What is the IB diploma?

TollBar BEC Sixth Form is already a high-achieving college with first-class results and the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma will make you part of a pioneering college within North East Lincolnshire.

 

The IB diploma will be your passport to higher education, recognised by universities around the world. It will be new to students in this region, but it has been in existence since 1968 and is now operating in more than 2,121 schools in 125 countries around the world, including 100 schools in the UK.

The government in England is now providing £2.5m so that every local authority has at least one centre offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Although it has traditionally been found in the independent sector, 50 of the 100 schools now offering the IB are in the state sector. The government funding will mean about 100 more IB centres, mainly in Sixth Form Colleges like Tollbar BEC.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a two-year pre-university course that leads to exams and is designed for 16 to 19 year olds. The programme gives IB diploma holders access to universities around the world.

 

It offers a unique and highly-rated qualification that showcases your achievements across a range of subjects matched against international standards that meet the requirements for university. You will spend less time doing exams and more time making progress in your studies. It prepares you for university by encouraging independent learning and gives you the skills you need for work.

It is these values that make the IBD so attractive to employers, who complain that students are often lacking in skills required in the workplace.

 

For universities the IBD is viewed very favourably, as it prepares you much better for university life. Universities count the top pass at IBD grade as higher than Grade A at A Level, which puts you ahead of the competition.

 

Scores reflect your knowledge and skills relative to set standards that are applied equally to all schools. Top scores are not, for example, awarded to a certain percentage of students. Written exams are typically given at the end of the course. Internally assessed work usually counts for a minimum 20% of the final award.

 

There are six subject groups that provide a well-rounded education but still give you the chance to specialise. Active citizenship and global perspectives are encouraged in each area of the curriculum, so at last the out of school activities you take part in will be acknowledged as part of your overall learning for life.

You are likely to study three subjects at Higher Level and two at a more accessible Standard Level.