How does the IBD work for me?

The IB Diploma curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts. This is illustrated by a hexagon with the three parts of the core at its centre.

You will study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours), and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours).

All three parts of the core - Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Action, Service - are compulsory and are central to the philosophy of the diploma.

Most of the groups have an option for those of you who would not normally choose that subject. Whether you like it or not maths is part of everyday life. In most work situations you will need to read and analyse data and all of us have to handle our own finances. Maths studies is a Standard Level course for non-mathematicians.

In Group Two, the Ab Initio courses allow you to start a new language and so work at a relatively low level. Plus, familiarity with other languages and cultures is a great selling-point with employees.

Also running throughout today's world is the need for good communication skills. In Group Three, IT in a Global Society provides a useful option.

In Group Four, Environmental Systems and Societies combines elements of science, economics, geography, politics and ecology. It looks at environmental issues both locally and internationally, considering issues such as pollution and resource management. This course can be counted as both Group Four and Group Three, enabling you to choose a second subject from any group (including Three and Four).

Group six may be dropped completely, enabling you to choose a second subject from another group.

You will also study Theory of Knowledge (ToK), write and extended essay (EE) in a subject of your choice and undertake projects in Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). Most of you will already be involved in CAS activities through sport, music, uniformed organizations, etc. At last these activities are recognized and valued.

It is these core elements that encourage the education and development of the whole person and make the IB Diploma so well-regarded by universities and employers both here and throughout the world.

Most subjects have a combination of internal assessment through projects, group work or presentations, plus a final exam (in May of the second year). Each subject is given a mark out of 7. There are three extra marks available for ToK, CAS and EE, making an overall total of 45 points. To pass the diploma you need 24 points. 24 points is equal to 280 UCAS points, which is the equivalent of two C grades plus two D grades at A Level.

You will receive your results at the beginning of July and will know straight away if you have been accepted to university. This is well before the A Level results are published.

You will need 5 GCSEs at grade C or above. These should include Maths and English. We prefer grade B for those subjects that you wish to study at Higher Level.