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. 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.

Pass rates have been excellent: 89% in 2010, far exceeding the world pass rate of 78%. The school average score of 33 is above the world wide average of 30. This year 72% of students gained 30 points or more, equivalent to 3 1/2 grade As at A level. In 2010, seven students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge. Students also went on to study at a range of higher education institutions including LSE, Imperial and Exeter.

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 at home or abroad.

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Download the PDF below to see what parents and students make of Brockenhurst's IB Programme...

See full course profile:

www.brock.ac.uk/course/6CIB/cat:sixform.qfn:30_ib/

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Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms. This course undertakes study at a variety of levels from the molecular to that of the biosphere. By the end of the course you should have developed an appreciation of the interactions between these levels and of organisms as functional entities. Both Higher level and Standard level courses in biology have a thematic approach. The unifying themes are structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium within systems and evolution. Subject specific core includes: statistical analysis, cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, human health and physiology, Advanced topics: nucleic acids and proteins, cell respiration and photosynthesis, plant science, genetics, and human health and physiology are taught in greater depth for the Higher level. Ideas for experimental work with unknown outcomes, where the student can define the problem and the methods are developed through training for internal assessments.

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Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter, from the structure of the atom to the manufacture of nylon. The core syllabus follows on from work covered in GCSE Additional Science on the periodic table, atomic structure, organic chemistry and reaction rates. The majority of students who choose to study IB chemistry also study biology, giving them the option to carry on with sciences at university. The options studied are environmental chemistry and human biochemistry, although alternative options could be offered to motivated students.

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Economics

Economics involves a study of the way scarce resources are used within society. The course will enable you to understand how markets work and what influences the behaviour of prices in markets - why have oil, food and commodity prices been so unstable recently? You will also analyse the reasons why markets may fail to produce effective outcomes - particularly in aspects like pollution, unemployment, poverty and inflation. The course looks at the ways in which these failures can be addressed and you will be able to evaluate the options that governments adopt. An important theme of the IB course is the international dimension. The Economics course examines aspects of the national and international economy. Analysing the way in which the economy of the country is run as well as aspects of international trade. A key focus on the course is the issue of globalisation and the position of developing countries. Students are required to build a small portfolio of commentaries on current economic issues.

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English

World Literature is a compulsory component of the IB Diploma. The IB English course offers an exciting alternative to AS/A Levels. It reflects the international nature of the IB, covering a wide range of English and World Literature (in translation) and providing you with breadth and depth. The texts studied are varied and challenging. Students find this course stimulating and rewarding. In the first year, you will develop your critical skills and learn how to apply appropriate frameworks for literary study. You will study a variety of novels, plays and poems. Genres and topics include the novel and society; contemporary writing and autobiographical writing. You will also undertake practice oral commentaries and presentations and begin to draft coursework pieces. Key texts include: Brian Keenan's An Evil Cradling, Jeanette Winterson's Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit and Henry James' The Turn of the Screw. In the 2nd year, you will prepare for formal exmainations in 19th and 20th century drama. You will extend your critical skills and your ability to analyse unseen texts. You will complete an externally assessed commentary and presentation and submit final drafts of your coursework. Key texts include: Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.

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Geography

The study of Geography will give you the opportunity to obtain sound understanding of physical and human processes operating in a variety of world environments. Particular emphasis will be given to people's impact on the landscape and global hazards/problems. You will develop writing, analytical and applicational skills, whilst studying a variety of topics chosen from Core Themes such as Population, Resources and Development and optional themes from 'physical', 'human' and 'environmental' issues. There will be scope to develop your Information Technology skills through coursework elements and via study packages on the Geography Intranet.

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History

The study of History helps us to understand and explain the past and as such is a fascinating subject in its own right. In addition, the skills that you acquire as an historian - the ability to think clearly, to weigh up arguments and to analyse problems - are highly desirable in Higher Education and in employment. For the Higher Level Diploma Programme in History you will study 1 "prescribed" subject - Emergence and Development of the Peoples' Republic of China 1946 - 1964, 2 twentieth century world history topics: the Rise and Rule of Single Party States, and the Cold War, and 1 regional option - the History of Russia. In addition you will be required to carry out an historical investigation of 1500 - 2000 words in an area which interests you.

