The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Christ’s Hospital is an authorised International Baccalaureate World School.* These schools share a common philosophy, a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Christ’s Hospital believes is important for our students.
From September 2011 Christ's Hospital is offering pupils the opportunity to select the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme as their course of Sixth Form study.
Programme Structure
In the IB Diploma Programme pupils study six subjects for two years. All of the examinations for these subjects take place at the end of the second year of study.
The subjects are chosen from the following groups but not all may be possible because of timetable constraints:
- Group One (Language A): Study of Literature
- Group Two (Second Language): ‘Working’ knowledge of a Foreign Language: German, French, Spanish (ab initio) and Latin
- Group Three (Individuals and Societies): Humanities – Geography, History or Economics
- Group Four (Experimental Sciences): Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Design Technology
- Group Five (Mathematics and Computer Science): Mathematics or Mathematical Studies
- Group Six (The Arts): Visual Arts or another subject selected from Groups Two – Five
Pupils will take the six subjects concurrently, three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). In general the distinction between taking a subject at Higher Level and a subject at Standard Level is that Higher Level study covers a greater amount of subject content. However, Standard Level subjects are as conceptually demanding as Higher Level subjects and should not be equated with AS modules.
The Diploma core involves Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the extended essay and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).
Theory of Knowledge is taught approximately one hour a week discretely. It is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience that pupils have gained from the six subject groups and from their activities outside of the classroom. It is assessed by a chosen presentation and a 1500 word essay.
The compulsory extended essay enables each pupil to investigate in depth a topic that is of particular interest to them. This aspect of the IB Diploma inculcates in pupils the kind of independent research and writing skills demanded by universities. The component is assessed by a 4000 word essay.
Creativity, Action, Service responds to the IB’s conviction that action and reflection are necessary and complementary activities. It requires creativity in the arts, physical exertion and unpaid, voluntary service. 150 hours of participation are required, and the focus is as much on what pupils discover about themselves and the world around them and the spirit in which they undertake the component activities as it is about the level of proficiency that they attain.
International Baccalaureate - Approach and Background
The IB combines academic rigour and breadth, requiring pupils to study six broadly different academic subjects for a full two-year duration. The Diploma Programme embraces reflection as well as action, and in addition to the academic disciplines that they study pupils complete a course in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), write an extended research essay and engage in a range of creative, physical and service (CAS) activities. The IB by its very nature offers a holistic approach to education that explores the interconnections between different fields of study and endeavour, acknowledging that the final educational product is much greater than the sum of its component parts.
The IB Diploma Programme is founded on the belief that creativity occurs when people who have mastered two or more quite different fields use the framework in one to think afresh about another. In so doing it is very much in tune with the demands of a rapidly changing, interconnected globalised world. Employers are looking for applicants with the broad range of experiences and strong lateral thinking skills that the IB cultivates. The IB has a very international perspective. Pupils must master a foreign language, and the study of the humanities encourages pupils to compare similar developments across several different national and cultural contexts. Similarly, service actives may take place locally but often focus on international issues and challenges.
Although the IB Diploma Programme may not be as familiar to you as A Levels, the IB curriculum is well established. First introduced in 1968, the Diploma Programme is now over forty years old. 2,183 schools now offer the Diploma Programme worldwide with hundreds more joining each year. Within the UK over 218 state, private, boarding and day schools offer the IB Diploma, and the qualification is recognized and well regarded by UK universities. Ninety admissions tutors in May 2009 selected the IB Diploma as being the best 16+ qualification for preparation for university study.
The educational attainments associated with the IB are, of course, not acquired easily, and in selecting their programme of sixth form study pupils need to weigh carefully the benefits of the IB against its challenges. Some pupils may be more suited to the concentration on a few subject areas that A Levels afford. However, those interested in a balanced Sixth Form curriculum that cultivates an open mind, develops tolerance, encourages reflection as well as action, demands risk-taking and inculcates excellent time management skills are strongly encouraged to learn more about the IB Diploma Programme.
The Pre-IB
Christ’s Hospital welcomes overseas students in Year 11 wishing to attend a Pre-IB course with the option to continue for a further two years in the Sixth Form studying the IB Diploma.
For further information about the IB or Pre-IB courses please contact the Admissions Office Email: adsec@christs-hospital.org.uk
*Important Note: Further information about the Programme for students and their legal guardians can be found on the IB website in the document General regulations: Diploma Programme.