Staff Spotlight: Mr Rick Fitzpatrick - IB Diploma Coordinator

Last Thursday, 22 May, marked a major milestone for our Grade 12 students—they completed their final International Baccalaureate Diploma exams! With the papers now en route to the International Baccalaureate via DHL, we caught up with Mr. Rick Fitzpatrick to reflect on his role as Diploma Programme Coordinator at Windhoek International School.

Mr. Rick, what goes through your mind as you prepare to graduate the class of 2025, and as you sent off those final exams for grading?

This is my fourth year as the DP Coordinator at WIS and my 12th year overall in the role. Every time, it’s an incredible feeling of satisfaction. There’s nothing quite like seeing a group of students reach this milestone—it reflects years of resilience, growth, and determination. I’m incredibly proud of them.

In some ways, our 12th Graders aren't the only ones who are graduating. You’re handing over the DP Coordinatorship to Ms. Swapna at the end of this year. What have you learned during your time in this role?

I've learned that student-centeredness must guide everything we do. From managing exam logistics to offering ongoing encouragement, helping students complete this rigorous two-year journey has always been about putting them first. It’s been an honour to help build a culture of positivity, perseverance, and excellence—supported by our dedicated faculty and parents.

What are you most looking forward to in the 2025–26 school year?

“I’m really excited to develop the new IB DP Global Politics course at WIS. I’m also looking forward to building on our success with integrating Artificial Intelligence into students’ Extended Essays and Internal Assessments. Next year, I’ll be shifting focus to support our 55 DP students more directly, especially in my role as CAS Coordinator. CAS—Creativity, Activity, and Service—is where students build agency, purpose, and balance alongside academic rigour. We know that balanced learners thrive when they find identity through service. The IB is an exceptional brand. It develops the values our world needs and helps shape Namibia’s future leaders. Our graduates and their families have so much to celebrate—and I’m proud of every student and teacher who contributed to such a successful year.

Thank you, Mr. Rick, for your outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence in the IB Diploma Programme. 🌍📚🎉