International Baccalaureate IB Diploma Programme

Why Should You Take This Course?

The two-year IB Diploma Programme presents you with many opportunities to demonstrate and to build on your positive qualities. It offers challenges - academic, artistic and sporting - as well as community responsibility, through the creativity, action & service requirement. During the two years, you will receive an education that will form a solid foundation for all your future achievements.

What Subjects Does The Course Include?
Students choose an option from each group.
Group 1: English
Students grow to appreciate the complexity, wealth and subtleties of the English language through a range of texts and in a variety of contexts. Confidence and competence in oral and written communication skills are fostered. One of the explicit aims of the course is to develop a lifelong interest in literature.
Group 2: Second Language
Students have to study a second language. We offer French, German or Spanish which can accommodate bilingual students with a very high level of fluency, second-language learners with previous experience of learning the language, and beginners.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Students choose from Economics or Psychology. The attraction of these subjects is that their subject matter is contestable and that their study requires students to tolerate some uncertainty. Studies of local situations and of global perspectives foster an appreciation of change and continuity as well as of similarity and difference.
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Biology or Chemistry. Students develop laboratory skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively through participating in an interdisciplinary group project.
Group 5: Mathematics
Mathematics Standard Level is recommended to students who wish to study science or medicine beyond the IB Diploma. Mathematics Studies is designed for those students whose interests lie elsewhere. Students within either option will develop the skills needed to cope with the mathematical demands of a technological society.
Group 6:
Visual Arts or select another subject from group 2, 3 or 4.

The IB Core
The IB core is made up of TOK, CAS and an extended essay, as explained below:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) provides a broad introductory overview of the various types of human knowledge, the means by which that knowledge is acquired and communicated, and its reliability and limitations. Students will write an essay and make a presentation.
CAS stands for Creativity, Action, Service. CAS provides experiences for students to develop self-confidence, a willingness to help others and empathy. Students get involved in community activity, at a local, national or international level. Students will reflect on their experiences and set themselves challenging targets.

Extended Essay: Students undertake an original, independent research project and produce an essay of a maximum of 4,000 words. Students investigate a topic of special interest whilst learning about independent research and writing skills necessary at university level

Additional information:
Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). In order to be awarded the Diploma, a student must get a minimum total of 24 points, and satisfactorily complete each of: TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS. Students cannot drop any aspect of the program.
Courses of study can be at different levels - higher level (HL) and standard level (SL). Students study three subjects at higher level with the other three being at standard level.
The IB programme has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving diploma holders access to the world's leading universities. An IB score of 38 (out of a maximum of 45) is cited as being equivalent to 5 ‘A' grades at ‘A' level by the Universities and College Admission Service (UCAS)).
You will be assessed by a mixture of internally set assessments and final examinations at the end of the 2 year course.
Visits may take place during the year, including trips abroad, which would incur travelling costs. There will be an expectation that students would want to partake in these activities. The cost of travel to any Community Activity would fall to the student.

What would you like to do now?

Apply for this course by completing an online form

Download an Application Form to fill in and post