International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are an International Baccalaureate Organisation World School. The International Baccalaureate Pathway is the right choice for you if you see yourself as an academic all rounder.
The IB offers you the chance to study six subjects across the curriculum and including English, Maths, a Science, a Humanity or Social Science subject and a Language. Your sixth option allows you to double up in one area such as language or humanities so the IB combines breadth with a chance to specialise in one curriculum area. Students choose to study three of their six subjects at Higher level and three at Standard level.
In addition you will complete an individual study chosen from a wide range of subjects and do some hours of voluntary service or extension activities in order to complete your diploma.
Because the IB follows the pattern of sixth form education in other European countries it works particularly well for students joining the College from other countries, or students who have ambitions to study or work abroad. However the IB is also highly valued by UK universities.
The International Baccalaureate is a 2 year course which cannot be combined with other College courses. Exams take place early in the summer term of the second year and students are graded on a scale of 1-7 for each of their six subjects.
IB students have a common tutor group and share many classes – they tend to get to know each other well and the programme gives you a sense of team membership and belonging.
Pass rates have been excellent: consistently over 90%, far exceeding the world pass rate of 82%. The school average score of 33.5 (32 for 2008) is above the world wide average of 30. This year 70% of students gained 30 points or more, equivalent to 3 1/2 grade As at A level. Over a quarter of students achieved 40 points or more (maximum points: 45) and 3 students secured places at Oxford or Cambridge.
Where Next?
The IB is highly valued by UK universities and is internationally recognised. The majority of IB students are aiming for Higher Education and most are able to join their first choice university.
