JESS is an accredited
‘IB World School’ and offers the Diploma Programme. The JESS commitment to high quality, challenging, international education has shaped our decision to offer this programme.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme provides students with a broad, challenging and exciting skills orientated education. All students have to select 6 subjects across the disciplines ensuring both a breadth and depth of study.
Usually, students take a literature course in their mother tongue, another modern or classical language, which can be taken at beginners’ level (ab initio in IB terms) or at post-GCSE level, a science, a mathematics course, a humanities and an arts. Further to this students also undertake courses in the core subjects:
- Extended Essay - This is a 4,000 word essay, which can be on any area of interest. This is highly regarded by many universities as it develops the skills of independent research, analysis and evaluation of source material, and communication.
- Theory of Knowledge – This encourages students to make links across the various disciplines which they study, questioning what they know. This allows students to develop an appreciation of different perspectives and their analytical skills.
- Creativity, Action and Service – The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outsidef the academic world, encouraging students to share their energy and special talents for the benefit of others.
This offers an excellent preparation for university education globally and for life in the real world. The Diploma Programme stresses the importance of critical thought, communication and cultural awareness, encouraging students to:
- ask challenging questions
- learn how to learn
- problem solve
- develop an understanding of their own identity and culture
- develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other cultures
Given the changing and challenging global environment many potential employers and universities find these skills very appealing. Knowledge and excelling in a particular subject area are no longer enough to guarantee success. The rapid pace of change means that much of today’s knowledge and technology will be obsolete tomorrow. IB students are highly valued not just for their high academic standards, but because they are international-minded, they think and reflect critically upon their experiences and because they are committed to using their knowledge to help improve the world in which they live. These skills will not only help students to survive in an uncertain world but to be leaders in it.