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Information about the IB diploma for the 2013 academic year is also available in a printable format.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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IB Presentation Poster
A downloadable version of the IB Presentation Poster
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IB Presentation 2011/2012
The IB presentation delivered at Open Evenings.
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Quick Facts
- The College was the first state-funded sixth form college to offer the IB in 2003
- Ranked 2nd in the UK in terms of results in 2005-6
- 222 centres offer the IB in the UK
- Approximately two thirds of UK schools and colleges offering the IB are from the state sector
- The International Baccalaureate is taught in over 3,301 schools in over 141 countries
- Across the world 968,000 students are engaged in the diploma programme
From the College's News Archives
Introduction to the IB
What is the IB Diploma?
The IB Diploma is a well-established 2 year course of study towards a qualification recognised internationally by universities and employers.
Students study 6 subjects chosen from 6 Areas:
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- English
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
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- Humanities
- Science
- Art, Music, Theatre
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Three or four of these subjects are studied at Higher level, the remainder at Standard level.
In addition, students have the opportunity to personalise their course of study - the Inner Core is student-driven and comprises:
- The Extended Essay - a 4,000 word in-depth study chosen by the student
- CAS - Creativity, Action, Service - a mini-Duke of Edinburgh designed to educate the person - students are encouraged to follow sporting and creative activities as well as an element of community service
- Theory of Knowledge: critical thinking skills
- All are intended to help develop GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP in the 21st Century
Why would I choose the IB?
It is an integrated programme of study and develops breadth as well as depth.
Is the IB only for high ability students?
No. The IB will be of interest to students who want to maintain a broad range of subjects. A balance of GCSE qualifications is more important than outright ability.
Will the IB give me an advantage when applying for university?
It might do. University admission tutors are very keen on the IB. As an entrance qualification to university it is highly regarded. 28 IB points is regarded as equivalent to 3 Grade A's at A-level (the average point score of our IB students in 2012 was 34 points).
I don't feel I have achieved my potential in maths or languages - should I forget the IB?
Emphatically not - it is possible to study a language (Italian or Spanish as a beginner) and Maths Studies demands a moderate standard of mathematical ability.
What is the point of the Inner Core?
The Extended Essay will prepare you for University Study. CAS is a mini-Duke of Edinburgh award designed to educate the whole person and the Theory of Knowledge aims to develop critical thinking skills and to examine the types of knowledge developed in the different subject areas.
How can I find out more?
For further details of available International Baccalaureate courses please see the links below in the IB Hexagon or contact the IB Department directly using the form on this page.
The IB Presentation Evening will be held on Wednesday 14 November 2012 at 7pm in the Drama Studio.
If you wish to access the previous presentation evening in November 2011 please see the IB Presentation 2011/2012 box on this page.
Note to all potential IB applicants
If during the course of your IB interview, it is felt that an AS application would be more appropriate, then the application will, at the student's request, be transferred back to Admissions for processing as an AS application and a further interview will be arranged.
The IB Learner Profile
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
IB learners strive to be:
| Inquirers |
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct
inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy
learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives. |
| Knowledgeable |
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance.
In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a
broad and balanced range of disciplines. |
| Thinkers |
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively in more than
one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and
willingly in collaboration with others. |
| Communicators |
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in
more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work
effectively and willingly in collaboration with others. |
| Principled |
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and
respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take
responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. |
| Open-minded |
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are
open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities.
They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are
willing to grow from the experience. |
| Caring |
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of
others. They have a personal commitment to service, and to act to make a positive
difference to the lives of others and to the environment. |
| Risk-takers |
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought,
and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They
are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs. |
| Balanced |
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to
achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. |
| Reflective |
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are
able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their
learning and personal development. |
The IB Hexagon
Subject Requirements
In order to fulfill the requirements of the IB each student has to follow 6 academic subjects from the hexagon below. Every student has to choose one subject from groups 1-5 and their sixth subject can either be drawn from group 6 or if preferred a second language or second science can be chosen.
Please follow the links below around the hexagon to view each subject's course details.
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H = Higher
S = Standard |
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| Group 3 |
Philosophy H & S
Psychology
H & S
Geography H & S
Economics H
History H
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| Group 4 |
Physics H & S
Chemistry
H
Comp. Science
H
Biology H &
S
Environmental
Systems and
Societies
S
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| Group 5 |
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Maths H
Maths Studies S
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