International Baccalaureate

This challenging two year programme of international education is an alternative to A Levels and leads to a highly valued qualification that's recognised by universities and employers around the world.

IB Facts

Founded in 1968.
Studied by more than 746,000 students.
Available in 2,636 schools in 138 countries.

You will be encouraged to think and work independently as well as with others. You will need to be open minded, balanced and reflective as you will learn to be objective and analyse various arguments.

What subjects will I study?

IB Diploma students take six subjects; one each from Groups 1 to 5 (below) with an additional subject from 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6. A minimum of three subjects must be taken at higher level (HL) and the rest at standard level (SL). You will also study for extended essay, CAS and ToK (see below for details).

Group 1: Language A1 - English language.
Group 2: Second language - an additional language either French, German, or Spanish.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies – choose from humanities and social sciences, such as business and management, geography, history, information technology in a global society, or environmental systems and societies. Please note the subjects we offer may vary from year to year - please contact the sixth form directly for the most up to date offer. For more information go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IB_Group_3_subjects
Group 4: Experimental Sciences - chemistry, biology, or environmental systems and sciences. Physics may also be offered if there is sufficient demand. For more information go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IB_Group_4_subjects
Group 5: Mathematics – the subjects are, in order of increasing difficulty, Mathematical Studies SL, Mathematics SL, and Mathematics HL (NB maths HL is only required for those students studying Physics at HL).For more information go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IB_Group_5_subjects
Group 6: Arts and Electives – choose from visual arts or theatre studies. Or pick a subject from Group 2, 3, or 4. For more information go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IB_Group_6_subjects

Extended Essay (EE)

You will need to write an essay of up to 4,000 words in any chosen subject (not necessarily one taken for the final exam, although it is highly suggested that you choose a topic that you're familiar with). This will involve independent research, but don't worry because your tutor is on hand to help guide you. For more information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_Essay

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

This extracurricular aspect of the IB Diploma involves creative activity (Creativity), participation in sports (Action), and student engagement in social work or community service (Service). The purpose of CAS is to encourage you to go beyond academic pursuits and experience life outside college. You will complete 150 hours of CAS related activities over the period of the IB course - that's 50 hours in each of the three CAS areas. For more information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creativity,_Action,_Service

Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

Each student must complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course of at least 100 hours, which aims to encourage students to be critical thinkers and to teach students basic epistemology - that's a branch of philosophy. You will need to write a TOK essay of 1,200 to 1,600 words on a set title (from a choice of ten), and make a presentation on a topic of your choice.

More detailed information on the IB can be found at ibo.org

The IB and universities

Universities around the world welcome the unique characteristics of IB Diploma Programme students and recognises the programme. It helps to prepare students for university level education. Follow the links below to learn more about the IB and universities across the world.

Oxford University, United Kingdom

University of British Columbia, Canada

Harvard University, United States

Please note, it is the universities themselves and not the IB that determine admissions criteria and these can vary significantly by country, university, course and over time. All students are therefore strongly advised to consult universities directly to ensure they have the latest information. The IB also maintains a directory of information from universities about their policies in relation to the IB. This can be found at ibo.org

International Baccalaureate