The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is widely regarded as one of the best pre-university courses that is offered worldwide. No other programme will prepare our students so well for university or work, which is why we offer this programme at our school.
The IB Diploma is a comprehensive, two-year course and a rigorous academic programme. It is designed for students aged 16 to 19 years old. It is unique in that it is based on no particular national education system, but is a deliberate balance between breadth and the specialisation which is required by most countries’ national systems.
All of our Diploma students will complete the three core elements:
1. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)
2. Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
3. The Extended Essay (EE)
In addition, they will also study one subject from each of the six subject areas, helping them to gain a broad and balanced education, developing a wider range of skills and knowledge than if they followed a narrower course.
Of the six subjects chosen, three are studied at higher level and three at standard level. Students will study higher level subjects for 240 hours and standard level subjects for 150 hours across the two-year programme.
Achieving the right balance between higher and standard level subject choices is very important. This allows our students to explore more deeply those subjects of particular interest, capitalise on their academic strengths, and tailor their education to university aspirations. Each student receives personal support from the Sixth Form team to ensure their choices fulfil the above criteria.