leadership with students before presenting the school leaders with their badges. Duncan approached this experience with forethought, he wrote a speech that was both personal and motivational and described how students should make the most of opportunities and change. Here is Duncan’s speech:

"Good afternoon, Ms Biddle, teachers, parents and most importantly, students. 

My name is Duncan and today I have the honour of recognising the school captains of 2023. First of all, I’d like to thank Ms Biddle for giving me the opportunity to be here today and not only speak about my experience as a student here, but also the importance of being a leader.

Most of you here today probably wouldn’t know who I am. But Huntingdale Primary school holds a special place in my heart. My journey with this school started 11 years ago, all the way back in 2012. I can still remember my first day. I was starting grade 1, and I remember being so scared to walk into class that I had to hide in the old library with my mum and Ms Wood. After a little bit of a cry and some convincing from mum and Ms Wood, I was finally ready to start my first day. A new chapter of my life. And from that day onwards, this school was a place I could call home. 

Kicking the footy with Mr Magart, singing Paul Kelly with Mr Tolliday, going to Japan with Ms Biddle and spending a lot of time in the sick bay talking with Ms Penfold/ Gill were just a few core memories that I have made within these school yards. I created lifelong friends I still talk to every day, and I’m so happy to have made them in here.

Not only has Huntingdale provided me with all of these amazing memories and friends, but it also shaped me into who I am today. In year 4, I was nominated by my class mates to be a part of the junior school council. In year 6, I was also lucky enough to be chosen as community captain. And yes, while having a badge to put on my shirt was nice, it wasn’t until now that I really understand the meaning of what it is to lead. Leadership isn’t something that people are born with, and definitely doesn’t come from wearing a badge. Being a leader means that you have the ability to do something right when nobody is watching. A leader is someone who is able to bring people together and have a positive impact on the those around them. A leader can put themselves into somebody else’s shoes and deal with problems with an open mindset. 

One quote from Mr Herskope that I still tell myself until this day is “do something go somewhere, do nothing go nowhere”. If we all can do something to help those in need, there will be a bright future ahead.

Thank you all for your time today."

The International Baccalaureate Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. Here our MYP teachers reflect on their learner profile attributes. What a caring and open-minded and well-travelled staff cohort we have!