The value of an education that prepares students for university, work and life

On 24 March, Agora Sant Cugat International School hosted the round table “IB: Education to Shape the World” at the Josep Carreras Auditorium, bringing together representatives from the educational, university, institutional and business sectors to reflect on a question that is becoming increasingly important for families: what kind of education do young people need today to face their academic and professional future successfully?

The session, which was available both in person and online, offered a broad perspective on the real impact of the International Baccalaureate (IB) in shaping students who are prepared for a constantly changing world.

A conversation about the future of education

In a context shaped by the rise of artificial intelligence, globalisation and the growing demand for personal and professional skills, the discussion highlighted an idea shared by all participants: today, simply accumulating knowledge is no longer enough; it is essential to educate young people with judgement, independence, analytical ability, an international mindset and strong communication skills.

The event featured leading voices such as Dr Maripé Menéndez, IB Regional Director for Latin America, Spain and Portugal; Christopher Dottie, Director of Hays Southern Europe and Vice-President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain; Carme Ardid, Councillor for Education in Sant Cugat; Montse Martí, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator at Agora Sant Cugat; as well as Ponç Alemany, a former student of the school, and Valentina Mariuzza, a current IB student.

Much more than academic results

One of the key messages of the event was that the distinctive value of the IB goes far beyond academic records. The programme not only promotes intellectual rigour, but also helps students develop tools that will be decisive at university and in their professional lives.

As Dr Maripé Menéndez explained:
 “In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, education must help young people develop judgement, purpose and the capabilities that will allow them to build their future.”

From a business perspective, Christopher Dottie underlined the need to develop well-rounded profiles capable of responding to an ever-changing job market:
 “The world of work in the coming years will be radically different from anything we have experienced over recent generations. Employability will depend increasingly on skills such as adaptability, analysis, collaboration and communication.”

Along the same lines, Carme Ardid highlighted the value of an education that broadens horizons and builds a strong view of the world:
 “Today’s international education, at secondary and sixth form level, not only opens students’ minds to the world, but also builds the foundations of a critical, global and ambitious outlook that prepares them to face with confidence the challenges and opportunities they will encounter at university and in the workplace.”

The student experience: organisation, maturity and balance

One of the most valuable moments of the round table was hearing directly from those who are living, or have lived, the programme first-hand.

Ponç Alemany, a former Agora Sant Cugat student, shared how the IB made a real difference when he started university:
 “The IB taught me how to organise myself, prioritise and approach university with greater maturity and independence. I think it helps you mature earlier, prepares you and sharpens you.”

Meanwhile, Valentina Mariuzza focused on the personal growth she has experienced through the programme:
 “The IB has taught me to stop chasing perfection and to focus on learning. It has given me the tools to organise myself, prioritise and find a real balance between my academic and personal life.”

Both testimonies clearly showed how the IB helps students not only to learn more, but also to understand themselves better, manage their time, take responsibility and face new challenges with greater confidence.

Learning for life

Drawing on the school’s educational experience, Montse Martí emphasised that the IB approach combines academic challenge with practical application and personal development:
 “We strengthen academic skills and provide opportunities to put them into practice. Our students do not receive academic rigour alone: they prepare for what comes next, because the IB teaches them how to learn for life.”

This was, in fact, one of the ideas most frequently repeated throughout the event: the most valuable education is not only the one that prepares students to pass exams, but the one that prepares them to think, decide, communicate, research, lead and adapt.

An event to help families look ahead

The round table offered families a rigorous, close and varied perspective on the value of the International Baccalaureate as an educational model. A model that prepares young people to access university successfully, thrive in global environments and face a constantly changing personal and professional reality with confidence.

Through initiatives like this, Agora Sant Cugat International School reaffirms its commitment to an education that supports every student not only throughout their school years, but also in everything that comes afterwards.

For anyone who was unable to watch the session live, the round table is also available in full on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaHS7bWNjFw&t=1710s.