IB Diploma Programme

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:

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 2009 was 32 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 Edimburgh 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.

If you missed the presentation evening in November please click on this link:

IB Presentation 2009/2010
PowerPoint document | 666 KB

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 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.

	IB Inner Hexagon Course Details
H = Higher S = Standard	Group 1 English H & S
Group 2  French H & S  German H & S  Spanish H, S &  ab initio  Italian ab initio		Group 3  Philosophy H & S  Psychology H & S  Geography H & S  Economics H  History H
Group 4  Physics H & S  Chemistry H  Biology H & S  Environmental  Systems and  Societies S		Group 5  Maths H & S Maths Studies S
	Group 6 Computer Science  H  Music H & S Visual Arts H & S Theatre Arts H

Meet the Team

Jim Morrissey IB Co-ordinator Jim joined the College back in 1987 as Head of Drama and Theatre Studies, a post he held until July 2006 at which time he took over as IB Co-ordinator. He is currently Deputy Chief Examiner for the IB in Theatre Arts and has extensive examining experience. He is also a workshop leader for the IB, training teachers from all over the world. Jim is committed to the IB programme as a very viable and worthwhile post-16 option for students, and believes that the breadth and depth offered by the IB curriculum is an excellent foundation for Higher Education. He greatly enjoys the challenge that leading the IB team in College brings. Jim has recently run workshops in Athens, Lyon, Cardiff and London.		Mark Brassington Head of General Studies and Assistant IB Co-ordinator In the International Baccalaureate Diploma, Mark is principally responsible for overseeing the Inner Hexagon: Creativity Action Service, the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge - which he also teaches. His other duties in the College involve managing and teaching General Studies and the teaching of Critical Thinking and Classical Civilisation. His first degree is in English with French and he has Postgraduate degrees in Linguistics and also in Classical Greek. Mark has lived, worked and studied in London, Paris, Tel-Aviv, The Hague and Washington (Tyne-on-Wear).
Karen Burns Science Curriculum Co-ordinator Karen joined the College's Biology department in 2001, having previously lived in Vienna, Austria for 6 years. This is where she first became involved with the IB diploma programme teaching IB Biology at the Danube International School. In 2003 Karen became an Assistant Examiner for the IB and has attended a number of courses and workshops within Europe. Karen is an IB personal tutor, teaches IB Biology Higher and Standard and has recently taken over the role as IB Science Curriculum Co-ordinator. She is also the IB link tutor with the College's Learning Support department.		Carrie Hammond IB Administrative Assistant Carrie joined the College in 1999 and prior to joining the IB team worked part time in the Library. Carrie joined the IB department in January 2006 taking on all aspects of general IB administration. She produces a monthly briefing sheet, assists with internal exams, minute meetings and distributes information to IB teaching and support staff using College wide systems. She obtains resources through IB and particularly enjoys assisting tutors with Open Evenings and liaising with agencies outside of the College when helping to organise exchange trips and international visitors.