Embedded Files
[Home]
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme is a balanced and coherent Level 3 programme of study. It suits students who are enthusiastic about learning and who wish to follow a broader curriculum. Not only an academic programme of study, it is a course that encourages the development of the whole student: physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.
The IB is well received by universities worldwide, including those in the UK. The highly regarded Russell Group of UK universities is extremely keen on it as the course has a proven track record of preparing students for success at university and in life beyond.
IB students study six courses, one from each of the subject groups below. Three are taken at Higher Level and so studied in greater depth, and the remaining three are studied at Standard Level. All subjects are available at Standard or Higher level, unless otherwise stated.
One of the advantages to the IB is that the wider skills prized by universities and employers are built in.
Students must participate in various enrichment activities, as well as complete an independent research task called the Extended Essay.
1. Studies in language and literature
English Literature
2. Language acquisition
French
Spanish
German
3. Individuals and societies
Business and management
Environmental Systems and Societies
Geography
History
Digital Society (formerly IT)
Philosophy
Psychology
4. Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Sport, Health & Exercise Science
Environmental Systems and Societies
5. Mathematics
Mathematics (2 possible routes)
6. The Arts
Visual arts
Film
or another from groups 2, 3 or 4
A Levels & IB Certificates
A Levels are two-year linear courses, assessed mainly by examination at the end of Year 13, with other types of assessment such as coursework used only where necessary to test essential skills.
Students following the A Level pathway will use a ‘3 plus 1’ model to put together their programmes of study. This means undertaking at least three full A Level or IB Certificate courses, plus one further course which may be:
A fourth full A Level or IB Certificate
The AQA Mathematical Studies course
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Our Study Support programme
Retake GCSE Maths
IB Certificates
The following subjects are available to A Level students as IB Higher Level subject certificates: Psychology, History, Film, Digital Society, Spanish and German. These are stand-alone IB qualifications, equivalent to an A Level and accepted alongside A Levels by universities and employers. Students must ensure that no more than half of their programme comprises IB Certificates; otherwise they should opt for the IB Diploma Programme.
AQA Mathematical Studies
Many A Levels now have a considerable mathematical requirement. The Mathematical Studies course supports the continued development of numeracy skills for students who would not typically study A Level Mathematics. This 1 year course, equivalent to 0.4 of an A Level, particularly supports studies in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Geography, Business Studies, Economics and Psychology.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
This is a research project completed on a topic of a student’s choice. It is a valuable qualification highly regarded by universities, and is equivalent to half an A Level. Students can opt to take this in Year 12 or Year 13.
Complementary programme
In additional to their main subjects all Sixth Form students undertake our complementary programme of Personal Development and Enrichment courses, which results in students achieving the Level 3 Certificate of Personal Effectiveness. The examples below illustrate possible programmes of study for A Level students.
Page updated
Report abuse