International Baccalaureate International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate International Baccalaureate Diploma

Qualification: IB Diploma - 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:
A minimum of four GCSE's at grade B, these should include the subjects that you wish to study at higher level where possible. If you wish to be considered for Higher Level Maths you will need an A* at GCSE.

Head of Department: Mrs Jane Wells

Course assessment:
You must complete your extended essay and keep a record of the hours that you spend on CAS. TOK is assessed through one short essay and a 10 minute presentation on TOK issues of your choice.
All other subjects are assessed by an element of coursework (between 20 and 40%) and examinations in May of your second year. There are no modular exams.

What can this course offer me?
The IB Diploma is a well-established world-class qualification. It is a broad, but challenging course that is designed not only to provide qualifications for university entry, but also to develop the education and maturity of the students involved. It is not a qualification solely for the most able, but students do need to be well-motivated and well-organised. Typically IB Diploma students are ready to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community. Diploma students learn to ask challenging questions, learn how to research a topic and express their opinions. Universities and employers recognise the outstanding qualities of IB Diploma students.

What will I learn?
You will study six subjects chosen from six areas of learning: English, a second modern language, Individuals and Society (covering Humanities and Social Sciences), Experimental Sciences, Maths and the Arts (covering visual arts, music and theatre).

The Arts option can be replaced by a second subject from one of the other groups eg. some students who plan for a career in Medicine or Science will take a second Science subject instead. Some subjects, including the modern languages (at beginner's level), can be taken without any prior study.In addition, there are three core elements which offer you a degree of flexibility:

• The Extended Essay - allows you a free choice of a topic of interest to you for research and report.
• CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) which allows you to share your energy and special talents with others, e.g. theatre, sports, community service, art or music.
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) tries to answer the question "how do you know?"

What Makes a good International Baccalaureate student?
This is demanding course with 6 subjects plus the core so you do need to be highly organised, hard working and well motivated.

Which other courses link well with this subject?
This is a two year programme that cannot be combined with other qualifications.

Future Opportunities
Universities and employers recognise the outstanding qualities of IB Diploma students. It is recognised worldwide and will allow you to go on to further study or work virtually anywhere in the world.