International Baccalaureate Diploma

Vocational qualification

In South Shields

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Vocational qualification

  • Location

    South shields

As an internationally recognised college, it is a great privilege for us to add the prestigious Diploma programme to our offer to young people throughout the world. The college shares the mission of the IB to offer world class educational opportunities to young people, to develop breadth of knowledge, enquiry, creativity and critical awareness, foster academic success as well as responsibility.

Facilities

Location

Start date

South Shields (Tyne and Wear)
See map
St. George'S Avenue South Shields, NE34 6ET

Start date

On request

About this course

Normally, we expect you to have achieved Grades A*-C in at least 8 GCSE subjects. Of these, English and Maths must be at Grade B or above. If you wish to take your second language at Standard or Higher Level, we prefer a Grade B or above in the language of your choice. However, we are aware that not all schools offer languages at GCSE, so we do not make a language requirement compulsory. We don†t want to prevent good candidates from applying especially since we offer Spanish at ab intio. If you wish to take a science at Higher Level, we expect you to have achieved a Grade B in GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award. As well as an academic requirement, we expect you to demonstrate an interest in world events and a commitment to making a difference to your own and the wider community. World citizenship is at the heart of the IB philosophy and we will be discussing your interests, experiences and aspirations at your interview.

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Course programme



Course information:
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme


Course summary:
As an internationally recognised college, it is a great privilege for us to add the prestigious Diploma programme to our offer to young people throughout the world.

The college shares the mission of the IB to offer world class educational opportunities to young people, to develop breadth of knowledge, enquiry, creativity and critical awareness, foster academic success as well as responsibility, compassion and tolerance in your role as world citizens.

If you decide to take up a place here you†ll be supported by highly experienced and committed staff whose aim is for you to enjoy the work and of course to succeed in it â€" as well as you possibly can. You will become part of an international community of students who share your aspirations and ideals.

Course content:
All students on the Diploma Programme will study six subjects from the hexagon of groups. Of these, everybody will take English as a First Language (Group 1), a Second Language (Group 2), a subject from the Humanities or Social Sciences (Group 3), a science (Group 4), a Maths subject (Group 5) and Visual Arts.


  • Group 1 - First Language* - Literature to Higher and Standard Level


  • Group 2 - Second Language* - French, Spanish and German at Standard and Higher Levels; Spanish at ab initio (for people who haven†t studied any Spanish before)


  • Group 3 - Individuals and Societies* - History and Geography at Standard and Higher Levels; Psychology at Higher Level; Information Technology in a Global Society at Standard Level


  • Group 4 - Experimental Sciences* - Biology, Physics and Chemistry at Standard and Higher Levels; Environmental Systems and Societies at Standard Level


  • Group 5 -Mathematics and Computer Science* - Mathematics at Standard and Higher Levels; Mathematical Studies at Standard Level


  • Group 6 - Visual Arts* - Visual Arts to Higher and Standard Level

*Options will run dependent on demand and the viability of group sizes

Course structure:
You will choose to study one subject from each of the six subject groups. Normally, this will mean taking three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard. If you have not previously studied languages to GCSE, you can take Spanish ab initio, which means starting from scratch. This will ensure you meet the language requirement for the Diploma.

At Standard Level you will receive two and a half hours classroom teaching per week (a total of 150 hours over two years) and, for Higher Level subjects, four hours a week (a total of 240 hours over two years). This time allowance also applies to Spanish ab initio.

In total, you will be working on your group subjects in class for between 19 and 21 hours a week.

In addition to this, you will have an hour each week on Theory of Knowledge, up to three hours working for CAS (Creative, Action and Service) and one and a half hours for Tutorial to support you on the programme and advise you about the Extended Essay.

The work you do for CAS may be outside the normal college timetable: for example, if you are performing in a play or music event, you might be doing so in the evening or, if you are working abroad for a charity activity, you might be working on CAS for two continuous weeks.

The provisional timetable has been drawn up to offer you the greatest possible flexibility in choosing your options.

Assessment procedure:
The International Baccalaureate (IB) assesses student work as direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the Diploma Programme courses.

The Diploma Programme goals provide students with:
  • a broad and balanced, yet academically demanding, programme of study
  • the development of critical-thinking and reflective skills
  • the development of research skills
  • the development of independent learning skills
  • the development of intercultural understanding a globally recognized university entrance qualification.

Diploma Programme assessment procedures measure the extent to which students have mastered advanced academic skills in fulfilling these goals, for example:
  • analysing and presenting information
  • evaluating and constructing arguments
  • solving problems creatively

Basic skills are also assessed, including:
  • retaining knowledge
  • understanding key concepts
  • applying standard methods

In addition to academic skills, Diploma Programme assessment encourages an international outlook and intercultural skills where appropriate.

Assessment tasks are designed to support and encourage good classroom teaching and learning.

Student results are determined by performance against set standards.

Entry requirements:
Normally, we expect you to have achieved Grades A*-C in at least 8 GCSE subjects. Of these, English and Maths must be at Grade B or above.

If you wish to take your second language at Standard or Higher Level, we prefer a Grade B or above in the language of your choice. However, we are aware that not all schools offer languages at GCSE, so we do not make a language requirement compulsory. We don†t want to prevent good candidates from applying especially since we offer Spanish at ab intio.

If you wish to take a science at Higher Level, we expect you to have achieved a Grade B in GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award.

As well as an academic requirement, we expect you to demonstrate an interest in world events and a commitment to making a difference to your own and the wider community. World citizenship is at the heart of the IB philosophy and we will be discussing your interests, experiences and aspirations at your interview.

Progression opportunities:
The International Baccalaureate is welcomed at universities throughout the world because of its broad curriculum and the rigorous standards applied internationally to assessment. As the programme is growing so quickly, employers are becoming increasingly familiar with it and welcoming the breadth it covers.

The core elements prepare young people with the research skills, independence of thought and social ideals valued by universities and employers alike.

Visit the International Baccalaureate Diploma website to find out more information about the programme.

Free study and financial support:
Most full-time students do not have to pay for their course. We may also be able to help you with some of the extra costs associated with college, e.g. travel, childcare, equipment, books etc. In addition, if you have just left school, you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. Please ask us about â€-Money Matters†for more details.

If you are aged 16-18 and live in the European Union (EU), you won†t be charged tuition fees for your course. If you live outside the EU the tuition fee will be £5,150 for each year of your course.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Price on request