The IB Diploma offers an innovative and exciting curriculum which allows students to study a greater breadth of subjects than either A levels or BTECs: IB students study 6 subjects and, in addition, they follow a core curriculum which incorporates Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) and a Theory of Knowledge course. Students also complete an Extended Essay. The IB Diploma represents a cohesive education with a focus on internationalism and active learning. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts: to be awarded the Diploma, students must complete all 6 subjects as well as the core curriculum.
 

---

 

Structure of the Diploma

Students study 6 subjects, 3 at Higher Level (HL) (broadly equivalent to A2), and 3 at Standard Level (SL) which is regarded by UCAS as 2/3rds of an A2.  Students are required to choose one subject from each of the groups shown in the diagram below.  Diploma students also write an essay in Theory of Knowledge, write a 000 word dissertation – the Extended Essay – and carry out 0 hours of Creativity, Action and Service. The aim is to develop well rounded individuals with a breadth of knowledge across different subject areas, well prepared for the rigours of higher education.


 

---

 

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Theory of Knowledge is a taught course which enables students to consider how we know what we know. It explores the main ways we know – perception, reasoning, language, emotion – as well as investigating how knowledge is developed in the main subject areas. This helps to provide cohesion between different subject areas. Students are assessed by oral presentation and an essay. 

 

Some recent essay titles are: 

 

• Can a machine know? 

• Does language determine or limit thought? 

• Can literature tell the truth better than other  areas of knowledge?
 

---

 

Creativity, Action & Service (CAS)

 

Learning through experience is an important part of the IB course. Students must complete 0 hours of Creativity, 0 hours of Action and 0 hours of Service in order to be awarded the Diploma. 

 

Some examples of CAS activities are: 

 

• Organizing Summer Fayre 

• Music Clubs 

• School newspaper 

• Peer Mentoring  

• Sports Coaching 

• Disability sports day – a sports day for younger students in the local area 

• Playing Football, Rugby, Cricket, etc. 

• Debating society

• Running activities at open evenings 

• Classroom assistant in the classes of younger children

• Teaching French in Primary schools
 

---

 

The Extended Essay

The Extended Essay offers students the opportunity to carry out a piece of original research. Students usually conduct this project in a subject they are studying at higher level. The aim is to develop students’ independent study skills and allow the students to delve into an area of particular interest to them. They will have the opportunity to discuss their chosen topic regularly with a subject supervisor. The Extended Essay appeals to universities as it is clear evidence of the independent research skills required by Higher Education.

 

Assessment

Each subject, at both HL or SL, is graded on a scale of  to . Successful completion of the Theory Of Knowledge and the Extended Essay components provide up to 3 more points giving an overall total of  points. While A levels are modular, where students take exams throughout the two years of the course with the opportunity to retake if necessary, the IB Diploma is assessed through synoptic examinations at the end of Year 13.

 

Harris Federation Post 16 is a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy – a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education Harris Federation Post 16 believes is important for our students.

 

*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) as IB World Schools can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the Diploma Programme. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

 

For further information about the IBO and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org

 

Entry Requirements

Students require a minimum of  A*–B grades at GCSE including a grade B or above in a related subject for the subjects to be studied at the Higher Level. If you decide to study Maths at the Higher Level you will need an A* grade.