Course Live_AC_paperturn-3 - Flipbook - Page 42
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is an exciting and popular alternative to A Levels
Varndean Sixth Form College has been an IB World School
since 2008. We chose the IB because we think it offers
something exciting and different: a broad, academically
rigorous education for the whole person. The IB Diploma
is taught world-wide and is internationally recognised and
understood by universities and employers as excellent
preparation for further study or employment.
Here at Varndean we like the IB Diploma because it
challenges, encourages and inspires internationallyminded students to become caring, critical thinkers, ready
for university study and a globally focused career and
we are currently the only state funded provider of the IB
Diploma in the county of Sussex.
The IB Diploma differs from A Levels in its breadth, as well
as its integration as a complete programme of study. All
students are required to study English literature, a modern
foreign language, a humanities subject, natural science
and maths. However, students have lots of options and
opportunities to customise their Diploma to suit their
needs, interests and career aspirations.
Students choose one course from each of the six subject
areas, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level.
The content of Standard Level courses is smaller than that
of Higher Level and they are usually a little less demanding
academically meaning they are also taught over fewer
hours. It’s important to point out that if you choose the IB
Diploma you are not studying towards 6 A-levels but you
will have a few more lessons during the week than your
peers studying A Levels!
You should seriously consider the IB if you:
• are a well-organised student who enjoys a wide range
of subjects and activities and who is keen not to narrow
your education too early
• want a course that will extend and challenge you
personally and intellectually
• want a course that will encourage you to think
independently and to speak and write well in more than
one language
• want to keep all your university and career options open
at 16 plus
• want an international qualification, which is recognised all
over the world for your future career
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
ASSESSMENT
A mixture of at least 7 GCSEs at Grade
6 or above, including English, Maths and
Science.
In addition, certain subjects at both
Standard and Higher Level have particular
subject requirements. For further
information please refer to our website or
separate IB Prospectus.
All six subjects are scored out of 7 points, meaning whether you study something at HL
or SL it counts equally towards your final score. The maximum possible score is 45: seven
points for each subject, plus a maximum of three for the Core.
Please note; students wishing to study at
university abroad should check countryspecific requirements and the entry
requirements of individual universities on
the IBO website.
In order to pass the Diploma, you need to achieve a minimum of 24 points.
All final written exams take place in May of Year 2 and the results are published in July.
In many subjects there is a substantial amount of coursework and assessed oral
presentation. Both the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge are assessed by an
externally-marked coursework essay.
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