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IB Success

Friday, September 07, 2012

The JESS community have every reason to celebrate a second year running of exceptional success in the International Baccalaureate Diploma results. The challenge this year was to at least maintain the terrific achievement of the first ever IB cohort of 2011. This challenge was made even more difficult by the fact that 2012 saw nearly twice as many students sitting almost twice as many exams. The average points gained by students sitting the diploma surpassed that of last year but more significantly the JESS IB Diploma pass rate for 2012 is 95%. That looks extremely impressive alongside a global pass rate of 78% and last year’s JESS pass rate of 79%.

Headteacher, Shane O’Brien, comments “This is no mean feat in what is essentially a non-selective school. To surpass last year’s results with almost double the number of students is remarkable. All students should feel proud of themselves. Their hard work and commitment to their studies alongside the dedication of our teachers are second to none. These results are extremely satisfying and gives us confidence as we strive to serve the needs of every student at Post 16 level.”

A delighted IB Coordinator, Jon Halligan also states “I am very proud of all our students, over 26% secured 35 points or above which is the UCAS equivalent to 3 A Levels at A*, with Sarah Barqawi, Amy Brooks and Megan Stagman all achieving 41 points. We have placed students at several prestigious UK universities such as Imperial, Durham, Warwick and UCL. Students have also been accepted to universities in South Africa, France, Canada, USA and Holland. This has been a fantastic effort by the students and a huge thank you to all the IB teachers.”

In 2012-2013 we will see the momentum in the Diploma continue, with a number of students opting for IB Courses (a reduced level of study that complements the Diploma programme), the introduction of a new IB Subject – Sports and Exercise Health Science and preparations are underway for the launch of the International Baccalaureate Career related Certificate (IBCC) in September 2013 based initially around a Sports Studies programme.

Mr O’Brien remarks that “The broadening of the courses that we offer at different levels of the IB is part of our longer term strategy to be able to offer the opportunity of success in IB courses to students of all abilities and talents at JESS. Many parents have the misconception that the IB is only for the academic elite. We are convinced about the IB enhancing students both academically and personally whatever their ability and will be working hard to achieve our long term goal. Our IB programme is extremely strong at present, but in three years it will be all encompassing and something quite special.”

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