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Languages

Studying a modern language is a compulsory part of the IB Diploma programme. Chinese is spoken by nearly one third of the world's population. France is a central member of Europe and is a major business partner with Britain. French is the official language of 23 different countries and is spoken by over 220 million people across the world. German is an important language in the world of Trade and Commerce as Germany is still a leading Banking and Industrial nation. Spanish is a world language, spoken in 21 different countries. By studying Chinese/French/German/Spanish you will not only increase your practical knowledge of foreign languages but also your understanding of European and world culture. You will also develop communication and analytical skills that will be of great value in Higher Education and employment. At both Higher and Standard Level you will develop your writing, speaking, reading and listening skills by studying a wide range of topics related to French/German/Spanish culture and society. For example, topics can range from current affairs or environmental issues to cinema and music. There is also a significant emphasis on the study of grammar and the accuracy of your written work for French, German and Spanish Language. You can also take Spanish Abinitio which is a beginners' course if you so wish.

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Mathematics

Mathematics is an essential tool for everyday life and is employed in many other areas of study on the IB course. Mathematical knowledge provides an important key to understanding the world in which we live. The prevalence of mathematics in our lives provides a clear justification for studying the subject within the IB Diploma programme. The Standard Level (Mathematical Studies) course emphasises the power of Mathematics in real life situations and equips students with the skills necessary to cope with the demands of a technological society on the non-specialist. In particular, the course develops the capacity of the student to apply the techniques studied to the display and analysis of data in a variety of forms.

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Philosophy

Philosophy is a stimulating and thought provoking course, which seeks to broaden intellectual horizons. It asks the most basic but also profoundest questions; "Is there right and wrong?" "Is there an underlying purpose to existence?" and "Should we believe all that we can see and experience?" As part of the Diploma package of six subjects, Philosophy will assist progress with the "Theory of Knowledge", a compulsory element of the Diploma that has an inherent philosophical bias. At both higher and standard level you will study 1 compulsory theme "What is a human being?" and 1 optional theme, namely "Theory of Knowledge". At higher level only you will also study 1 additional optional theme "Philosophy of Religion". At Higher and Standard level you will study 1 text Rene Descartes "The Meditations" or Plato's "The Republic" books IV to IX. The compulsory theme is comprised of 2 topics "Mind and Body" and the "Human Condition". The first topic examines what constitutes "minds" as opposed to "bodies" and considers amongst other issues whether machines could be persons! The second topic addresses the quest for meaning in life, alternatively is existence in Sartre's words "meaningless?" The optional themes cover a range of issues including whether there is "truth" or "certainty" as opposed to "belief", and arguments for and against the existence of God. The texts address several key philosophical themes including what can we know, how can we distinguish between reality and illusion and whether we can create a truly just society.

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Psychology

Psychology is the systematic study of behaviour and experience. Studying Psychology will enable you to have a greater understanding of yourself and others and offers you the opportunity to focus on individuals and societies in the context of a social science. The course covers 3 compulsory levels of analysis: biological, cognitive and sociocultural; in addition to Research Methods and two options such as Health Psychology and Abnormal Psychology. This variety of current research areas and applications reflects the prominent role of Psychology in modern society.

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Theory of Knowledge

Theory of Knowledge is central to the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. It is hoped that through the Theory of Knowledge course students will acquire a set of analytical and conceptual tools to enable them to reflect upon and understand the links between other parts of the IB programme. In short, students are invited to approach their learning methodically, critically and sensitively. There are 5 parts to the Theory of Knowledge syllabus. Part 1 examines the role of language and communication in knowledge. Part 2 examines the foundations of logic and analysis, essential tools in the acquisition of knowledge. Part 3 appraises the various systems of knowledge; mathematics, the natural sciences, the social sciences and history. Part 4 analyses the nature of value judgements in morality, politics and aesthetics. Part 5 examines broadly what constitutes knowledge and truth.

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Visual Arts

This course will provide you with the opportunity to develop your aesthetic, imaginative and creative faculties by means of studio-based practice. It will stimulate and train your visual awareness and enable you to become more aware of the visual arts in world culture. At Standard Level you will concentrate on practical coursework. At Higher Level you will produce a body of studio work and research workbooks. The Research Workbook takes the following form: a sketchbook exploring ideas related to your coursework; and a notebook record of contextual studies (research into work by other artists/designers related to your own work); and a journal/diary recording the development of your studio-based work.

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The International Baccalaureate subject choices are:

Group 1 - English (World Literature) at higher and standard level
Group 2 - French at higher and standard level
Group 2 - German at higher and standard level
Group 2 - Spanish at higher and standard level
Group 2 - Spanish Ab Initio at standard level
Group 2 - Chinese Ab Initio at standard level
Group 3 - Geography at higher and standard level
Group 3 - History at higher and standard level
Group 3 - Philosophy at higher and standard level
Group 3 - Psychology at higher and standard level
Group 3 - Economics at higher and standard level
Group 4 - Biology at higher and standard level
Group 4 - Chemistry at higher and standard level
Group 5 - Mathematical Studies at standard level
Group 6 - Visual Arts at higher and standard level

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