Welcome to The IB Programme at Åva gymnasium
The IB Programme at Åva Gymnasium is a respected, international education designed to prepare students for studies and careers in both Sweden and abroad. When you join our programme, you will develop as a knowledgeable, curious, and open-minded individual with strong academic skills.
Our community values diversity and openness, with students and teachers from many backgrounds. As a motivated student you will find a supportive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages learning, teamwork, and leadership. Through the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) programme, you can explore new interests and join student clubs like Amnesty, the United Nations, and the Book Club.
Programme Structure
Your first year at Åva is a preparatory year where you study foundation subjects based on the Swedish curriculum with an IB focus. At the end of this year, you choose six subjects to study in depth during the two-year diploma programme, which includes final assessments at the end of your studies.
Admissions for August 2025 start
- Pre-DP (Preparatory year)
Apply through Gymnasieantagningen, starting on January 15, 2025. On March 11, you will complete entrance tests in English and mathematics. Results from these tests, combined with your grade 9 results, will determine admission. For applicants living abroad, we offer digital tests; please contact our IB administrator. - Direct entry to DP1 (Grade 11)
If you wish to join the DP1 year directly, contact Åva Gymnasium. Entrance tests and an interview are required, along with grades from a grade 10-equivalent programme. You must meet minimum grade requirements in the subjects you wish to study at higher levels. Digital testing is available for international applicants. - Entry to DP2 (Grade 12)
Students who have completed DP1 at another school may apply to join DP2 if we offer the same subjects. Admission will be based on discussions with the student’s previous IB coordinator and review of DP1 grades. All CAS records, extended essays, and internal assessments must be transferred to Åva to maintain continuity.
Program plans
Program plan for those who started the fall of 2022
Program plan for those who started the fall of 2023
Program plan for those who started the fall of 2024
Contact us
If you would like to contact us, please send an email to the Study and career counselor Satu Haidenthaller
or the IB coordinator Jo-Anne Ahlmen.
Satu Haidenthaller
Study and career counselor for
International Baccalaureate
+ 46 76 643 8062
Jo-Anne Ahlmén
IB coordinator for
International Baccalaureate
+46 76 643 8029
As well as being the IBDP coordinator, I also teach the English A: Literature course here at Åva. I am originally from the UK where I studied English and German at university followed by a diploma in Journalism before I decided to take my teacher certification. Following stints in different countries and professions, I moved to Stockholm in 1993 and was lucky enough to start working at an IB school in Stockholm. I immediately fell in love with the IB philosophy and vision of providing high quality education to a multi-cultural mix of students from all over the world. With its focus on nurturing the holistic development of the student, as well as being academically rigorous, this programme offers students a fantastic educational experience.
Having worked as both a MYP and DP language and literature teacher, an IB examiner, and, since 2009, a DP coordinator, I am a true believer in the IB values and pedagogics. I started here in Åva in 2017 and, with over 40 different nationalities in our classrooms, learn as much as my students every day and am continually inspired and engaged in their development. I enjoy coming to school and particularly the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in our IB corridor. The possibility to meet with our students informally as well as in the classroom is a great privilege.
Agnes Rödin, graduated in 2023
Congratulations to Agnes for graduating within the top 8% in the world!
“My goal is to be part of the UN and be a big asset to them. To achieve that I have started to study freds- och konfliktstudier at Uppsala University."
Agnes was selected to attend the Golden Jubilee of Carl XVI Gustaf and says that she was “proud to represent Täby and it was an opportunity to meet other young leaders".
"IB is for someone who wants a more global education and also an international career in the future. There’s no stereotype at IB, we are
all different."
Maja Wallensten, graduated 2023
“You can feel your mind creak when trying
to understand abstract concepts.”
“My dream is to be a scholar and professor. I want to teach, conduct research and write books in the future. IB offers a full range of subjects and it is really fun! You can feel your mind creak when trying to understand abstract concepts. If you are interested in other cultures you should consider IB at Åva."
Alice Kristfeldt, graduated 2023
“The motto that “The IB is not just a programme, it’s a lifestyle” is actually true. You become part of a community and it is more than just school. It is challenging and quite academic but also very fun. You have the chance to work with what you are interested in. We have open assignments that let us be creative. For instance the extended essay that we are writing is one where we can choose subjects we want to delve into. I have chosen to work with something in psychology.
I really like it here. It is a bit different from the Swedish system because it ties in with your free time. The first year is an introduction year which was good since it allowed me to ease into the system. The subjects are more in depth I would say and it will be a good base for university to have studied the IB.”
Nahim Javier Estrella, graduated 2023
“IB is like studying in another country without going to another country. One of the best things about IB is that we are able to apply to universities all over the world.
We have many nationalities in our class and I am exposed to other cultures and behaviour. If I would like to visit their respective countries I will know much about it and how to act properly before visiting.
There is an open minded culture at Åva. I have made lots of friends in many different programmes and have a nice social life. I have learned how to write an essay accordingly which I did not know how to do when I started. But school is for learning, right? All teachers will help you if you ask for it.”
Loreleigh Bryant Mostert Graduate from the Class of 2021
Diversity and difference - how to embrace it at the IB.
One of the best things about being in an IB class is that you interact with so many different cultures and nationalities. For me this means being encouraged to think from different perspectives on a daily basis as my classmates could react so differently all the time. We have about 40 different nationalities in our programme and this diversity makes for a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. We have learned to think before we assume anything with each other. After I graduate I hope to study a course in English literature and eventually start a Psychology programme as I love this subject.
Lewis Mackenzie, graduated 2023
Broad base of education with possibilities upon graduation - IB opens doors at home and abroad.
In our class we have students who have chosen the sciences and hope to study either medicine or engineering, as well as students who excel at the humanities subjects or languages. You do not have to decide which line you wish to study in the future and can combine your favourite subjects. Whatever you choose you are qualified for most courses at university in Sweden and abroad. As I am not sure what I want to do in the future this programme is perfect for me as I can choose to take a selection of subjects I enjoy. I might want to go abroad in the future and the IB will allow me to do so since it has a good international reputation.
Aizad Noor Graduate from the Class of 2021
Depth of academic focus and externally set final grades - how to learn for life at the IB.
An element of the IB that I have found particularly rewarding is the close connection we IB students have with our teachers. This is partly due to the fact that they do not set our final grade as this is done by external IB examiners, and also because we study 6 subjects of our choice and therefore can delve into these subjects with our teachers. We are a team working together towards the final IB exams which are held at the end of the final year. I feel the IB programme really sets you up for life. I would like to work in an international organization and then hopefully become a diplomat.
Ulrika Perbo, deputy principal
Deputy principal for International Baccalaureate, Samhällsvetenskapsprogrammet and Ekonomiprogrammet.