WHY STUDY THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA?
The IB Diploma is a well-established world-class qualification. Broad but challenging, the course is designed not only to provide qualifications for university, but also to develop the education and maturity of the students involved. It is not solely for the most able, but students do need to be well-motivated and well-organised. Typically Diploma students are ready to debate real-world issues from an international perspective and to provide leadership and support in the local and global community. You will learn to ask challenging questions, to research a topic and to express your opinions. Universities and employers recognise the outstanding qualities of IB Diploma students.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade B, including English, Maths and Science. This is a two year programme that cannot be combined with other qualifications.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
You will study six subjects chosen from six areas of learning: English, a second modern language, Individuals and Society (covering Humanities and Social Sciences), Experimental Sciences, Maths and the Arts (covering visual arts, music and theatre).

Some students who plan a career in Medicine or Science will take a 2nd Science subject instead of an Arts option. Some subjects, including modern languages, can be taken without any prior study.

In addition, there are three core elements which offer you a degree of flexibility:

• The Extended Essay - allows you a free choice to research and report a topic of interest.
• CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) allows you to share your special talents with others, e.g. theatre, sports, art or music, community service.
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an exploration of the links between ideas, acts and knowledge. All are intended to help develop Global Citizenship in the 21st Century.

ASSESSMENT
You must complete your extended essay and keep a record of the hours that you spend on CAS. TOK is assessed through one short essay and a presentation. All other subjects are assessed by examinations in May of your second year. There are no modules exams.

For further information, contact Mrs Jane Wells or look at www.ibo.org