Boys in the current Sixths (Year 13) at King Edward’s School are studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, being the last cohort of KES Sixth Formers to take the qualification.
The IB qualification is taught in over 3,200 schools in almost 150 countries, and 140 of these those schools are in the UK.
The IB is much more than a pathway to university; it is designed to provide an intellectual challenge and prepare students for living and working in a rapidly changing world.
An overview of the qualification
The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification, which embodies a holistic educational philosophy. It is designed to give students a rigorous pre-university education that develops expert knowledge in the subjects that most interest them, whilst developing broad skills that are attractive to employers.
Indeed, the value of the IB Diploma is well-recognised by universities and employers alike and our students consistently receive offers from the very best universities, with around 90% each year being accepted by their first choice.
Sixth Formers study six subjects in total, drawn from six groups:
- Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
In addition to these subjects, students are required to complete three Core elements:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- An Extended Essay
- Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programme, which recognises co-curricular activity.
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Assessment
The maximum score for the IB Diploma is 45 points, with six subjects graded out of seven points and an additional three points for the Core elements of TOK and the Extended Essay.
The CAS element is a passing requirement of the Diploma, but is not examined.
The Value of the IB
Explore why the IB Diploma stands out as a valuable educational choice for our Sixth Form students:
Fundamental to King Edward’s School is the overall experience boys gain from being here, not just what they achieve academically. In addition to maintaining the highest of academic standards, the IB encourages co-curricular activity and the pursuit of a diverse range of interests, and prepares pupils for an increasingly globalised, rapidly changing world.
The IB Learner Profile helps develop core skills and aptitudes from critical inquiry and depth of knowledge to reflection and communication.
Studying six subjects in the Sixth Form enables boys to experience a breadth of study and to keep their options open.
The IB encourages independent learning across all areas, which provides excellent preparation for university study. In particular, the Extended Essay familiarises students with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university level.
IB is accepted by the best universities for the best courses. There is growing evidence that universities like IB candidates because they have broad knowledge and can demonstrate independence of study. IB also allows much greater differentiation between good candidates and enables pupils to maintain a range of skills that both universities and employers look for.
