35 years of IB at TFS | Building independence that lasts
This year, as we mark 35 years of implementing the IB programme at TFS, we’re reminded how this decision continues to shape the experience of every student who walks through our doors. We’re pleased to have Daniel Cohen, Executive Director of the Learning Forum, share how his team works alongside students to set them up for success. He also sits down with two recent graduates: Elaine Pan ’23, an industrial and operations engineering student at the University of Michigan, and Sébastien Farnham ’23, who is studying psychology at the University of British Columbia while pursuing a Masters of Management at Sauder. Together, they reflect on their journeys through TFS, the IB and life beyond.
By Daniel Cohen, Executive Director of the Learning Forum
Watch the full interview with Elaine and Sébastien.
Over my ten years at TFS, I’ve seen again and again that success in the IB is not about perfection – it’s about preparation. Preparing students to become independent and offering them the right support at the right time, is what makes for a successful educational experience.
At the Learning Forum, our role is to accompany students along that journey towards independence. Whether support is academic, social or emotional, our focus is always the same: to identify challenges early, respond thoughtfully and equip students with the confidence to stand on their own. While the IB is designed to help students grow into curious, self-advocating learners who can make sound decisions for themselves, we guide students toward autonomy by helping them build strategies and take ownership of their path.
This approach becomes especially important as students prepare for the transition to university, where independence is no longer encouraged, it’s expected.
Daniel Cohen: How did you find the transition into post-secondary?
Elaine Pan: At university, there is no one telling you what to do or when to do it, so you have to be organized and disciplined. I was ready for this and that preparation came from TFS.
From support to self-advocacy
The IB encourages students to build habits that extend beyond academics: decision-making, resilience, time management and, perhaps most importantly, self-advocacy. These skills are cultivated over time. Early on, assistance may look more structured, with close collaboration between specialists, teachers and families. As students grow, that structure gradually shifts, allowing them to take greater responsibility for their learning. By the Diploma Programme, students are managing long-term projects, seeking feedback and making informed choices about their future.
The Learning Forum works closely with families throughout this process, ensuring that support systems at school and at home are aligned. Education is a partnership, and trust between students, educators and parents is paramount.
Daniel Cohen: STEM fields have historically seen a gender gap in representation. What was your experience like entering this field?
Elaine Pan: While the ratio in my classes hasn’t always been 50/50, I’ve always felt incredibly affirmed in pursuing engineering. My teachers and peers have uplifted me.
Challenging assumptions, creating opportunities
Part of this work also involves challenging long-standing assumptions about who thrives in certain disciplines or environments. The idea that STEM pathways belong to one group of students, or that IB is only accessible to a certain profile of learner, does not reflect what educators see in practice.
Students develop at different paces. Interests evolve. Confidence grows through exposure and encouragement. There is no concept of “being late.” When students receive the resources they need, they gain the momentum to move forward with confidence.
This approach often comes full-circle through peer mentorship. Senior students who once benefitted from the Learning Forum frequently return to guide younger peers, strengthening both the individual and the community.
Daniel Cohen: What advice would you offer individuals preparing for the transition to university?
Sébastien Farnham: Don’t be afraid of change. The IB at TFS prepares you well for new experiences. Try to meet new people, see new things and just have an open mind.
A foundation for the future
Ultimately, the goal is not simply to help students succeed in school, but to equip them with habits that last well beyond TFS and post-secondary. Education should feel authentic and connected to real life – something that helps us navigate an ever-changing landscape.
This is the quiet work of the Learning Forum and when it’s done well, what remains is a student ready to move forward independently, backed by the foundation built along the way.
