The graduates of the Class of 2021 are like no others; they have faced the challenges of online learning, social distancing, and wearing masks in class head on and they leave us more independent and resilient than when they started their IB Diploma Programme. In a matter of months, students went from having exams confirmed to being told there would be no exams and they would receive grades based on work completed over the two years. While some were relieved, others were shocked, and many worried about their future plans. The class of 2021 is the largest diploma programme cohort that St. Stephen's has ever had, and we are proud to say that they have all been awarded the diploma, with a class average of 36. Twenty-two percent of our students achieved a score of 40 or above, and 73% achieved above the world average. Each and every one of them should be proud of what they have accomplished.

We wish them well for the future and hope that they take the time to enjoy the summer with their family and friends before starting their next adventure at university. While some graduates will stay in Italy, many will leave and head to the US, Canada, UK, Holland, and Spain, to name but a few countries.

While the congratulations deservedly go to the students, we want to take the opportunity to thank the parents and teachers who have supported and guided them throughout this challenging period, as none of this would have been possible otherwise.

Sincerely,

Nadia El-Taha

IB Coordinator