What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an exciting two-year, non modular course leading to an internationally recognised qualification. Students learn more than a collection of facts; they learn how to think critically and creatively, to be open-minded and caring, risk-takers and reflective.

The Diploma Programme prepares students for University and encourages them to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

In addition the Diploma Programme seeks to develop students’ international understanding for our global future, their research skills, critical thinking and enquiring skills, their ability to reflect maturely and their sense of community service.

The curriculum contains six subject groups together with an extremely highly regarded Core made up of three separate parts. Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level.

Is it harder than A Levels?

It should not be seen as beyond the abilities of any of our pre-University student. The IB Diploma Programme has traditionally been seen as elitist and only because up until a few years ago it was mostly offered by private schools.

There is evidence that students who would have struggled to get good grades at A Level, do better with the IB Diploma Programme. Because it is a two-year course with no external exams in the first summer term, students have a chance to develop as learners rather than just exam-takers.

Students do study more subjects than they would be taking the more restrictive A Levels but they end up with a broader education, which Universities like and which gives them wider opportunities in life.

Is it accepted by UK Universities?

The IB Diploma is welcomed by all UK Universities and by many hundreds of Universities around the world. UCAS (which is the organization responsible for managing applications to Universities in the UK) accepts it and gives it points in the same way it does for A Levels.

A recent survey of UK Universities, 57% said they preferred the IB Diploma to the current A Level system. In addition a number of Universities (such as Imperial College, London) are beginning to distrust A Levels when it comes to making their admissions offers.

Why aren’t you offering A Levels?

The IB programme promotes the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth through all domains of knowledge.

The IB’s academic requirements are no more stringent than for A-Levels. In fact many students who pass the IB with 24 points would have struggled to gain Ds and Cs at A-levels.

What the IB offers is an international standard of education which is recognised nationally and prepares our young people for their increasingly global future. While A Levels insist students narrow their subjects and therefore their opportunities, the IB allows students to grow in a broader and more creative way.

As a result of these elements, as well as many others (such as the Core, the international dimensions and assessment process), IB students tend to stand out and are more likely to get interviews for University places. We do recognise that for a small minority of students the A Level route may be preferable and they can do these in a number of different colleges and schools.

How will you ensure staff are able to teach the IB Diploma to a high level?

We already have a reputation for starting up new courses and running them successfully from the outset and a number of our staff have already taught in post-16 education.

In terms of the IB Diploma Programme, we have begun our preparations early in order to make sure that all staff involved are able to deliver high quality teaching and learning.

Some staff are already booked on to training courses and more will follow. We have bought and will continue to buy in resources which are focussed on the course we are looking to offer. In addition we are working with schools and training providers which currently offer these courses in order to further develop the skills and knowledge of our staff. We shall also be appointing new staff with post-16 experience and expertise.

What will be the entry criteria for the Diploma Programme?

Entry level criteria for the IB Diploma Programme will be at the same level as for other schools’ A Levels. We will look for seven GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English.

The IB Diploma Programme is our main pre-University course and we will consider anyone we believe has the capacity to go on to University, or feels that the type of rounded education which the Diploma Programme offers will help them to progress along their pathway to learning and work.

What links will there be with other schools?

Elthorne Park High School Sixth Form will be our own independent Sixth Form run by us for our students. In addition we will be working with two of our neighbouring schools as part of a consortium, the 6th dimension. The aim of the consortium is to further extend the range of courses and subjects which our students can take while they are in our Sixth Form if they wish.

Download the Memorandum of Understanding about the 6th dimension consortium

How can I find out more?

Mr Al Grant is the Assistant Headteacher and Dircetor of Sixth Form. He can be contacted through the school.

More information about the IB and its programmes can be found on www.ibo.org

How do I apply?

Students apply during Year 11. Application Forms will be available then and through our website. We very much welcome applications from outside the school. Our current students will be given priority.