International Baccalaureate (IB)
Sidcot has always believed in providing a stimulating and wide curriculum that embodies the core Quaker values of equality, internationalism, peace, creativity and social responsibility. The philosophy underpinning the International Baccalaureate sits well with those values and that is why we are the first school in our area to offer this internationally respected course to our sixth formers. Our students will be able to study a much wider range of subjects, develop their thinking and relate their studies to the global community in which they live. It will allow universities in the UK and all over the world to see what our students can achieve. A levels continue to be offered alongside the International Baccalaureate.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The lB Diploma Programme is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university course that demands the best from both motivated students and teachers. This sophisticated two-year curriculum covers a wide range of academic subjects and has stood the test of time for over half a million students in 119 countries since 1968. lB Diploma Programme graduates are welcomed by the world’s leading universities.
The benefits of the IB Diploma Programme
Universities recognise the outstanding qualities of lB Diploma Programme students. Typically, Diploma holders are ready to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community. They demonstrate a capacity for in-depth study while maintaining a broad perspective of the different subject areas. They are able to ask challenging questions but also know how to research a topic and express their opinion.
Students have a strong sense of their own culture and identity, as well as the ability to communicate in two or more languages with people who have a different perspective of the world.
Broad spectrum of subjects
Students choose to study six subjects, one from a minimum of five of the subject areas highlighted in the diagram.
Unique Learning Opportunities
The lB Diploma Programme is about more than the six subjects that students study. At its heart are three core requirements that are integral to the curriculum and make the lB Diploma Programme unique:
- Theory of knowledge (TOK) - an internally and externally assessed interdisciplinary component that explores the different concepts of knowledge found in the subject areas. Because lB Diploma Programme students study six subjects simultaneously, TOK teachers can, for example, ask their students to compare a historian’s approach to problem solving with that of a scientist or an artist.
- Extended essay - an externally assessed, independent research assignment of 4,000 words in one of the six subject areas. This is one of the ways in which lB Diploma Programme students can specialise in a certain subject area and prepare for university studies.
- Creativity, action, service (CAS) - a minimum of 150 hours of participation over the two years in creative, physical and service activities in the local community. The CAS requirement allows students to gain real-life experience beyond the classroom.
Internationally recognised standards
The lB Diploma Programme is widely recognised for its high academic standards. Assessment is varied and takes place over two years, with final examinations in each subject. Students’ work is assessed by an international board of examiners who are themselves rigorously trained and monitored by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).
Subjects are scored on a 1-7 scale with a further three points available for theory of knowledge and the extended essay. Students who display good levels of performance across all six subjects and achieve a minimum of 24 points (out of a possible 45) are awarded the diploma. All others receive a certificate for each of the subjects completed. Currently 30 points is the average score for candidates world wide, which is equivalent to three A grades at A level.
For more information visit the IB website - www.ibo.org
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