IB Connections
Are you in Grade 10/Year 11 and planning to start the IB Diploma Program in the fall of 2026?
IB Connections is an 8-week social/support group for teens to provide a safe space for 15-16 year olds in Vaud, Switzerland planning to start the IBDP to connect with themselves and each other in a meaningful way that will help them to feel prepared, supported and confident heading into the IBDP.
The Details
For students planning to begin the IBDP in the Fall of 2026
When: Every other Tuesday from 16:30-18:00 starting February 24th
(Feb 24, March 10, March 24, April 21, May 5, May 19, June 2, June 16)
Where: Lausane Therapy Space
(Rue du Grand-Pont 18, 1003 Lausanne)
Cost: 450chf for all 8 sessions
Teens will learn skills and strategies to:
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Balance social life and school work
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Understand IBDP language and expectations
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Manage your parents when they’re nagging you about school work
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Advocate for yourself with teachers
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Identify strategies to find the help you need
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Manage peer pressure and competition
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Identify healthy routines that fit you and your priorities and stick to them
There is a maximum of 15 participants so...
Connect and learn with teens from different schools who are all in the same boat.
What we will do
While there will be some structure and facilitation, there will also be a focus on creating space to acknowledge and address the evolving needs and interests in the room and encourage connection and sharing between participants.
Some Potential Themes:
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Values, Needs and Priorities (Subject choices, University and other pathways, Imagining your place in the world)
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Laughter, Fun, and Celebration
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Relationships: Maintaining Connections with Family, Friends and Self (also teachers)
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Stress Management and Self-Care
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Time Management, Routines, Procrastination, Motivation, etc.
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Interdependence: Asking for help and Supporting others
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Using and Managing Technology (AI, Social Media, etc.)
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Attitudes around Failure and Success
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Fears and Challenges
Meet Your Facilitators
Jane and Daniel have both been supporting teens and families in the Vaud region for over a decade. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for teens as they navigate the challenges of the IBDP transition. We are committed to helping teens build resilience, confidence, and meaningful connections with themselves and their peers. Get to know our team and our approach to supporting teens through this important phase of their academic and personal growth.
Daniel Johnston - Daniel is a counsellor with expertise in teen development and 15 years of experience supporting teens (and their parents) through the IBDP both in and out of schools. Daniel has taught TOK and been a CAS coordinator in multiple IB Schools in addition to Director of Wellbeing, Dean of Students, and School Counsellor. Daniel is a certified parent trainer in the Adlerian Positive Discipline approach.
Jane Pfefferlé - Jane has lived in Swiss Romande for over 40 years
and has worked with families offering parenting and teen
support, either individual or group, for over 20 years. Her focus
on Adlerian informed therapy, uses encouragement and
empowerment as the basis to accompany teens and their
families through the challenges of this exciting and vital
passage of ‘becoming’ to adulthood.
