International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate (Diploma Programme)

Course Description

What is the I.B.?

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The IB is a two-year course which offers an alternative to A levels. It is an academically challenging qualification which has gained respect from the worlds leading universities.

The Diploma programme, which is taught in over 3,339 schools in 141 countries, prepares students for success and encourages them to:

• Ask challenging questions
• Develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture
• Develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures

It is ideal if you want to continue to study a wide variety of subjects, or if you can't decide which A levels to take, or if you think you will enjoy the international context of the course.

Why Study the IB?

For a young person in a competitive economic environment the IB can offer a 'currency' which can be exchanged with Universities and employers worldwide because of its international status. In fact, over 1500 Universities have published policy statements about IB including Univeristies in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific region and the Americas

In a recent study IB entrants show a significant advantage when applying to Universities

• Approximately a fifth (19%) of IB entrants achieved a first class honours award compared to 14.5% who held other qualifications
• IB entrants are twice as likely to study Medicine and Dentistry (5.1%)
• The median annual salary of IB leavers in full time employment is higher (20,500) than that of students with other qualifications (19,000)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is offered at St Brendan's Sixth Form College and at St Brendan's@St Bede's, based on the St Bede's Catholic College Campus in Lawrence Weston.

Course Content

The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts. This is illustrated by a hexagon with the three parts of the core at its centre, see opposite page. Students study six subjects from the subject groups. Three subjects are studied at higher level and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level.

All three parts of the core (extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, action, service) are compulsory and are central to the philosophy of the Diploma Programme.

Students study six subjects from the groups shown below. Three are studied at higher level and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level.

Core Study

Every Diploma student must participate in the three core aspects of the course that serve to distinguish it from any other post-16 qualification

Theory of Knowledge

In ToK, students form their own definitions of knowledge through four ways of knowing: emotion, reason, perception and language. Analysis of their findings will then be applied to the subjects studied in the Diploma and in life outside College. Areas of knowledge investigated include such things as ethics, mathematics, history and the natural sciences. Assessment is by an extended essay of 1500 words plus a 10 minute presentation.

Creativity, Action, Service

Over the two years of the Diploma, students must be able to demonstrate that they have performed a minimum of at least 150 hours of activities that show a student's commitment to CAS. Creativity might include music lessons, helping a theatre production producing art for a display or exhibition. Action may vary from playing for a sports team to helping an elderly relative on a regular basis. Service is perhaps the most interactive facet of CAS and is an opportunity to make a difference that transforms someone else's life while enriching that of the student. Community projects are one possible route.

Extended Essay

Every student must submit an extended essay of no more than 4000 words. The essay should take up to a maximum of 40 hours to research, prepare and write. Topics must fit broadly within a Diploma subject area, but may represent a particular interest such as natural history, art or literature. A supervisor is assigned to each student, and he/she will provide comments and support.

Who is the course for?

• Students who are enquiring about a range of subjects and who do not want to narrow their options at 16
• Students who like the idea of a two-year course which allows gradual development
• Students who like the idea of a coherent course and a close group of peers
• Students who wish to study or work internationally

Enrichment

Enrichment is an integral part of the course through Creativity, Action and Service.

Entry Requirements

What qualifications do you need?

• 5 GCSEs grades A* - C to include English, Maths and Science which is common with all level 3 programmes at St Brendan's. GCSEs grade B's are required for the subjects chosen at higher level

Assessment

At the end of the two-year programme, students are assesed by written examination. Coursework assesment varies depending on subject.

International Subject Information Sheets

• Biology (Pdf)
• Business and Management (Pdf)
• Creativity, Action and Service (Pdf)
• English and Communication (Pdf)
• History (Pdf)
• Language B - English, French, German, Spanish (Pdf)
• Visual Arts (Pdf)

All course details are correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.