International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate or IB is a well established, rigorous and internationally recognised pre-university course.  This challenging course is offered in over 190 countries and is studied by over 20,000 students every year. It is highly regarded by UK universities and in many countries around the world and provides access to a curriculum that allows students to maintain breadth in their studies. 
  

The programme

The  Diploma is a full time programme , lasting two years, that combines breadth and depth of study, allows students to increase their focus on areas of interest and emphasises internationalism and responsible citizenship.  Students select 6 subjects ( one from each group in the diagram below) and complete a core curriculum consisting of The Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Action and Service and an Extended Essay.

Further details about the courses available can be found at the International Baccalaureate Information Evening in October – see below

Group 1 = English
Group 2 = Foreign languages
Group 3 = Humanities
Group 4 = Science
Group 5 = Maths
Group 6 = Art OR 2nd Language OR 2nd Science OR 2nd Humanities

Three of these subjects are studied to Higher Level ( HL) and three to Standard Level ( SL)

 

Core Programme
All Diploma Programme students must engage in these three activities.
Extended essay  The extended essay has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest, and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.
Theory of knowledge (TOK)    The interdisciplinary TOK course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. 
Creativity, action, service (CAS)    Participation in the school’s CAS programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.

The Student

The profile of successful IB students suggests they are knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, balanced, caring, clear thinking and reflective.  They are also talented, confident, hard working and ambitious individuals who have an international outlook.  The IB diploma aims to develop this type of student to help create a better and more peaceful world through improved understanding and respect.

 
 Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are in line with those for entry to A level courses overall but some options e.g Higher Level Maths may require higher entry grades.

You require a minimum of 5 Cs including English , Maths and a Science.

 

FAQs

Is IB harder work than A Levels?
IB requires a lot of commitment and you must pass all your subjects and complete the core in order to be awarded a diploma. However, because you study six subjects, the content of each subject is obviously less than A Levels. Also, because you don’t sit external exams until year 13 your teaching time is not disrupted by modular exams. If you are organised and persistent you will be able to succeed.

What if I didn’t study a foreign language at GCSE?
Don’t worry! You will be able to study Italian from scratch.

What if I’m not a natural Mathematician?
There is an option available called Maths Studies which  is designed for people who don’t intend to take Maths further. It will consolidate and build on your GCSE Maths in a way that will be useful to you in your professional life.

 

I like sport/drama/music etc. Is the IB  for me?

In order to pass your diploma you undertake 2-3 hours a week of CAS ( Creativity, Action, Service) which actively encourages you to develop your sporting, musical, creative skills and develop new interests. Your progress is monitored and the CAS Coordinator supports you to develop further.

 

Will I be accepted by Universities with the Diploma rather than A Levels?

UK universities recognise the IB and many admissions tutors actively seek out IB students because they are well-rounded independent learners. The IB is well-established and has UCAS tariff points attached to it just like A Levels.

 

Find out more

You can find out more at one of our 2009/10 Open Events:

Sixth Form Open Evenings: Tuesday 20th October  6 pm
If you miss the above evening but would like to visit the school please phone below.

Read  IB’s official website at:      www.ibo.org

Or  telephone the school on 01225 426151 and ask to speak to Ms C Trueman– IB Coordinator