What is the IBCP?

The IBCP requires a student to study any recognised vocational course at whatever level is deemed appropriate (Standard or Higher Level). Work experience is not required, but depends on the requirements of the course. Students are required to study at least two academic subjects, but at whatever level is deemed appropriate, higher or standard.

They must also study the IBCP core. The core includes developing personal and professional skills, particularly related to work. Students typically keep a journal that enables them to reflect on their own learning and personal development.

It also includes service learning, where students must apply their knowledge and skills to meeting a community need. This provides opportunities to work together in teams. It also requires students to complete a reflective project: an in-depth piece of researched work, based on an ethical issue that links their vocational and academic courses.

Finally, students are exposed to an additional language and its culture that will increase their understanding of the wider world. Although this does not have to be examined; internationalism is still fundamental to the IB.

Here at the The Skinners' Kent Academy, we have found that the IBCP framework changes our students’ lives, because instead of limiting their options, it is designed to keep their options open, both in terms of destination – work, apprenticeships or university – and how they learn. It is designed to develop skills and through the IB learner profile, qualities.

HOW DOES THE IBCP COMPARE TO THE TRADITIONAL A'LEVEL/VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME OF STUDY AND CAN I GO TO UNIVERSITY? 

The answer is yes! When most students apply for university, they have three or four level 3 courses (A levels or equivalent vocational courses). The IBCP allows students to follow a programme of two level 3 vocational courses with two IB courses (which are also level 3) and the reflective project. Each of these elements earn UCAS points – add them together and you get your total – just like if you were studying separate qualifications. Universities around the world are familiar with IB qualifications and it is a highly regarded programme globally.

There are a series of reports comparing the university outcomes of IB Diploma and A Level students which you might be interested in taking a look at:https://ibo.org/research/outcomes-research/cp-studies/cp-students-studying-at-uk-higher-education-institutions/  

This report shows that CP students are progressing and performing well at university, with nearly 90% continuing to their second year of study and 70% achieving a first- or upper second-class honours degree. 

HOW DO THE UCAS POINTS COMPARE WITH OTHER COURSES?

The table below tells you how many UCAS points each grade will earn in different courses.

IBCP OFFER AT SKINNERS KENT ACADEMY FOR 2021 

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY IBCP?

The minimum requirement to gain entry to our sixth form IBCP programme is 5 GCSE's 4 or above including English and Maths. Please note, that some subjects may have higher requirements, so please check our sixth form prospectus below for more details:

If you are interested in finding out about any further information regarding our sixth form offering of the IBCP, please take a look at our website on the following link: https://www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk/1106/sixth-form-admissions-2021