All students take six subjects across the disciplines in a manner that assures both 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 a beginners’ level (ab initio in IB terms) or at post-GCSE level, a science and a mathematics course, a humanities and an arts course.

These are at various levels and a wide choice of subjects is offered. In addition, all students complete a research paper on a topic of their choice (the Extended Essay), take a course in critical thinking (Theory of Knowledge) and complete a programme of creativity, action and service (CAS). The award of the Diploma is a recognition that students have completed all parts of the programme. It marks a high level of achievement.

The IB Diploma is a prestigious international pre-university qualification that has been recognised by universities and governments throughout the world. Gaining the top mark of 45 at IBDP has a UCAS tariff equivalence of gaining 6½ grade As at A Level, with 30 points approximately equalling 3 grade As at A Level. Unlike A Levels, however, the IB is a PROGRAMME of study. This means that all of the grades count towards the final, single award of an IB Diploma, for which the pass mark is typically 24 points (there are some exceptions to this).

This actually works in favour of students who would have struggled to gain C or D grades at A Level, as the combination of results means that they can still gain the overall Diploma.

For further details on the IB Diploma Programme follow this link

For the attention of all IBDP students and parents IBDP General Rules and Regulations