The IB

About the IB

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How the IB Diploma Works

Worldwide, the IB Diploma is now taken by over 160,000 students from nearly 140 countries.

The breadth of the Diploma Programme encourages an interdisciplinary style of learning. Students develop expert knowledge in the topics that most interest them, but are also encouraged to look beyond the traditional boundaries between academic disciplines, think critically across the curriculum and to appreciate and analyse multiple perspectives. Despite this breadth, the six courses are all Ofqual-rated as being comparable at least to A-levels in their depth, and this strength of breadth and depth is one of the reasons why IB students are very effectively prepared for university and for the future workplace.

In order to obtain the Diploma students must take one subject from each of Groups 1-6, choosing three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). The choice of HL subjects allows students to pursue areas of personal interest, to play to their strengths, and to meet specialist requirements for university entrance. The IB also provides the opportunity for students to specialise in the Humanities, in the Sciences or in Languages by allowing them to choose a second subject from Group 2, 3 or 4 instead of an Arts subject in Group 6.

English

English Literature, including selected texts from World Literature; or, combined with Theatre to form a Literature and Performance course (SL only).

Languages

A Modern Foreign Language, or Latin, or Classical Greek.

Individuals and Societies (Humanities)

Classical Civilisations, Economics, Geography, History, Philosophy, Psychology.

Experimental Sciences

Biology, Chemistry, Physics.

Mathematics

Analysis and Approaches, or Applications and Interpretations

Arts

Music, Theatre, Visual Arts. A second subject chosen from Group 2, 3 or 4 can be taken instead of an Arts subject.

The IB Core

The IB Core consists of Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE). Students are required to complete a course in Theory of Knowledge, to write an Extended Essay of 4000 words on a subject of their choice, and to complete a programme of activities in the areas of Creativity, Action and Service.

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IB GRADES

Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The maximum score of 45 points includes three points for exceptional work in TOK and an excellent Extended Essay.

The IB and Universities

Universities really like the IB; by maintaining its standards, free from state interference, the IB has succeeded in achieving a consistency of assessment unparalleled elsewhere. Its 45-point scale enables universities to make more nuanced offers to candidates than are possible under other schemes.

IB students start their undergraduate careers with numeracy, literacy and language competency, a broad understanding of a range of disciplines, and strong employability skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. They are experienced at managing a varied workload and can question, reflect and think critically. As a consequence, the offer and acceptance rates for IB students are notably higher than those for other post-16 qualifications, and in the US, it is a sought-after passport to top universities. Sevenoaks has been a flagship school for the IB for many years. The IB provides what parents, universities and employers want – access to top universities, very impressive students and well-rounded, resourceful employees – but just as importantly, it encourages inquiry, reflection and delight in learning. Students leave us with a modern and international worldview and a desire to shape and to improve the world.

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